Cakebread Cellars
2005 Merlot, Napa Valley

Rich red-black color with oak, tobacco leaf and pine forest on the nose. Lush blackberry, plum, cherry, herbs and a plethora of black licorice on the finish. Good balance with vibrant fruit.

Sancerre
2005 White Loire Wine, France

Organic Sancerre with a discreet bouquet of black currant blossoms with the aroma of gooseberries, elegant, fresh, dry. Should be served at about 10 degrees, with oysters and seafood, starters and also with goat’s milk cheese.

Robert Stemmler
2005 Carneros Chardonnay, California

Deep themes of ripe apples set this winning wine firmly on the varietal track, but its complementary appointment of rich oak, sweet lemons and lees is what moves it to the head of the class. Both full-bodied and carefully balanced with a long finish and a certain spring in its step.