Wine Favorites from Napa and Sonoma Counties

These wines are happily chosen by our own wine panel... wines that we thought we're so good, we had to sing their praises.

	2005 Merlot Reserve Bourassa Vineyards Napa Valley This is best described in one word - Yum! Hands down, our tasting panel agreed - "this is one of the best Merlot's we've had in a long, long time". Full bodied, long finish with lots of cherry and chocolate. Great with grilled or roasted meats and strong cheeses like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar. 75% Merlot & 25% Cabernet Sauvignon $29.00 - good price point for such an elegant wine. Available at Bourassa Vineyards in Napa or online at: bourassavineyards.com
	2006 Petite Sirah Cellar No. 8 North Coast This wine was a happy surprise - we all loved it right from the beginning! Big intense aroma with lot's of rich dark berry fruits (blackberries, blueberries & currents). Complex, intense and perfectly balanced. Great with rich sauces and stews like braised lamb shank or chicken coq au vin……go ahead and break out Julia Childs in you, this wine would be the perfect compliment. $20.00 - and for this, we loved it even more! Only available at Asti Winery and online at: cellarno8.com
	2006 Campfire Red Pursuit Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine This wine stands alone! With our without food this is a perfectly balanced red. We got dark berry fruits (blackberry, plum & cherry) with a smooth and silky finish. Full and complex but so well balanced we couldn't pick out a predominant varietal. One member says, "Red wine at it's best". I say, "Great with a bubble bath"……you decided what works best for you because with this red, you can't go wrong. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend $44.95 Available at Bounty Hunter Rare Wine and Provisions in downtown Napa, or online at: bountyhunterwine.com
	2005 Alden Perry Reserve Yates Family Vineyard Mount Veeder, Napa Valley This wine is absolutely scrumptious! Big fruit flavor but incredibly smooth and velvety. We enjoyed it with Spaghetti Bolognese, caesar salad and fresh garlic bread and it was a perfect match though, this wine would go well with so many things………including roasted or grilled meats, ragouts and even cheese & bread. Bordeaux style blend with 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc & 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend changes from year to year depending on the harvest so be sure to get your 2005 before they sell out!