The Poker Run Zin from V-Twin Vineyard in Geyserville, CA pours out a deep, ruby red in color with some purple hues. On the nose aromas of blackberry, plum, black currant, some oakiness, vanilla and pepper. In the mouth flavors of black cherry, blackberry and peppery spice intertwine with a little earthiness mixed in. Medium bodied, silky smooth in the mouth with nice balance. Quite dry on a fairly long finish. A very nice Zinfandel wine that has won numerous awards (Gold Medal - 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition, Silver Medal - 2008 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, Silver Medal - 2008 San Francisco International Wine & Spirits Competition and Bronze Medal - 2008 Orange County Fair). Retail is $24.00 per 750ml bottle. I found it locally for $18.99.

The Los Cardos Malbec From Dona Paula in Mendoza, Argentina pours out a medium reddish-purple in color and is slightly opaque but does let some light through. On the nose aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cherry and a little spice. In the mouth this Malbec has a little jam to it with blueberry and blackberry fruit most prominent. Hints of sweet vanilla and pepper. Supple in the mouth and a little more jammy than the Malbec wines I am used to but a nice, very drinkable wine. At $10.99/750ml bottle (you should be able to find it around $8.00) the is an excellent value that is ideal for an everyday wine. Buy it by the case.

Winemaker's note: Aging potential - 1 to 2 years, this wine is recommended to drink young in order to fully enjoy the freshness of its aromas.

The Eden Valley Dry Riesling from Pewsey Vale Vineyard in Eden Valley, South Australia pours out a pale straw in color with perfect clarity. On the nose aromas of pear, apple, peach, lime, lemon and a little herb. In the mouth flavors of lemon and lime with some subtle tropical fruit notes. Fresh acidity on the finish that is quite long. A wonderful wine with nice complexity while remaining crisp, clean and fresh. Perfect for a warm day. 94 points from James Halliday (Australian Wine Companion) and 90 points from Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate). $14.99 per 750ml bottle. Excellent QPR.

The Cuvee Juveniles, created for Tim Johnston's Juveniles wine bar in Paris (label design by his daughter Caroline), from Torbreck Vintners, Marananga, South Australia is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro (Mourvedre) and 20% Shiraz. This GSM wine pours out a deep purplish-red in color and is quite opaque with a good bit of sediment in the bottle. On the nose aromas of balckberry, coffee, cocoa and a little barnyard funk. In the mouth this is quite soft with very mellow tannins. Jammy with good dark fruit, spice and vanilla. Medium bodied. Moderate length, fairly sweet finish. Steven Tanzer 88 points and The Wine Advocate 91 points. Nice QPR at the $19.99 I paid.

The Signature Collection Vin Glace from King Estate Winery in Eugene, OR pours out a golden straw in color with nice clarity. On the nose aromas of peach, tropical fruit and honey with a slight alcohol note. In the mouth this is very nice. Sweet but not cloying. Lovely, vibrant fruit (peach, apple, mango) and nice acidity to balance the sweetness. Quite a long finish. Although not a true ice wine, in that the grapes were frozen after harvest versus being harvested frozen, this is an exceptional wine with great QPR, selling at $18.00/375ml bottle. Deserving of the 94 points Wine & Spirits gave it. Wine & Spirits also gave it the award for Best Dessert Wine 2008.