The Knights Valley Alluvium Red (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec blend) from Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena, California pours out a deep ruby red in color that is on the opaque side with just a hint of light making it through. On the nose aromas of blackberry, cherry, leather and earth. In the mouth this is a touch fruit forward at first until a good dose of acidity mellows the fruitiness. Nice red fruit flavors with with leather, smoke and a touch of cocoa. Just past medium bodied. A bit on the tannic side right now (another year or two in the cellar will improve that). Good balance and structure. Moderate length finish. For the $19.99 I paid for a 750ml bottle I'd recommend this wine.

The Vintner's Reserve Meritage from Kendall-Jackson Vineyards & Winery in Santa Rosa, California pours out a medium garnet in color with a good clarity. On the nose aromas of black cherry, mocha, earth and some violet perfume. A little muted in the mouth with nothing abundant shining through. Decent red fruit flavors with some juiciness, earthy undertones and a little vanilla bean towards the end. Moderate acidity, mellow tannins, faint sweetness while slightly drying. A decent wine and at the $16.99 I paid not too bad a buy.

The California Syrah Lytton West Vineyard from Ridge Vineyards in Cupertino, California pours out a dark, garnet red in color and is quite opaque although a tiny bit of light does get through. Blackberry, black currant and spice on the nose. In the mouth the blackberry really comes through with blueberry and currant. A little spice and earthiness and a touch of sweetness. Subtly fruit forward but refined and elegant. Medium bodied. Good length finish the the blackberry shining though. An excellent wine. I paid $24.99 for a 750ml bottle. I highly recommend this wine!

The Napa County Evergreen Series Meritage from Cameron Hughes Wine in Geyserville, California pours out a garnet red in color with some light making it through. On the nose aromas of blackberry, currant and almost a dustiness. in the mouth the is much more fruit forward than the the Lot 119 Meritage from Cameron Hughes. Also seems softer and more lush with flavors of ripe dark fruit  and subtle hints of chocolate. Silky tannins, medium bodied, not overly dry. Moderate lenght finish. This Mertiage wine is fruit forward enough to be drank by itself and will also pair well with foods such as steak and lamb. I paid $15.49 for a 750ml bottle.

The 2005 Lot 119 Meritage Alexander Valley, Sonoma County from Cameron Hughes Wine located in Ukiah, California pours out a purplish-red in color with good clarity and some light getting through. On the nose aromas of raspberry, cherry and some earthiness. In the mouth this is very dry, acidic, tart and quite tannic. Flavors of sour cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, pepper with earthy undertones. Medium bodied. Definitely more Old World style than New World. A good buy at the $14.99 I paid. Will pair well with lamb & steak.