My Notes: Though I'm not a huge merlot fan, this worked well enough. Honest berry and spice notes with a long, decent finish. There's a little weird but not unpleasant currant note that held from star to stop.

My Notes: Another leftover brought by guests. Decent, spicy Zinfandel but nothing to write home about.

My Notes: Oaky, with pear, hazelnut and crisp apple notes.

My Notes: Guests brought this over for dinner. Sharp acidity on the front end, decent blackberry and oaky flavors...not a terrible wine but there are much better out there for the same price point.

My Notes: T Bar T Vineyard. Worked well with roast beef on Christmas. Big, full fruit, maybe a touch too much tannin on the finish, but that could be it showing a little age.

My Notes: Rich, deep berry and spice notes up front. An almost unreal pleasure in the finish. Nicely balanced, the fruit hits the classic Pinot Noir sweet spot. Very much a favorite. I previously enjoyed the 2002 vintage and this continues the goodness.

My Notes: There is not unpleasant leathery note under the hot plum and cherry fruit in this nice Rhone. Parker calls this a 92, but we're slightly underwhelmed.

My Notes: Quite nice little Spanish red. Not big but has a nose. The finish doesn't sell me but perfectly nice.

My Notes: Really enjoyable. Plum and berry with a soft tannin note that led to a lasting, rewarding finish.

My Notes: Huge berry flavors, a soft cherry note, great finish. A fine example.