Finally, a Pinot Grigio with body and flavor, yet light enough to be refreshing on a hot summer day.  The complex mineral backbone of this wine reflects the alluvial soil found in the foothills of the Dolomites, a part of the Alps rich in limestone made of fossil deposits left by an ancient ocean ("Riff" is German for reef). It's lively and refreshing with aromas of citrus and spice.

Violets and roses on the nose, rich fruit on the palate, and a long, fine finish. This complex red comes from the Langhe, the area surrounding the famous communes of Barolo and Barbaresco. Much like Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo is sensitive to micro-climate and expresses its terroir faithfully, making this a delicious cousin of the big Piedmont Nebbiolo wines at a fraction of the price.  www.idealwine.us

Owned by the Quiot family of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Houchart is situated at the foot of Mont Saint-Victoire near Aix-en-Provence. This bright red offers classic Provencal aromas of dried cherries, sun-roasted herbs, pepper and pulverized limestone. Crisp, spicy and tantalizing on the tongue, expanding toward a gently structured richness of velvety texture and succulent, savory finish. A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Enthusiast 95 points "Editor's Choice":  "Just gorgeous. Floods the mouth with decadent black currant, cherry, chocolate, anise, beef jerky and smoky oak flavors that stun for their addictive deliciousness. Yet it's perfectly dry, and the balance of rich, ripe tannins, acidity and smoky oak is near perfect. The wine is a blend of Bordeaux varieties and Syrah, from esteemed vineyards including Hyde, Stagecoach and Caldwell.  A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah, 15% Merlot and 7% Malbec."  www.buonwine.com

Winery Notes:  "This rich blend of old California varietals Zinfandel and Carignane leaves nothing to the imagination. This wine is loaded with intense fruity aromas of Bing cherries, plums and blackberries in contrast with chocolate and toasty aromas contributed by the judicious use of oak barrels. The mouth feel is full with soft, ripe tannins, and the finish is long and almost sweet without being sugary."  www.abundancevineyards.com

Wine Spectator 94 points:  "Bold, ripe, intense and vibrant, with a full-throttle core of dark berry fruit that's rich, focused and full-bodied, offering blackberry, wild berry, plum and black cherry, picking up spice, flora, tar and black licorice flavors in spades. Syrah. Drink now through 2015. 350 cases made.

Parker has not yet reviewed the 2006, but the fine pedigree of this wine -- he also gave the 2004 a 97 point rating -- would suggest to most collectors that these tightly allocated wines are essential for any well-stocked cellar.

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 98 points in 2005:  "The 2005 Syrah En Chamberlin is opaque purple with notes of bacon, meat, and blueberry. Totally seamless on the palate, there is plenty of craftily concealed tannin. The wine can be enjoyed now but will be so much better with another 6-8 years of cellaring. Dense and packed, the finish lasts for well over a minute.

Christophe Baron strikes again. His estate, just on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla AVA, consists of five small but distinct vineyards (41 acres in total - with more on the way). Syrah and the Bordeaux varietals are the principal focus but the finest parcels of Tempranillo, Viognier, and Grenache grown in the USA are on this estate. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and much of the estate is planted on rootstock to prepare for the day when phylloxera works its way through Walla Walla. The wines are all fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled unfined and unfiltered.