Mid February means it's time for the release of Big Dog red wines. For those looking for some of the best that Napa has to offer, Imbibe is primed to deliver.  For those of you still looking for the Mercury Head Cabernet, I am sad to report that itsold out within days of our release announcement.  But do not despair, we've got some more outstanding limited edition wines that are bound to lessen your pain.

Don't miss our first meet & greet tasting of 2011: Kari Moore of Antinori Wines will be on hand from 5:00 - 8:00 pouring a stellar line-up. Katy Houchin will be prepping pasta plates for those of you who wish to make an evening of it. The tasting fee for the wines is $15 (refundable on your purchase of three bottles) and the pasta dinner (including salad) is only $10. What a bargain.   

Don't forget that Imbibe Wine will be open until 9:00 tonight for all of the lovebirds out there. We hope you'll feel inspired  to stop by and share a bottles of bubbles with someone special. 

The first two wines that we have to offer hail from Sbragia Family Vineyards.  For those that don't know him, Veteran Winemaker, Ed Sbragia is larger than life and made his name producing high quality wines at Beringer Vineyards.  Ed, his son Adam, and the rest of the gang are now turning out some amazing wines and definitely ones not to be missed.

2007 Sbragia Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Vineyard $66.50

The first of the Sbragia offerings is the 2007 Wall Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder.  This wine shows generous aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, plum, cola and cocoa powder.  This bottling is beautifully balanced and with lush, velvety tannins.  Robert Parker called this wine "brilliant" and scored it 96/100.  Winery price - $75; Imbibe price - $66.50

2007 Sbragia Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Ranch del Oso Vineyard $66.50

The second Sbragia offering comes from Howell Mountain, the Rancho Del Oso Vineyard, a special location owned by Imbibe friend and long time supporter, Betty O'Shaughnessy.  This bottling shows a intriguing co-existence of power and grace.  Loaded with chocolate and fig, this wine offers up subtle notes of maraschino and clove.  This is easily one of my new favorite wines. Parker rated this a 94/100; to me this is no question a 98+.  Winery price is $75; the Imbibe price - $66.50

2007 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon $139.99

Next up, I'd like to introduce the 2007 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was first released in 1998 when the property was owned by Erika Gottl and Mark Herold.  To this day many say that this1998 bottling was the wine of the vintage.  The 2007 vintage was produced under the guidance of owner Bill Foley and winemaker Paul Hobbs.  In the glass, the wine shows inky purple hues and offers an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry liquor, graphite and spice.  95/100 WA. $139.99

2007 Pahlmeyer Red $99.99

Last up, I am happy to announce the return of the Pahlmeyer Red.  This is a quintessential California Bordeaux blend and the 2007 vintage is one of the best that I've tasted.  This bottling showcases a mélange of smoked meat, blueberry, coffee and cassis while retaining a beautiful structure and acidity.  Buy by the case; this in one that you do not want to miss.  96+100 WA. Imbibe price - $99.99

These wines are offered on a very limited, first come basis.  Call today to place an order before they all disappear.  And don't forget, for those lovebirds out there, Imbibe will be open until 9 p.m. tonight, so feel free to stop by and share a bottles of bubbles with someone special.