Peirano Estate "The Other" Red, Lodi '06. This vibrantly-colored wine consists of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah. The aromas are of black cherries, complemented by notes of spice, toasty oak, and cedar. On the palate, a wave of black crab apple, plum, candied sweet fruits, with a hint of smoky, dark oak, lead to a long, seductive, finish. Great with free-range chicken in black pepper-maple sauce.

Wall Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley '05. Composed of 93% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot, this Napa Valley cab has almost textbook varietal characteristics. It is filled with ripe flavors focused around a balanced structure and refined tannins, expressing flavors of dark chocolate, leather, and bing cherries. Hints of nutmeg and tobacco contribute to the seamlessly integrated finish. According to winemaker Brian Nuss, of Vinoce Winery and Twenty Rows, careful tannin management was an important factor in achieving this wine's balance of ripe flavors and smooth tannins. Fermentation started in tank and finished in the barrel, which allowed the wine to start its integration sooner.

Wall Cellars Zinfandel, Napa Valley '05. This 100% zinfandel reflects both the ripeness of current Napa Valley zinfandels and the restraint and character of old vines. It is a perfect blend of spice and jammy overtones, with blueberry and huckleberry notes allowing the wine to carry many of its spicier characteristics. A long finish and balanced structure make it a perfect match with heartier dishes. Ready to drink now, this wine will evolve over the next four years.

Rosa di Bianca Malvasia dell'Emilia NV. The organically farmed vineyards of Casali Winery are located in the Apennine foothills overlooking the Roman Via Emilia towns of Reggio and Modena. Massimo Casali's family has been running this historic winery for more than a century. The foothills' temperate climate, with cool breezes coming off the mountain peaks at night, in addition to the dry, hilly soil, yield grapes with deep color and concentrated fruit. This wine reveals sweet, spicy aromas of dried fruit mincemeat pie, followed by flavors of apricot and pear on a balanced, semi-sweet palate.

Rosa di Rosa Sparkling Red, DOC Colli Scandiano e Canossa NV. This refreshing red sparkling wine consists of 90% malbo gentile and 10% grasparrossa. It displays concentrated red berry fruit on its semi-sweet palate, as well as an ideal sugar/acid balance. Delicious with chocolate!