Beringer Pinot Noir 2006
Napa Valley $27.95 (718668)
This lovely Pinot Noir delivers quite intense and complex fruit flavours (red cherry, strawberry) accented with spice and herbs. It strikes just the right note with vibrant acidity, and illustrates winemaker Laurie Hook's point that "the trick is to pick when you have the vibrancy and balance, and don't move on to too 'ripe'." Drawn from the cooler southern areas of the Napa Valley (with a little Sonoma Carneros) and aged in small Burgundy barrels, this is a notable Pinot for the price. Drink it with grilled duck breast. (RP)
Etude 'Carneros Estate' Pinot Noir 2005
Carneros $69.95 (655555)
Etude is a small Sonoma winery that specializes in Pinot Noirs that are impressive across the board. This cuvée from various parcels on the estate ranch is a lovely expression of the variety, with lifted flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, spice, and clove, hints of black pepper, and an underlying note of minerality. With exquisite balance and long, sweet tannins, this is a great choice for a grilled rack of lamb or for game meats. (RP)
Stag's Leap Chardonnay 2006
Napa Valley $34.95
This is a delicious barrel-fermented Napa Chardonnay with well-defined and complex fruit flavours—peach to the fore—with a touch of minerality. The texture is generous and plush, with a rich and broad seam of acidity. Substantial and elegant, it makes an excellent partner to rich poultry and pork dishes. (RP)
Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Napa Valley $29.95 (552851)
Drawn from several AVAs in the Napa Valley, and aged in 100% new French barrels, this is a gorgeous Cabernet (with support from some Merlot and Cabernet Franc) that delivers on all points. The attractive aromas are all dark fruit and berries with a hint of sweet oak. As for the flavours, they're concentrated red and dark fruit with hints of spice, mint, coffee and chocolate. The supple texture is plush and round with a nice balancing seam of acidity, while the fine, sweet tannins are easily manageable now, and will hold the wine another five or more years. Enjoy this Cabernet with a well-seasoned steak. (RP)
Beringer Merlot 2005
Napa Valley $29.95 (919647)
About 75% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc (which winemaker Laurie Hook adds to give length), this is a plush red with generous complexity. The flavours are dominated by dark plum and black cherry, but you'll also find notes of dried fruit, spices, herbs and mint. Medium-plus in weight, and dry with sweet and moderate tannins, this is an excellent partner for grilled lamb. (RP)
Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley $54.00
This is a wonderful Cabernet from the very ripe 2004 vintage. All the components work, and they harmonize beautifully. The concentrated fruit is complex and well-structured, with dominant flavours of rich dark fruit and spice, cocoa and chocolate. The texture is smooth and mouth-filling, with some bite from the well-defined line of acidity. It has breadth, length and balance, and the sum of the parts is elegant and classic. It's a natural for well-seasoned red meat dishes. (RP)