RED BLENDS
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Winemakers have long known that blending grapes can make for superior wines. Blending formulas are used to take a main grape component (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Sangiovese) and round out the varietal’s naturally forceful tannins and flavors. American blends that use traditional Bordeaux grape varieties and are confined to less than 25,000 cases of annual production, are often referred to as “Meritage Wines”; Italian wine blends that are based on the sangiovese grape can be labeled as “Super Tuscans”.  The rules for naming these wines vary from region to region and between vintners. Regardless, the result has always been better than the sum of their parts.

304 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, 2002 Cinq Cépages ("Five Varieties") is a Bordeaux-style blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (9%), Malbec (3%), and Petit Verdot (2%).  This wine deliver the signature aromas of chocolate covered cherries and hints of mocha one looks for in Cinq Cépages. Deep, dense and beautifully balanced, this wine has exotic floral notes and an earthy finish. $128.00 307 Col Solare Red Wine, Columbia Valley, 2001 Intense black raspberry and plum aromatics are threaded with cedar, allspice and a touch of vanilla. Raspberry and blackberry are equally prominent on the palate where they join with dark chocolate and roasted walnut flavors. Wine Spectator gives it 91 points. $89.00 310 Ferrari-Carano Siena Red Table Wine, Sonoma County, 2005 The wine is aged in older French oak for 16 months to help accentuate the fruit flavor in the Sangiovese. Siena is supple and ripe with heady aromas of red and black berries complemented by cinnamon and mocha.  Good acidity, round and gentle tannins and a lingering finish.  80% Sangiovese, 16% Malbec, 4% Zinfandel. $53.00 309 Hahn Estates Meritage, Central Coast, 2006 On the palate, the wine starts with various red fruits that transition towards blueberry and plum at the back end. There is an ethereal wisp of thyme that runs alongside the delicate spice of French oak. Moderate tannins develop into what becomes a fairly lengthy finish. $38.00 311 Hess Collection Mountain Cuvée Red Wine, Mount Veeder, 2005 Flavors of red currant supported by a trio of vanilla, cedar and molasses. Revealing the benefits of blending, the wine has a layered complexity and silky smooth texture. $60.00 306 Incognito Rouge Red Wine, Lodi, 2004 On the palate, the wine is very smooth and well balanced. The fruit flavors are well integrated. This is a very nice food wine. The finish is dry and extends for a bit. $46.00 302 Ironstone Vineyards Reserve Meritage, Sierra Foothills, 2002 Exceptionally elegant full-bodied wine that displays aromas of berries and jam, layered with mint, fresh herbs, cola and cassis. $73.00 305 Joseph Phelps Insignia Red Wine, Napa Valley, 2001 and 2003 Insignia exhibits a dark purple color, ripe, concentrated, blackberry and cherry fruit flavors, and an abundance of ripe, sweet tannins. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Verdot, 3% Malbec. $245.00 308 Lancaster Estate Meritage, Alexander Valley, 2001 Aromas of wild berries, cassis, and violets. Ripe, black cherry and chocolate flavors, toasted oak nuances, and supple tannins.  88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. $125.00 301 Opus One Red Wine, Napa Valley, 2004 Showing a lustrous dark ruby, the 2004 presents aromas of violets, cedar, black tea leaves, pepper and brioche. A soft, creamy entry gives way to a concentrated mid-palate that expands in the mouth and lingers on the finish. Elements of cassis, toffee and cocoa round out the rich flavors of the wine.  Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Merlot 7%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Malbec 1%, Petit Verdot 4%. $245.00 303 Quintessa Red Wine, Napa Valley, 2003 and 2004 The 2003 vintage begins with enticing, classic Cabernet aromas -- cassis, tobacco and cedar, then opens on the palate with a rich rush of sensation.  It shows majestic structure and plush texture from ripe tannins and the underlying acidity frames the flavors, giving them vividness and focus. The 2004 vintage exhibits dark, ripe red and black fruits on the nose, perfect balance on the palate and lustrous finish of notable length. $190.00