3 | Wine | California

"Sleek and impeccably focused and balanced, with floral apple, cinnamon and anise aromas and crisp yet supple lemon tart, cherry and spicy hazelnut flavors."

"On top we've got Zinfandel, a saucy tease that brings blackberry and raspberry jam to the relationship. Merlot, with its generous mouth feel and red fruits, fits perfectly in the middle. The rich flavors and firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon make it the ideal."

"This beautiful, hand-harvested effort reveals clean notes of poached pears, honeyed citrus and tropical fruit. Medium-bodied with loads of fruit as well as purity, a beautiful texture, and a subtle note of wood, it will provide plenty of pleasure if consumed over the next year."

"A medium-bodied, fruity red that enjoys savory aromas of black cherries, raspberries, spice, and smoky oak. The core reveals layered flavors of red and black cherries, along with cranberries and a spicy note of cardamom from oak aging. Rich in texture with a lingering finish, this versatile wine is delicious on its own or paired with a juicy cheeseburger, grilled salmon."

"Simi 2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon follows up on its deep, dark garnet color with lifted, pretty aromas of clove, cinnamon, hints of cedar, mint chocolate, and toasty oak notes that beautifully frame dark fruit. Compelling flavors of cassis, blackberry, and plum along with black pepper, cedar, and clove keep this dark and somewhat brooding wine from being too serious. This medium-to full-bodied Alexander Valley Cabernet will bring out the best in roasted mushroom and wild nettle pesto pizza, or charcoal-grilled beef carpaccio with asiago-onion salad."

"This brilliantly clear, pale-straw-colored Sauvignon Blanc leads with fresh and appealing aromas of Meyer lemon, lime zest, stone fruit, grapefruit, tart apple, and hints of flowers followed by a lively palate which reprises the lemon, lime, and grapefruit themes of the nose. This refreshing, bright, and crisp wine has a long finish, and ends with a lingering impression of citrus and wet stone."

"Crisp and lively with aromas of green apple, cinnamon and vanilla that lead to appealing flavors of tropical fruit and spicy anise."

"An impressive cab at this price. Full bodied, broad and powerful, with flavors of blackberry, currant and cedar. Some dusty oak is noticeable but not dominating, balanced by supple tannins, herbs and hints of vanilla. A no brainer for steak night!" - Barb Steadman, Binny's Des Plaines

"A fun glass of bubbles, with creamy vanilla and raspberry aromas that lead to appealing strawberry and spicy lemon flavors."