Partial malolactic fermentation permitted the wine to retain its natural, crisp acidity - a hallmark of Russian River Valley fruit. The citrus and mineral bouquet displays delicate aromas of green apple, kiwi, honey and lightly toasted oak. The balance of green apple fruit and crisp acidity provide lasting flavours that make this Chardonnay a beautiful match for salmon potpie.

Started in 2001, this is only the second vintage for this California Boutique winery. Purchasing grapes from the well respected Wurtele Vineyard in the Spring Mountain District, the total production for this wine is only 600 cases. Packed with flavours of ripe mountain cassis, cedar and spice, with a wisp of smoky oak. The palate is rich and concentrated with silky tannins. Though tempting to drink now, it will not show its best for at least two or three more years.

David Arthur is a small Napa winery with a cult following. This unique Bordeaux-Tuscan blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese) is one of the reasons. This full-bodied offering exhibits impressive purity and length. A highly accessible red that generously serves up delicious aromas of black fruit and savoury notes of truffles, vanilla, cedar and earth. Enjoy now with 2-3 hours of decanting for optimal enjoyment or let it become even more expressive with 5+ years of cellaring.

Elegance abounds in this medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft tannins and a fine balance focuses one's attention on the fragrant aromas of dark fruit, black currant, dark chocolate, earth and cedar that replay handsomely on the palate. A classic match for roast leg of lamb wrapped in rosemary.

Hitching Post Generation Red is a Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that often includes Merlot and Syrah. The percentages fluctuate depending on the vintage. The 2005 vintage is an extremely well-balanced, very fruit-forward, and structured wine. Delectable with grilled steaks or cellar it 2-4 years.

Highliner is a name taken from the fishing industry where the best fishers on the best boats were so named. Fittingly, Highliner is Hitching Post's top-of-the-line bottling from their best vineyards and their finest vintages. It is an elegant and well-structured wine with aromas of intense dark fruits and hints of white pepper spice all tightly wound in a seamless package. Savour this Pinot with slow-roasted duck or cellar it 3-5 years.

Not surprisingly, Hitching Post is just as popular for its restaurant as it is for its winery because it crafts all of its wines to match with an array of fine foods. Historically, the winery's Santa Maria bottling is elegant yet flavourful that manages to combine refinement and intensity. Try this one with grilled salmon with a light fruit salsa or grilled stuffed pork tenderloin.

Have your own "Sideways" moment with this great Pinot from Hitching Post. Their St. Rita's Earth Pinot is a blend of fruit from three vineyards: Sanford & Benedict, Fiddlestix and Clos Pepe. All three vineyards are located in cooler areas of Santa Rita Hills, so the wines show an exceptional balance of the cherry, raspberry and earth aromas and flavours and the bright acids and silky tannins. An exquisite complement to lamb chops with rosemary and garlic or cellar 3+ years.

The blending of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with the Cabernet Sauvignon is responsible for the well-integrated flavours, deep colour and full mouth feel of this attractive red. Richly textured and opulently flavoured with a restrained framework of oak and lingering finish of subtle earth, tobacco and cedar make this an ideal match for roast quail.

In December 2006, Robert Parker Jr. remarked: "Michael Keenan has been pushing the quality of these [red wine] offerings to exciting levels over the last several vintages, and this Spring Mountain winery is poised to garner more and more accolades from consumers for their impeccably made wines." (www.erobertparker.com) This fresh, lively 2003 Merlot features juicy red cherry and currant aromas and flavours with touches of mocha, spice and herbs. Delectable with roasted lamb.

Rich and ripe, this Napa Valley Cab delivers the goods from its youthful black cherry fruit aromas and flavours to its intriguing crème caramel layer from the oak ageing. A fine complement to grilled steak now but will reward short to mid-term cellaring.