Click on labels to enlarge

McGrail 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: McGrail Family
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 35-40

Review:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, cassis, and earth greets the senses. A sip reveals flavors of currants, cherry, and blackberry along with accents of toasty oak, licorice, and smoke. A rich Cabernet with supple tannins, enjoy a bottle now with your favorite red meat dish or give it some time to mature in the cellar. 1,683 cases produced.
Rating: 90

McGrail 2010 "A Jo Elet" Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: McGrail Family
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 45-50

Review:
Aromas of blackberries, baked currants, and black cherries meld with suggestions of cocoa and toasty oak on the nose. Flavors of currants and blackberry unfold into notes of sweet spice, oak, and vanilla on the palate. A dark, concentrated Cabernet, pair it with a juicy steak now or give it some time in the cellar. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 90

McGrail 2010 "James Vincent" Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: McGrail Family
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 60-65

Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and cherries mingle with notes of dark chocolate and toasty oak on the nose. Bramble fruit and cherry flavors emerge on the palate accented by hints of sweet spice and cedar. A rich, elegant Cabernet with plush tannins, enjoy a bottle with lamb. Just 100 cases produced.
Rating: 90

Murrieta's Well "The Spur" Red Blend
Winery: Murrieta's Well
Grape(s): 31% Petite Sirah, 29% Petit Verdot, 27% Cabernet, 8% Malbec, & 5% Cabernet Franc
Region: Livermore Valley
Year:
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 20-25

Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, plums, and black cherries mingle with notes of fennel seed and toasty oak on the nose. The palate offers flavors of blackberry, cherry, and blueberry along with hints of dark chocolate and cedar. A smooth, fruit-driven red, fans of dark fruit and soft tannins will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89

Murrieta's Well "The Whip" White Blend
Winery: Murrieta's Well
Grape(s): 43% Chardonnay, 15% Gewurztraminer, 13% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Orange Muscat, 8% Viognier, 5% Pinot Blanc, 4% Semillon, & 3% Muscat Canelli
Region: Livermore Valley
Year:
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 20-25

Review:
Aromas of peaches and citrus fruit meld with accents of honey-suckle on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of peach, tangerine, and melon that unfold into floral and honey suggestions. A lush, full-bodied white, it's ideal for Asian dishes or as an aperitif.
Rating: 89

Picazo 2008 Merlot
Winery: Picazo
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2008
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 40-45

Review:
Notes of blackberries, cassis, and cherries come together with suggestions of toasty oak on the nose. The palate offers flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and currants that unfurl into hints of cedar and earth. A supple Merlot with plush tannins that a quite food-friendly, it just might make a few people reconsider their thinking on the variety. Just 75 cases were made.
Rating: 91

Wente 2012 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 10-15

Review:
Aromas of gooseberries, lime, and honeydew are accented by notes of minerals on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of melon, pineapple, and citrus fruit that meld with hints of minerals. A friendly, refreshing wine, fans of easy-going Sauvignon Blancs will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 87

Wente 2012 Riva Ranch Chardonnay
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of tropical fruit, vanilla, and pie crust greets the senses. Flavors of pineapple, kiwi, and pear mingle with suggestions of sweet spice and vanilla on the palate. A supple white, with a welcoming acidity and balanced vanilla flavors, as always, it's a very reliable Chardonnay.
Rating: 88

Wente 2010 Reliz Creek Pinot Noir
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 25-30

Review:
Notes of strawberries, plums, and bing cherries unfold into hints of vanilla bean, earth, and spice on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry are accented by notes of vanilla and white pepper. A fairly bright red with a food-friendly acidity, fans of more lively Pinot Noir will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89