Talisman Wines-Ketcham Estate-Pinot Noir-Russian River Valley-California-2009-14.1% Alcohol-$29.99-A nose of cherry and spice, medium amber in color.  A medium bodied Pinot Noir with black cherry, cinnamon, spicy notes,  sweet oak, good but not great.                 WS-86             WE-87              CR-88                 Good with seafood, cheeses, salads.

Bodegas Alto Almanzora, S.L.-Este-Monastrell-Tempranillo-Syrah-Garnacha-Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Spain-2008-14.0% Alcohol-$8.98-A nose of roasted dark fruit, dark purple in color. A full bodied kitchen sink blend, with black cherry, blueberry, earth, spice not the smoothest but a great value.                RP-87               CR-87             Good with meats, chicken, pasta.

monastrell, 26% tempranillo, 11% garnacha, 6% syrah and 5% each of syrah and cabernet sauvignon): Inky ruby. Bitter cherry and blackberry on the spice-accented nose. Juicy, fruit-driven and easy to drink, offering fresh dark fruit flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Finishes with good energy and length, the spicy note repeating." -