Columbia-Crest Winery-Grand Estates-Amitage-Merlot-Syrah-Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec-Columbia Valley-Washington State-2008-$9.99-A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark purple amber in color.  A rich, complex and smooth kitchen sink blend, with currants, plums, vanilla and spice, oak well integrated, great midweek wine,  a fantastic QPR, consistent with prior time.               WS-89             CR-89                 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.  

Showket Vineyards-Cabernet Sauvignon-Oakville-Napa Valley-California-2003-$36.67-A nose of sweet cherry and spice, dark garnet in color.  A smooth, medium to full bodied Cab, hard to describe, not a typical Cab, with black cherry, sweet raisins,  herbs and veggies,  just different.  Let it decant a couple hours, consistent with last time tried.  The renowned Heidi Barrett was the winemaker.                     WE-94                    CR-90                  Good with ribs, chicken, pasta.