San Bernabe Vineyard 1997 Syrah - Monterey/Monterra (Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336, 209-824-3500, www.delicato.com) Spicy aroma is a combination of spice and leather with brawny characteristics that lead to a berry fruit. The taste reflects currant, blackberry, oak and faint flora /herbal components as well as a vibrant lingering finish drink this now or hold this wine. Varietal Blend: 75.7% Syrah 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 4.1% Petite Syrah .2% others. Retail: 9.95

Columbia Winery 1997 Syrah Yakima Valley -Washington - (Address: 14030 N.E.145th Street, Woodinville, WA 98072, 425-488-277) Bright purple color with moderately light body with moderate legs...Blackberry fruit, licorice nose with a vibrant flavor hinting of black pepper. Quite a lively and snappy flavor with nice fresh acidity. A youthful style to pair with outdoor or casual dining. Retail: 14.00

Delicato Vineyards 1997 Syrah - California (Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336, 209-824-3500 www.delicato.com) Medium deep purple red hue. Sweet plumy aromas. Rich on the attack getting richer when swirled in the glass. Leads with a medium bodied palate with tight fruit flavors but not much character or persistence. Carbonic aromas and easy drinking style. Drink it now.

Delicato Family Vineyards-1998 Syrah California - (Address: 12001 South Hiwy. 99, Manteca, CA 95336, 209-824-3500) Varietal blend of 86% Syrah 10% Petite Syrah 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Features bright flavors of cherry fruit black currant and spice with vanilla oak nuances. Serve with slightly spicy foods or barbecues should go well with casual outdoor dining. Retail: 5.99

Perry Creek 1997 Mouvedre - Wenxell Vineyard. (Address: 7400 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset, CA 95684, 530-620-5175, www.perrycreek.com) Deep complex blackberry and cinnamon spice smells combining for a beautiful aroma. The cinnamon spice holds up through the palate, accompanied by a hint of licorice. This Mourvedre has great legs with silk-like tannins and a long complex finish. Excellent for now but will build character when held. Varietal blend 84% Mourvedre, 8% Syrah, 8% Carignane. Retail $12.00

Perry Creek Syrah 1997 El Dorado (Sierra Foothills) (Address: 7400 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset, CA 95684, 530-620-5175, www.perrycreek.com) The aromatic fragrance is reminiscent of ripe blueberry enhanced by hints of died spice and creamy oak. Full bodied with a strong character of full tannins and nicely integrated oak flavors, 100% Syrah. Complex smoky, black currant fruit and peppery spice taste gives this wine a memorable finish. Do it now or hold it for next Valentines day, but do it with a friend. Retail $15.00

Columbia Winery 1997 Syrah Red Willow Vineyard (Address: 14030 N.E.145th Street, Woodinville, WA 98072, 425-488-2776) Deep red with a purple colored rim. Fresh raspberry fruit nose with smoky toast undertones. Intense fruit flavor backed by velvet textured tannins. Fine intensity in the grapes.

Perry Creek- Viognier 1998 - Estate Bottled- El Dorado (Address: 7400 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset, CA 95684, 530-620-5175, www.perrycreek.com) The Perry Creek Viognier offers the best California wine making techniques with the perfect matching of grapes. Complexity with well balanced acidity and bright fruit flavors. The foreword fruit aroma contains tone of peach and honeysuckle blossoms with just a hint of vanilla. The taste is round on the palate with fresh fruit flavors and the scent of fresh flowers a wonderfully balance wine they sent two bottles and we drank them both now. It reminded me of young love buy the honeysuckle bushes. Give this to someone in love. 100% Viognier.

SOBON Estate 1998 Viognier - Estate Bottled - Shenandoah Valley of California (Address: 14430 Shenandoah Rd. , Plymouth, CA 95669, 209-245-4455, www.sobonwine.com) Floral front aromas give this wine an inviting nose. Which leads to a deep rich spicy flavor. This is a noticeably full bodied 100% Viognier. The wine has a strong character and a round texture with a nice long finish drink it now or hold for the future. Limited availability.

SOBON Estate 1998 Rhône Rose - Shenandoah Valley of California (Address: 14430 Shenandoah Rd. , Plymouth, CA 95669, 209-245-4455, www.sobonwine.com) Refreshing light and very drinkable blend of 46% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 38% Mourvedre. Fruit and floral forward nose, with a fresh fruity taste hinting of cherries and berries. A round dry refreshing finish with intense old growth character. You will find it crisp and refreshing. Drink it with grilled fish or other summer fare.

Columbia Winery 1997 Syrah Yakima Valley, WA, (Address: 14030 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, WA 98072, 425-488-2776) This wine has a bright purple color, blackberry fruit, licorice nose with a vibrant flavor hinting of black pepper. It builds in the mouth to a lively and snappy flavor with nice fresh acidity. A youthful style to pair with outdoor or casual dining. Retail Price: $30.00. Drink it now or hold.

Delicato Vineyards 1998 Syrah California.( Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336, 209-824-3500, www.delicato.com) Medium deep purple red hue with sweet cherries, cedar and spice. Rich on the attack and builds even richer when swirled. Medium bodied palate with tight yet subtle fruit flavors for an easy drinking style. Blend of 86% Syrah, 10% Petite Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. Retail: 5.99

Benzinger Family 1998 Imagery Viognier Alexander Valley. (Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, CA, 707-935-3000) Refreshingly floral and peach nose. Rich flavors of peach, pineapple and banana finishes with toasty vanilla evolve into a classic Viognier style. Wonderful paired with light dishes or salads. Retail 20.00

Kendall-Jackson Syrah 1997 Vintners Reserve (Address: 421 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA, 707-544-4000) Dark royal-crimson color 100% Syrah, oak aged 14 months, fruitful aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, spice and toast with the hint of oak. Very enjoyable and drinkable now. Will pair very well with meats and cheeses.

Mazzocco Vineyards 1997 Carignane Alexander Valley. (Address: 1400 Lytton Springs Rd., P.O. Box, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-9035) Dark red color to the top, deep blueberry aromas with notes of chocolate and a hint of smoke in the nose make this a wine you looking foreword to tasting. Inviting taste of bing cherry components accentuate textured layers of spice and current. This wine has rich jammy flavors that complete the long creamy finish...a wine with smooth easy soft tannins very drinkable now. Retail: $14.00

Joseph Phelps 1998 Viognier Napa Valley (Address: 200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-2745, www.jpwines.com) Very refreshing. Aroma of peaches. Peach flavors almost that of a peach marmalade and honeysuckle. Nice soft balanced character with a lingering finish. Drink now with Nicoise salad or peppered tuna or light poultry.

Joseph Phelps 1998 Pastiche Red California. (Address: 200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-2745, www.jpwines.com). 47% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 17% Syrah, 4% Merlot, 4% Alicante Bouschet. This is a medium-bodied dry wine with good fruit that displays spicy, strawberry aromas. Berry-like flavors, with a smooth, well balanced finish. A nice approachable red wine It is a perfect choice for stews, and spicy Mediterranean-style meals. Drink now

Morgan 1997 Syrah - Monterey (Address: 590 Brunken, Salinas, CA 93901, 831-751-7777). This rich medium-full bodied wine shows a deep ruby color in the glass and the nose is full of well-developed aromas of blackberry, plum with pepper overtones. The flavors deepen onto the palate and are complemented with hints of cloves and spice. Soft tannins and a long finish, we feel this wine will improve with 6-12 months of bottles age. It is a perfect choice for casual dining. Retail. 20.00

Paraiso Springs Vineyards 1997 Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands. (Address:38060 Paraiso Springs Rd, Soledad, CA 93960, 831-678-0300) The Paraiso Springs Vineyards Syrah exhibits the saturated red-violet hue. The nose sports aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry that are accented by spice. The rich fruit flavors and velvety mouthfeel carry through to the finish added by a hint of blackberry. This is very drinkable wine that added time in the bottle will add to the balance Retail: 22.00

Rey Sol 1997 Le Mediterané Blanc Mount Palomar Winery (Address: 33820 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591, 909-676-5047) Deep golden color, moderately extracted wine has excellent nose appeal with aromatic honey, yeast, tropical fruits, leading into butter with big ripe, honeyed flavors. Full and rich in the mouth, though well balanced with juicy acidity gives this a soft dry finish. This Rhône style white wine will go well with grilled chicken or mesquite grilled seafood. Retail: 18.00

Tablas Blanc 1998 Tablas Blanc - Paso Robles (Address: 9339 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-237-1231) Blend of 50% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 25% Marsanne. The color is a pale straw-gold. The fruit forward nose is of floral rose and peaches. Big and intense, rich palate with spicy ripe fruit and a hint of spice. A round and savory flavor with depth. This dry, but round wine attains nice complexity and length. Drink now but it will improve with time.

Tablas Blanc 1997 Tablas Rouge - Paso Robles (Address:9339 Adelaida road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-237-1231) Blend of 34% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 6% Counoise. The wine shows very deep cherry red color to the rim and presents a ripe berryish nose with smoky leather overtones. Complex and layered with jammy red fruit and a whisper of oak. Good and full tannins hold their depth and finishes long. Holding this wine will bring out more complexity as it matures. Good wine with gourmet foods and cheeses.

Zaca Mesa 1998 Roussanne, Santa Barbara County (Address: P.O. Box. 899 , Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339) A golden color opens to a rich, full-bodied, and focussed wine. Rich aromas of peach, floral and fruit. Full-bodied mouthfeel with balanced acidity. Smooth finish with a mineral texture. Drink now. Retail: 16.50

Zaca Vineyards Syrah 1996 - Santa Barbara County (Address:P.O. Box. 899 , Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339) As dark as a midnight Montana sky. A blend of 80% Syrah, 20% Viognier offers layers of black current, cherries, and other fruit. The lively nose leads to a big juicy palate of fruit with a glimpse of peach and apricot. Smooth with good tannins make it perfect for holding or drinking now. Retail: 20.00

Zaca Mesa 1997 Z Cuvee, Santa Barbara County (Address: P.O. Box 899, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339) A bright violet-red color with aromas of ripe cherry fruit. Medium-bodied palate alive with flavor of berries. plum, strawberry, cherries and earth. Layered with textures and a solid backbone. Chateauneuf-du-Pape styled blend of 51% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, 10% Cinsaut, 5% Counoise. Drink now or hold. Retail: 16.50

Zaca Mesa 1998 - Z Gris Santa Barbara County (Address:P.O. Box 899, Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-9339) This dry, Rhône style rosé is a royal red blend of 47% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache, 5% Cinsaut, 5% Viognier. Up-front aromas of cherries, mint, jasmine lead to flavors of plum and strawberries with dark fruit with spice on the back end. Dry and drinkable now or hold. Retail: 9.00

Rey Sol 1997 Viognier Temecula Mt. Palomar Winery, (Address:33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, Ca 92591, 909-676-5047, www.mountpalomar.com) Lively nose of ripe fruit and peach. Full-bodied, smooth, a rich blend of 85% Viognier, 9% Chardonnay, 3% Roussanne, 3% Marsanne. Oak accent with low acidity makes for versatile pairing with a variety of smoked or grilled foods. Retail: 18.00

Rey Sol 1997 Roussanne Temecula Mt. Palomar Winery (Address: 33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, Ca 92591, 909-676-5047, www.mountpalomar.com) Enjoyable aroma from a deep golden color. Tropical flavors combine with ripe fruits of peaches and apricots. A blend of 92% Roussanne and 8% Chardonnay. It's full and long with a buttery-honey accent on the finish. Well suited for spicy foods or with rich cream sauces. Retail: 18.00

Rey Sol 1997 Le Mediterrane Blanc Temecula Mt. Palomar Winery, (Address: 33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, Ca 92591, 909-676-5047, www.mountpalomar.com) Very refreshing and full-bodied. Rich with abundant flavors. Unique, moderately extracted blend of 45% Roussanne and 20% Marsanne with soft, dry finish. Great with Asian cuisine or grilled seafoods. Retail: 16.00

Foppiano Vineyards - Petit Syrah 1997 - Sonoma County (Address: 12707 Old Redwood Hiwy. P.O. Box 606, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-7272) It is not difficult to appreciate a wine whose stellar reputation proceeds it. Deep rich purple colors with full and deep flavors. From nose to finish this Petit Syrah delivers. Ripe berries, chocolate and spice in the nose. Berry fruit accents layered with vanilla and a hint of black pepper. Retail: 17.00

Tablas Creek Vineyard Tablas Rouge 1997 Paso Robles (Address: 9339 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-237-1231) Dark red color with aromas that grows into ripe berry nose with leather. A blend of 34% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 6% Counoise shows deep flavors of jammy fruit providing a linger presence on the palate. Layers of flavors. Cases: 725. Retail 27.00

Tablas Creek Vineyard Tablas Blanc 1998 - Paso Robles (Address: 9339 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, 805-237-1231) Rhône varietal blend of 50% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 25% Marsanane culminate into a color of pale straw-gold. Aromas of peach and rose lead to a big and rich palate of spicy fruit. A fine example of vines cloned from Chateau de Beaucastel. Deep and lengthy. Retail 32.00

Villa Helena Winery 1998 Viognier - Napa Valley (Address: 1455 Inglewood Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-4334) Classic Viognier envelops layers of aromas and soft palate that combines flavors of apricot, melon and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, rich and satisfying. Retail: 16.50

Benzinger Family 1997 Syrah California (Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, CA, 707-935-3000) 100% Syrah has complex aromas of black fruit, smoky tar and dried herb. Soft palate of black cherry and herb. Rich ripe fruit finishes long. Hold or drink now. Retail: 21.00

Benzinger Family 1998 Imagery Viognier Alexander Valley (Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, CA, 707-935-3000) Refreshingly floral and peach nose. Rich flavors of peach, pineapple and banana finishes with toasty vanilla. Evolves into a classic Viognier style. Pair with light dishes or salads. Retail 20.00

Beringer Vineyards 1998 Rosé de Saignée California (Address: 1000 Pratt Avenue , St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-7115) A blend of primarily Pinot Noir along with Syrah and Grenache. Aromas of ripe berries, earthy spice, orange and lime accent. Ripe and gallant flavors layered with spice and fruit. Bright full-bodied and a long finish. Drink now. Retail: 16.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Carmenet 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Moon Mountain - Sonoma Moon Mountain (Address: 1700 Moon Mountain Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476, 707-996-5870, www.carmenetwinery.com) Late-ripening Bordeaux grape varietals of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, produce a stylish, non-overbearing nose, with aromas of cherries, black currant and spice. The fruit flavors provide a soft after-taste and enjoyable finish. The Chef's favorite at the tasting. Drinkable now and should cellar nicely. Retail: $40.00

Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 - Alexander Valley Moon Mountain (Address: 4001 Highway 128, P.O. Box 158, Geyserville, CA 95441, 800-499-7644, www.wines.com/murphy-goode/wines) Colorful aromas of black fruit and spice. Full flavors lingers across the palate. Blend of 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Sweet fruit and ripe tannins make for a it very drinkable now and will cellar. Retail: 20.00

Sterling Vintners Collection 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain (Address: P.O. Box 500, Rutherford, CA 94573 , 707-942-3300) Ruby red in the glass with a floral nose of fruit, raspberry and a trace of oak. Balanced with medium tannins and good flavor. Shows off the varietal blends of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Food friendly. Drink now or hold. Retail: 12.99

Calina 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon - Valle Central Chile. Full fruit flavors cloaked in deep-dark purple color. Spicy blackberry aroma with a hint of oak and cherry palate. This wine has the layered character that finishes longer. This is surprisingly good value-to-quality. Drink now. Retail: $9.00-11.00

Epoch - Millennium Cuvee 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon - Dry Creek Valley Dry Creek Vineyard (Address: 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd., Healdsburg - 707-433-1000) The berry nose layered with cherry, berry, and chocolate of this wine will please the palate; subtle spices, mint earth and leather in the background. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot combine for a rich harmonious jammy experience. Epoch has a smooth, lingering finish like fingers up your spine. Aging potential 8-12 years. Packaged in a custom, four-bottle, wooden lay-down box. This is a gift for that Food & Beverage Director who likes very special wines. Buy now, limited quantity. Retail: $60.00 per bottle (tasting room only)

Merlot

Merlot Mazzocco Vineyards 1996 Dry Creek Valley Merlot Moon Mountain (Address: 1400 Lytton Springs Rd., P.O. Box, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-9035) Dark, inky color comes forward, the nose is alive with numerous influences; cedar, jammy scent intertwined with hints of toasty oak. Generous offerings of cranberry fruit in the mouth followed by lush raspberry pie flavors linger on to a smooth clean finish. A nice balance of soft, if not under stated, tannins and hints of tobacco make this wine very drinkable now. Retail: $20.00

Carmenet Dynamite Merlot 1997 North Coast Moon Mountain (Address: 2750 Las Amigas Road, Napa, CA 94559, 707-226-9991) Deep colors and foreword nose lead to intense development of color and flavor...offering up lush ripe cherry flavors and a deep rounded finish. While this wine is delicious to drink now, it will continue to improve in character and richness as it ages in the future. Retail: 19.50

Sterling Vintners Collection 1997 Merlot Moon Mountain (Address: P.O. Box 500 , Rutherford,CA 94573, 707-942-3300) The wine shows inviting ruby-red color with a nose of plum and berry fruit. Ripe, tight, full, complex blend.

LunaVineyards 1997 Merlot Napa Valley (Address: 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, 707-255-5862 www.lunavineyards.com) Dark ruby red with the aroma of rich black fruits, coca, and vanilla. Flavorful, jammy blackberries, and cocoa create a long full finish. Retail: 28.00

Chardonnay

Echelon 1998 Chardonnay Central Coast P.O. Box 518, Soledad, CA 93960 This wine is fresh and full, complex and very drinkable, very soft and intriguing. Echelon showcases Chardonnay's versatility. Slow fermentation, oak aging and malolactic fermentation. Give this a forward nose and quaffable taste. Released Dec '99. This wine pairs effortlessly with most foods. Chill and serve. 100% Chardonnay. Retail: 14.50

Chalone Vineyard 1998 Chardonnay - (Address: Chalone P.O. Box 518, Soledad, CA 93960. 831-678-1717) Demonstrates an incredible level of balance. A dominating nose of tropical fruit with aromas of pineapple, peaches, apples and tangerines. The enigma is that the fruit intensity and pure ripeness, which should make for a sweet wine, is actually dry. This big wine goes well with all types of seafood, chicken, or even pork dishes.This wine will improve over the next year and will hold for three to five years. Good choice. Retail: 31.00

Pinot Noir

Echelon 1998 Pinot Noir Central Coast, [A Chalone Wine Estate] (Address: 621 Airpark Rd, Napa, CA 94558, 707-254-4250) Deep in color displaying character on the palate. At first the flavors and aromas seem almost jammy, but in time in the glass the fresh berry influence comes through. The hint of dried herbs and cinnamon with a dry, spicy character make this good today, but will certainly improve with time in the bottle. The wine contains smoky roast notes and hints of oak. Recommended. Retail: 14.50

Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 1997 - Russian River Valley 4001 Highway 128, P.O. Box 158, Geyserville, CA 95441, 800-499-7644, www.wines.com/murphy-goode/wines Their first Pinot is a winner' Wild strawberry flavors and spice . Complex ripe fruit flavors with smooth tannins. Drink now or good for cellaring. Limited 3 bottle limit at $30.00 ea. (6-pack/750ml)

Edmeades Vineyards 1996 Pinot Noir - Anderson Valley 5500 Highway #128, Philo, CA 95403, 707-544-4000, Spicy, exotic fruits with a long finish. Earthy with vanilla yet not over powered by oak aromas. This is a full-bodied wine with backbone. Could cellar for 10-20 years. Retail $20.00

Acacia 1998 Pinot Noir - Napa Valley - Carneros 100% Pinot Noir. very fine soft silt of tannin coats the tongue and the modest acidity make drinking this now delightful This wine is luxurious with a plush texture and an evolving length. But with the character of fruit, we expect that time will treat this wine well Drink it now or contribute to its complexity by cellaring for several years. Retail: $25.00

Shiraz

Geyser Peak Winery 1997 Shiraz - Sonoma County (Address: 22281 Chianti Rd. Geyserville, CA 95441, 800-945-4447, www.peakwinesinternational.com) Blend of 90% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cloaked in a rich ruby red color. Fruity nose with plum, black cherry, dove and vanillin oak nuances. Soft on the palate with a silky medium-body. Plum flavors glide over fine-grained tannins. Enjoyable style.