For the red wine lover, bid on this package for a well-rounded sampler of various red wines made in the USA:

• Monte Volpe Primo Rosso 2007 ($12):  This wine has a dark purple-garnet color, with jammy aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, raspberries and plums. Rich full flavors, ripe tannins and a seamless balance that carries through a long, lingering finish. This enticing wine is for immediate enjoyment or one that will reward the patience of cellaring.


• Rombauer Vineyards’ Merlot ($30): This Merlot is sleek and well-structured. Beautiful floral aromas open to flavors of black cherries, pomegranates and blackcurrant. The well integrated tannins round out a long, firm finish with nuances of fruit, spice and vanilla.


• Hey Mambo Sultry Red 2008 ($12): A crowd-pleasing blend of attention-grabbing excitement, the Hey Mambo Sultry Red is undeniably a rare find. The 2008 vintage is an ensemble of Syrah, Barbera, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Malbec, and Alicante Bouchet grapes. This is a great complement to pasta in a simple marinara with fresh grated Parmesan, burgers with white Cheddar and apple wood smoked bacon, and a sure pick for your favorite pizza.

• Foris Rogue Valley Fly-Over Red 2008 ($12):  Medium-deep ruby color. On the nose, Cabernet Sauvignon is immediately noticeable. Spice, cedar cigar box, and cassis. On the palate the jammy merlot becomes evident, along with more spice from the cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Fairly complex flavors. Subtle acidity and mild tannins nicely frame the deep, jammy fruit. Long, plumy finish. Thoroughly spicy. Drinking very nicely right now. Time may further mellow it out a bit, but it is not necessary. Should drink nicely for 4- 6 more years.

• Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions 2008 Merlot ($14): Our 2008 Traditions Merlot features grapes from a number of our estate vineyards in Eastern Washington's Wahluke Slope. Established in 2006, the Wahluke Slope is a sub-region within the Columbia Valley appellation. Located midway between Seattle and Spokane it is bordered by the Columbia River to the southwest and Hanford Reach National Monument to the east. The climate here is warm enough during the day to fully ripen grapes, yet cool enough at night to ensure bright acids and firm tannins. Our 2008 Traditions Merlot is elegant, balanced and approachable. The nose is bright and forward with cherries, berries and plums wrapped in creme brulee and brown sugar. The flavors are a seamless blend of fruit, oak and acidity. Blend: 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec & 1% Barbera.