2006 Sterling Vinelyards Cellar Club Rutherford Cab

Taste: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Price: $40 (available only at winery)

One thing I learned on this most recent trip to Napa is that most of my favorite Cabs are from Rutherford grapes. They seem to maintain enough fruit forwardness to balance the tannins a create such an incredible nose and palate. When my glass was empty, I was content to smell the inside and savor the memory - enough said! After tasting several wines priced higher, this would definitely make my list of re buys.

2009 Jezebel Blanc

Taste: 3/5

Value: 4/5

Price: $16

An Oregonian blend of my three favorite whites: Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer, in roughly equal parts. I really want to rate the taste score higher, but while pleasing on the fore, the aft was lacking in substance and actually quite watery and bland. That said, I will probably buy another bottle and pair it with some Asian food. For now, I would have to give props to Le Lapin's Ingenuity for $8.