Blackstone Merlot, 2004, Napa

Gives a cherry aroma initially. This could probably use a little more time in the cellar, but not much longer. Medium purple in color, the wine is not overly heavy but has the tannins to allow the finish to linger for a moment. After being open for 3 or 4 days the wine begins to taste sour, so drink rapidly.

Da Vinci Chianti Classico, 2003

Very dark purple. Very robust, drinks as a heavy wine. Oxidizes rapidly (began tasting sour after 2 days). Heavy tannins in the finish. This would be good with grilled steak, heavy pasta dishes and hearty stews.

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Indian Wells Merlot, 2003

I really like this wine. The aroma is wonderful upon corking. The color is deep purple, somewhat indicative of a dry wine. There is some sediment at the bottom of the bottle, but this isn't uncomon and in fact is normal in a Ste. Michelle wine (at least the ones that I have encountered so far). This wine is lighter than a cabernet, although it drinks like a cab. Good with hearty pasta dishes, grilled steak and chili. Defintely one to purchase again.

I haven't found any other wines from Washington, but if there are others like this one then I will be spending more money on Washington wines. Typically I am a fan of Napa and Sonoma wines (for Merlot and Cab) and the Willamette Valley (Oregon) for Pinto Noir. I haven't ventured into the whites much, as I am not a big fan of white wines.