Wine: Rodney Strong Sonoma County Merlot 2005
  Winery: Rodney Strong Vineyards, Geyserville, Calif.
  Composition: 98 percent Merlot, 2 percent Cabernet Sauvignon
  Description: Extended aging up to 25 months in older barrels allowed this Merlot to develop numerous aromas (dark fruits) and rich flavors (plum, blackberry, ripe blueberry, touches of vanilla). The finish is long and soft. 13.8 percent alcohol

Wine: Graham Beck Gamekeeper ‘ s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
  Winery: Graham Beck Wines, Robertson, South Africa
  Composition: 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon
  Description: Blackberry aromas lead to a rich, juicy dark berry taste that lasts throughout a long finish. In-tank malolactic fermentation, which changes sharp malic acid to more mellow lactic acid, softens the feel of the wine in the mouth and adds to its complexity. Medium bodied. 14 percent alcohol

Wine: Gray Ghost Adieu
  Winery: Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville (http://www.grayghostvineyards.com)
  Composition: 100 percent late harvest Vidal Blanc
  Description: This highly decorated dessert wine is smooth drinking with a great balance of sweetness—without being syrupy—and acidity. Notes of pear and apricot make this a perfect after-dinner drink. 11.5 percent residual sugar. 13.9 percent alcohol (2007 vintage), 13.2 percent alcohol (2008 vintage)

Wine: Philip Carter Meritage 2006
  Winery: Philip Carter Winery of Virginia, Hume (http://www.pcwinery.com)
  Composition: 50 percent Cabernet Franc, 35 percent Merlot, 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon
  Description: Nice cherry and strawberry aromas lead to a lush cherry taste. Tannins are smooth in this medium-bodied Bordeaux blend. Excellent finish has hints of pepper. As wine month in Virginia continues, this red provides a good example of a quality state wine. 13 percent alcohol

Wine month in Virginia continues, and this Viognier is another good example of a quality state wine. This well-balanced white has floral aromas that lead to a smooth, banana-like taste with a hint of pineapple.

Wine: Barren Ridge Meritage 2007 (2009 Virginia State Fair Best in Show)
  Winery: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Fishersville
  Composition: 50 percent Merlot, 30 percent Cabernet Franc, 20 percent Petit Verdot
  Description: This Bordeaux blend richly deserved being named the top wine in the state fair’s competition. The best barrels of each of the varietals were blended and aged an extra year in oak, which resulted in a complex wine highlighted by dark cherry flavors, soft tannins and a velvety finish. 13 percent alcohol

Wine: Avery Quinn 2007 Chardonnay
  Winery: Cellared and bottled by Avery Quinn Vineyards, Monterey, Calif.; produced by X Winery, Napa, Calif.
  Composition: 97 percent Chardonnay, 3 percent Roussanne
  Description: Crisp to start, softer in the mouth (because of the Roussanne), this Chardonnay has light, bright green apple and some pear tastes. Excellent buy. 14.2 percent alcohol

Wine: Pietra Santa 2007 Zinfandel
  Winery: Pietra Santa Winery, Hollister, Calif.
  Composition: 93 percent Zinfandel, 7 percent Dolcetto
  Description: Intense cherry, berry and plum tastes lead to a black pepper finish in this bold winner from Pietra Santa, a little-known winery located in California’s Central Coast region. Well balanced. 14.5 percent alcohol

Wine: Rodney Strong Estate Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2007
  Winery: Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg, Calif. (Sonoma)
  Composition: 100 percent Chardonnay
  Description: Whether you’re a fan of creamy Chardonnays or those with a crispness, this excellent Chardonnay will satisfy your palate. Crisp and creamy with some minerality, Chalk Hill has nice fruit with some light oak. Medium bodied. 14.3 percent alcohol

Wine: Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2008
  Winery: Yalumba, Barossa Valley, Australia
  Composition: 100 percent Riesling
  Description: Another excellent summer wine that also is a great introduction for those not in the habit of drinking Rieslings. Citrus aromas and flavors—lime, grapefruit—abound. Light-bodied and crisp with excellent acidity. 12 percent alcohol

Wine: Pollak Vineyards 2007 Estate Grown Cabernet Franc
  Winery: Pollak Vineyards, 330 Newtown Road, Greenwood (about 25 miles west of Charlottesville on I-64, Exit 107), http://www.pollakvineyards.com
  Composition: 100 percent Cabernet Franc
  Description: Another example of the excellent Cabernet Francs being made in the state, this medium-bodied wine has berry and black pepper aromas followed by raspberry and cherry tastes and a velvety finish. 13.2 percent alcohol

Wine: Rodney Strong 2007 Estate Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc
  Winery: Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg, Calif. (Sonoma)

Wine: di Lenardo Pinot Grigio 2008
  Winery: di Lenardo Vineyards, Friuli, Italy
  Composition: 100 percent Pinot Grigio
  Description: This value wine is a distinctive Pinot Grigio with a creamy texture—not the usual crisp feeling found in most Pinot Grigios. Broad floral aromas are followed by soft tastes of fruit, especially pear. Excellent finish. 13 percent alcohol

Wine: Cono Sur Colchagua Valley Pinot Noir 2007
  Winery: Cono Sur Winery, Santiago, Chile
  Composition: 100 percent Pinot Noir
  Description: This smooth-drinking, palate-pleasing Pinot can act as a white-wine drinker’s first venture into red wine. Nice berry aromas lead to a soft cherry taste with hints of cranberry and oak. It’s organically produced. 13.5 percent alcohol. A second Cono Sur 2007 Pinot, not yet certified as organic but produced from grapes grown according to sustainable agriculture practices, is more rosey with a slightly fuller body. 14 percent alcohol.

Wine: 2008 Albemarle Rosé
  Winery: Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard, 3550 Blenheim Road, Charlottesville; information: KlugeEstate.com
  Composition: 33 percent Merlot, 32 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 percent Cabernet Franc, 2 percent Malbec, 1 percent Petit Verdot
  Description: This blend of five classic Bordeaux grapes is dry, fruit forward and complex with notes of berries and peach. Fermented in stainless steel. Best served chilled, it is perfect sitting-and-sipping deck wine. With it considered to be a versatile food wine, Kluge recommends pairing it with Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican food. Thirteen percent alcohol.