5 = Supreme!     4 = Exceptional!     3 = Brilliant!     2 = Pleasing     1 = Agreeable Beverage of the Week D'Argenzio Wines For those who seek wines from small, independent, family-owned wineries, BevX has a gem for you; D'Argenzio Winery. D'Argenzio owns no vineyards but it does source its fruit from some of the best vineyards and locations in Sonoma. This micro-winery produces and ages its wines in a small commercial space in Santa Rosa (Sonoma County, CA). D'Argenzio produces fewer than 3,000 cases of wines each year. The wines are sold primarily in California but with the magic of the internet, many of you (living in states with sensible shipping regulations) can purchase these wines and have them shipped directly to your home. D'Argenzio Tocai Friulano Mendocino 2007 Brilliant pale straw color. The nose is amazingly expressive offering scents of apples, white peaches, and spring flowers. The palate confirms the nose adding crisp citrus zest and mineral notes flanked by ginger and grapefruit. Tremendously balanced and ideally suited for everything from roasted pork to fowl and fish. Bravo! $33 D'Argenzio Zinfandel Rosa (rosé) Russian River Valley 2005 Bright, brilliant strawberry red color. The nose is floral and fruity with scents of strawberry, teaberry, and red cherry. The palate instantly reveals that this is not your typical rose. The flavors are bold and tart while ripe and fresh. The winemaker identifies flavors reminiscent of rhubarb, which is spot on for me. Ideally balanced and eager for food pairings. $22 Pazdar Winery 'Attitude I' fortified Peach Wine USA NV Bright gold color. The nose is reminiscent of a medium-dry sherry with pronounced notes of peach and apricot with dried pineapple and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose being lush and ripe while ideally balanced with bright acidity. A unique and inviting dessert wine that works very well with fruit tarts and pies as well as custard based desserts. $16.5 St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 Deep, dark, brick red color. The nose is unmistakably Napa Cab in the best sense. Scents of raspberry, cassis, black currants, and cherry abound accented with notes of star anise and allspice. The palate confirms the aromatics delivered on a lush but balanced fruit core. Complimentary flavors of brown spices and sweet oak add to the intrigue. This wine benefits from decanting and an hour of breathing time. $37 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2007 Brilliant straw color. A wonderfully complex and inviting nose that captures the true essence of varietal character offering scents of tropical fruits with fresh lime, grapefruit, and beautiful notes of spring flowers. The palate echoes the same elements and more. It exhibits a opulence that contradicts its crisp, austere, semi-tart nature, which only makes me love it more! Terrific! $23