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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATUREMerlot 2005 Napa Valley,Rutherford ($35): Narrow cassisand green olive, with firm,tightly-drawn blackberry in themiddle palate and finish. Grahamoak is subtle and alluring.Field Blend Red 2007 California($15): This is a fun wine,made with several varieties,including the most obvious raspberry(Zinfandel) and blackberry(Cabernet Sauvignon). Lively andbrisk, put this in your picnicbasket with the potato salad andham sandwich.Cabernet Sauvignon 2007Napa-Sonoma-Lake, FamilyClassic ($20): Easy blackcurrant fruit and black pepperspice. Think Salisbury steak orthe like.Cabernet Sauvignon 2005St. Helena ($60): This is a solidlybuilt wine that shows off the St.Helena appellation. The blackcurrant and cassis are there in fullforce, with a delightful hit ofblackberry from the middlethrough the finish. “This was acool vintage,” says George. “Thelonger ripening period allowedfor even fruit development andcontributed to high qualitywines. We like this wine withroasted duck breast or braisedrabbit.” The ducks are easier tocatch than the rabbits, though.Raymond Vineyard is locatedat 849 Zinfandel Lane (on thesouth side of town, visible fromHighway 29), St. Helena. Phone1-800-525.2659 or check theweb at RaymondVineyards.comfor further information. Thetasting room, replete withcolorful and tasteful gift items, isopen daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.[Hinkle is the author of ninewine books. Visit his website atwww.RichardPaulHinkle.com.]www.WineCountryThisWeek.com21