Terre Di Verona Cantina Valpantena Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, D.O.C., Veneto, Italy: Gorgeously rich, concentrated and extracted with a river of cherry liqueur running through it. Beautiful expression of life’s pleasures. Full-bodied beauty that will age well. Drink: 2009-2023. 117291 14.50% XD 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 93/100. August 1, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma County, California, United States: Lovely cherry-laden Pinot with baking spices and a lick of pepper. A wine for romance and first dates… these should be the same thing, but perhaps not necessarily. 687970 14.20% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. August 1, 2009 Full Review