Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Columbia Valley Guwurztraminer

This is an ok Washington State Guwurztraminer. It was a nice pairing with our Indian spiced pork tenderloin. The color was a clear straw. There were aromas of honeysuckle, pear and sweet spice. The flavor profile was of pear, honeysuckle, and nutmeg with a little smokiness. It was medium bodied, and this helped it hold up well to the tenderloin. Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but it's hard to find a good Gurwurztraminer at a decent price. This one was $9 at Ashes.

2007 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Savignon

This wine was actually a Christmas present for my husband! We saw it reviewed on Wine Library TV. Unfortunately, they do not ship to Tennessee, so I had to hunt this wine down on the internet. I believe it was about $25 a bottle. The color was deep brick red. The nose was very earthy with lots of cherry. There were aromas of mulch, dry leaves, forrest, old wood, and vanilla. The flavor profile was cherry, licorice, vanilla and cocoa with rootbeer early after opening. It had a nice structure with balanced tannins and acids. The finish was long and tasted of dark cherry and cocoa. Overall, it was both delicious and complex. And, I have 2 more bottles to enjoy!!