Bogle "Phantom" California 2000
Price $16
Rating 94
This is truly "Old Vine" wine. Crafted from 40% zinfandel (60 year-old vines from Lodi), 50% petite sirah (estate vineyards in Clarksburg) and 10% mourvedre (90 year old vines from Oakley). The nose is packed with the fragrance of violets, lilting above velvet hammer-like notes of dark fruit. A sip explodes with powerful and seamless fruit concentration and there is a beautiful length of stay. Very harmonius, it is an artful blend of diverse grapes.

Although the Bogle family has been farming since the mid-1800's, it was not until 1968 that the father and son team of Warren and Chris Bogle planted their first 20 acres of wine grapes in Clarksburg, California. In this small farming community nestled along the Sacramento River, the Bogle family's years of hard work have developed into an impressive grape growing operation, as well as a winery known for tremendous value and quality.

Pair this wine with lightly grilled meats, lightly grilled winter vegetables, hearty soups and soft cheese. Let the wine take center stage in the dining equation. For more information, visit www.bogelinery.com.

Quivira "Dry Creek Cuvée" Dry Creek Valley 2001
Price $17
Rating 89
"Quivira's Dry Creek Cuvée was originally conceived as a continuation of our tradition," says associate winemaker Kevin Holt. "We make blended red wines from old mixed-variety vineyards, one of which surrounds our winery. Over the years it has metamorphosed into a more modern Rhône-styled blend, with a hint of zinfandel in the background to keep in touch with its proud heritage. This is a wine that only a unique vineyard could produce- ours." The blend is 59% grenache, 19% mourvedre, 16% syrah and 6% zinfandel.

There is spice and ripe strawberry in the aroma, then flavors of vibrant cranberry, cherry, along with nuances of decaying leaves, leather and picquant white pepper. "Always easy-going, the Cuvée gets a bit deeper each vintage," adds Holt. He suggests pairing the red blend with fish. "Try it with red fish or blue fish, one fish or two fish, Steelhead Trout or Sockeye Salmon. It'll knock your socks off," boasts Holt. "It is also great with roasted fowl or grilled burgers, either plain or fancy." More details are at www.quivirawine.com.

Neibaum-Coppola "Rosso" California 2002
Price $9
Rating 89
The personality of the "Rosso" comes from 49% old-vine zinfandel, countered with 28% syrah and 23% cabernet sauvignon. "Zinfandel is the heritage grape, contributing the deep red raspberry, dark currant and spicy clove aromas and flavors that define the wine," observes "Rosso" winemaker Corey Beck. "The cabernet and syrah, from the Monterey and Paso Robles area, complete the blend by filling out the palate with layers of dark cherry and blackberry fruit flavors, lending a hint of mocha notes to the finish. Syrah also lends the deep color and suppleness." Francis Ford Coppola's ownership surely adds some depth, i.e., they make you a wine that you can't refuse.

This soft, easy to drink red can be a mainstay for casual dining or as a reception wine, say at a wedding. If it is good enough for The Godfather and the quintessential motion picture wedding scene, why then it may toast your nuptials quite nicely. Rather than serving this velvety red wine with fish wrapped in newspaper (a la "sleeps with the fish"), opt instead for lusty pastas, outside barbecues or more refined grilled lamb chops. Learn more at www.neibaum-coppola.com