OK, California fans, I don't know if you know this but Virginia has over 150 Wineries from north to south and from the Appalachians to the Atlantic. There are a few good ones, and I went to one in particular yesterday (4 April). They had an interesting tasting in that they pair certain foods with their wines, which tells you quite a bit about them. Their Merlot, which is actually not being released until September (2010), but which I was able to procure two bottles, was outstanding. Very fruit forward with blackberries, cherries, spice, and oak on the nose and palate. I thought I tasted a small hint of cinnamom. The color is quite nice as a rich purple. The wine sits in French oak for 12 months. Believe me when I say I was skeptical, but out of four wineries, I bought from three. Vintage Ridge Merlot: $20; released in Virginia in September. http://www.vintageridgewine.com/