This week we are featuring RUTHERFORD RANCH wines from Saint Helena California in the Napa Valley. CHARDONNAY - $14.99 - starts off with aromas of freshly picked apricots and sweet honey. The fruit theme continues with scents of crisp green apples and just peeled lemon zest followed by hints of vanilla and crème brûlée. Full bodied, with beautiful balance, this Napa Valley Chardonnay with flavors of ripe peach, pear, vanilla and crisp Myers lemon are perfectly balanced leaving your palate with a clean, crisp finish.

SAUVIGNON BLANC - $14.99 - has perfectly integrated aromas of ripe gooseberry, fresh lemon zest and citrus blossom interlaced with fragrant passion fruit. Abundant flavors of bright grapefruit, ripe Meyer lemon, sweet blood orange leading to soft, pleasant mineral notes. A terrific wine to enjoy by itself!

MERLOT - $15.99 - lush, bright flavors of Bing cherry, plum and raspberry with fragrant aromas of vanilla and nutmeg. It is medium bodied with soft tannins and a long, satisfying finish. 15 months in French and American oak.

CABERNET - $15.99 - complex layers of black currant, anise, and ripe Bing cherry intertwined with subtle nuances of toasty oak. This wine is full-bodied with a deep ruby red color. Full fruit flavors of black currant and pomegranate, with soft undertones of vanilla, fill your mouth on the very first sip. Enjoy the ripe fruit, rich and creamy palate and just the right amount of tannins.

ZINFANDEL - $15.99 - an elegant, complex bouquet of ripe boysenberries, black pepper and French vanilla. Lavish flavors fill your mouth, blending ripe blackberries with plum and vanilla. A very balanced Zinfandel with rich tannins and a long, lingering fruit finish.

We just got in more of the WALLA WALLA SWEET ONION MUSTARDS. The Original, Roasted Garlic and their new Horseradish. We brought in the 9 ounce jar so you get more bang for your buck!!!!!

Here are some serving suggestions: ROASTED GARLIC - beat 2 Tbsp with 1/2 cupbuttermilk, dip chicken pieces in before covering with Shake & Bake or flour mixture before frying. THE ORIGINAL - add flavor to sauces or any recipe that calls for Dijon mustard. Jazz up a simple white sauce by adding a bit of The Original. HORSERADISH - don't eat beef without the Horseradish Mustard.

The new vintage of BAER URSA will be released in March. We had a chance to taste this vintage today and it is back to what it was two years ago. If you are interested let us know - it is one of those wines that we may only get a small amount of before it is gone.

LADERA is back in stock. If you tried this wine when we had it a couple of years ago you will remember how good it is. From Howell Mountain and Lone Canyon Vineyards in California the Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec are all wines that will be memorable when you serve them.

Not only are the two wines ones that you can probably mark off on your Century Club checklist but they both are Rics Pics!

Root;1 Carmenere - from the Colchagua Valley of Chile - a complex red wine with flavors of ripe plum, blackberry and spice.

Vinoterra Tsinandali - a white blend made from the finest Rkastiteli and Mtsvane grapes grown in the Kakheti region of the Republic of Georgia. A fragrant dry white offering elegant fruit notes of apples and a touch of apricot. Bright acidity and a long, fresh finish make it a great cocktail wine, or an ideal match for salads, seafoods, and white meat dishes.

While Ric is off helping at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival I will be holding down the fort (with the help of our son Chris) and introducing you to DES VOIGNE CELLARS from Woodinville. 2006 THE DUKE -Columbia Valley Zinfandel Blend - The 2006 Duke is a wilder blend than the 2005, combining Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Lemberger, Merlot and Syrah. Dominated by blackberries, black cherries and freshly cracked pepper, The Duke is big, full bodied and dense with chewy tannins. Suggested pairing - Duke Ellington, "Ellington at Newport"

2006 SOLEA - Red Mountain Red Wine - 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from Kiona Vineyard and aged 18 months in French oak, Solea is a classic Washington Boardeaux-style blend. Black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, roasted coffee and black pepper aromas fill the nose wth a solid contnuity of flavors and an elegant finish. Suggested pairing - Miles Davis, "'Round About Midnight"

2006 MONTREUX - Red Mountain Syrah - Kiona Vineyard Syrah is blended with 2% Kiona Vineyard Cabernetthen aged in 18 months in Amercan oak. Loaded with notes of smoke and spices and flavors of blackberries, boysenberry syrup and hints of licorice. A bold, structred wine. Suggested pairing - Les McCann & Eddie Harris, "Swiss Movement"

2006 THE EMCEE - Walla Walla Valley Merlot - Pepperbridge Vineyard Merlot is blended with 4% Kiona Vineyard Cabernet for aromas of sweet red currants and wld berries wth bright flavors of cherries and sasparilla. 18 months in new French oak lends tannins that are well integrated into the firm yet ripe backbone. Suggested pairing - Lee Morgan, "Search for the New Land"

2006 SAN REMO - Columbia Valley Sangiovese - Rated "Outstanding" - Wine Press Northwest. The 2006 San Remo is a combination of Ciel du Cheval and Candy Mountan Vineyards aged 14 months in once used French oak. Nicely balanced, medium bodied and classically Sangiovese. Lush with raspberries, red cherries and pumpkin pie spices and a trace of dusty earthiness. Suggested pairing - Chet Baker, "The Italian Sessions"

Twenty one wineries, Bensons Best Bites, Salty's, Butler Bar & Grill, Waters to Go, Farley's Coffee, Chocolate Seranade and Jazz to entertain what more could you want?

Festival tickets are $20.00 in advance. Free parking at the South End of the Marina and free shuttles to the front door of Landmark on the Sound. Tasting glass and ten tokens to get you started when you arrive.

Here are the wineries that will be in attendance: Chandler Reach, EB Foote, Eaton Hill, Eleven, Erin Glenn, Fall Line, Five Star, Gilbert Cellars, Masset Winery, North Shore, Otis Kenyon, Page Cellars, Sleeping Dog, Stephenson Cellars, Stina's Cellars, Sweet Valley Wines, Vashon Winery, Waving Tree, Willis Hall, Wind River and Windy Point.

If you are wanting to kick the festival off on Friday night how about attending the "Gala of the Gods"? Anthony's Home Port supplies a scrumptious hors d'oeuvers and dessert bar, A Greek theme is carried out with sounds from Takis Dotis and the Mad Greeks. Belly dancers will be on hand to help carry you off to exotic lands and you will be meet by toga wearing greeters at the front door. Free Valet parking. Gala tickets are $75.00 in advance.