Valley of the Moon Carneros Pinot Noir

The 2008 Valley of the Moon Carneros Pinot Noir, which yielded 4,400 cases, is now available. The young wine was aged in 30 percent new barrels and 70 percent 2- to 5-year-old barrels to limit oak influence. It matured in a combination of French and Eastern European oak for 10 months. The varietal leads with forward aromas of cherry and violet, accented by lavender and vanilla notes. Fresh cherry and raspberry with a hint of clove highlight the generous flavors.

For more information, visit www.valleyofthemoon.com.

Kenwood Vineyards Merlots

Kenwood Vineyards introduces its 2007 Sonoma County Merlot and 2007 Reserve Merlot. The Sonoma County Merlot was aged for 22 months in small French and American oak barrels; the reserve aged for 22 months exclusively in French oak barrels. Herbs and a note of spice complement loganberry and blueberry aromas in the Sonoma County Merlot, while the 2007 Reserve Merlot showcases blueberry, cinnamon and clove aromas, accented by a suggestion of smoke.

For more information, visit www.kenwoodvineyards.com.

Bagrationi Enters U.S. Market

Bagrationi 1882, a sparkling wine producer from the country of Georgia, has announced its entrance into the U.S. wine market, making it the first and only Georgian sparkling wine distributed in the U.S. Bagrationi 1882’s portfolio is comprised of Classic Brut, Classic Extra Dry, Reserve and Royal Cuvee. The wines are available in California, New York, Alabama, Washington, D.C., Mississippi, Virginia and Maryland, with a national rollout planned this year.

For more information, visit www.bagrationi.ge.