CRAVE > TIME TO WINE WHAT THE EXPERTS THINK YOU SHOULD BE SIPPING THIS WEEK.

Byline: CHRIS COGNAC AND BRANDON BRIDGES

>LA.COM

Red Carpet Wines

400 E. Glenoaks Blvd.

Glendale

[phone]

Mike Ulanday, lead buyer

>RED OF THE WEEK

2004 Mannina Cellars

Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington ($17.48)

We dare you to not love this merlot. The fruit comes from a single vineyard from Pepper Bridge. As a good merlot should be, this wine is very fruit-forward with aromatic plum, blackberry and hints of tobacco jumping out of the glass. A well-structured and well-balanced wine.

>WHITE OF THE WEEK

Malm Cellars Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2004 ($19.95)

A rich-and-creamy-styled chardonnay sourced primarily from the prized Baciagalupi vineyard. Exhibits aromas and flavors of pineapple, hazelnut, brioche and orange peel. This complex white possesses great fruit and acidity, as well as a full-bodied power with the oak kept well in the background. A dazzling wine value.

Grace Restaurant

7360 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles

[phone]

www.gracerestaurant.com

Eduardo Porto Carreiro, wine director

>WHITE OF THE WEEK

Les Vins de Vienne Les Laurelles Cotes du Rhone Blanc, 2005 ($17)

A fresh and aromatic white that jogs the memory of ripe peaches, apricots and pears. Perfect pairing for most salads or lighter sea fare.

>RED OF THE WEEK

Crauford Tattoo Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 ($36)

An outstanding under-the-radar value from Napa Valley. This is a full-throttle expression of North Coast cab. Think black currants, plums and rich dark chocolate. Delicious with steak, pork chops or lamb.

Hollywood & Wine

[phone]

www.hollywoodandwine.net

Jamie Edlin, managing partner

>RED OF THE WEEK

Forth Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Les Trois Enfants, Forth Ranch, Dry Creek Valley 2004 ($30)

This beautiful wine shows off fragrances of forest and violets before opening to luscious cherry and blackberry, coffee and cocoa flavors. Hints of vanilla and toasted almond linger in the long finish.

>WHITE OF THE WEEK

Rued Estate Chardonnay, Rued Vineyards, Russian River Valley, 2005 ($18)

Aromas of fresh apple and lemon with hints of vanilla lead to tastes of apple, pear, a bit of citrus and a hint of French oak. The rich finish is touched with toast.

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Photo:

no caption (2004 Mannina Cellars Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington)