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

Byline: >PAT HODGE AND CARLEY DRYDEN /LA.COM

Friends of the Vine Wine Shop and Wine Lounge

221 Avenida del Norte

Redondo Beach

[phone]

www.friendsofthevine.net

Fred Eguchi, owner

>RED OF THE WEEK

Trentadue Winery La Storia Cuvee 32, 2004 ($30.99)

This is a super Tuscan-styled blend consisting of sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and a small amount of montalpulciano. It is a rich, yet well balanced, red that exhibits layers of lush, sweet black fruit flavors and has hints of plum and spice. While it would be enjoyable now, it will also age 10-plus years. Pairs with anything from lasagna to ribs.

>WHITE OF THE WEEK

Joel Gott Chardonnay, 2006 ($14.99)

This Monterey wine is well balanced and creamy and with great texture. It has notes of orange and apricot, with a hint of honeysuckle on the nose. This chardonnay pairs well with any cream-sauced pasta.

Coco Noche

1140 Highland Ave.

Manhattan Beach

[phone]

www.coconoche.com

Brenda Weber, events coordinator and manager

>RED OF THE WEEK

Parrone Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 ($30)

This wine is from the DeRose vineyards in Colchagua Valley, Chile. Varietal content is 85 percent cabernet sauvignon, 15 percent carmenere. It's aged 18 months in small oak barrels, then lightly filtered before bottling and aged for two months prior to release.

The Parrone cabernet has aromas of ripe cherries, cassis (French liqueur manufactured from black currants) and black pepper. On the palate, it shows toasted oak, wild plum and spice. With soft, well-integrated tannins, good acidity and lots of extraction, this medium- to full-bodied wine has nice balance and complexity. It finishes long with fruit and toast. Serve with red meat sauces, oven-roasted meats, or grilled Portobello mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini, and of course, chocolate.

>WHITE OF THE WEEK

Prius De Morana Verdejo, 2006 ($25)

100 percent verdejo, estate grown in the region of Rueda in North Central Spain. Prius de Morana Verdejo has wonderful aromas of white peach and melon, with hints of minerality. It

s a very fresh wine with a round and voluptuous palate entry, subtle and elegant freshness, delicious length and marked character. It presents a deceiving nose and subsequent fruit up front, converting to a mildly citrusy minerality midpalate. Its fun and surprisingly clean, dry finish most always pleases. It pairs up well with shellfish, fish, salads, marinated meats, rice dishes and cheeses.

Castle Rock Winery

75 Malaga Cove Plaza

Palos Verdes Estates

[phone]

www.castlerockwinery.com

Greg Popovich, owner

>RED OF THE WEEK

Castle Rock Winery, Mendocino County Pinot Noir, 2006 ($12)

This supple, medium-bodied wine boasts delicate aromas of violet and rose petals, complex flavors and long silky textures, with layers of strawberry and raspberry leading to a refined finish. The red pairs well with lamb, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.

>WHITE OF THE WEEK

Castle Rock Winery Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 ($10)

Crisp and refreshing, this white blends hints of citrus, apple, honey and melon flavors into a harmonious finish. Idyllic with seafood, chicken, salads and vegetarian dishes.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) no caption (Trentadue Winery La Storia Cuvee 32)

(2) no caption (Joel Gott Chardonnay)