Fall Creek 1998 Granite Reserve ($10). What was I tasting? I just couldn’t put my finger on it. There was a distinct flavor, but what was it? The bottle offered no assistance as to what blend of grapes comprised the “Granite Reserve.” For assistance, I called in my sister and her keen and unbiased sense of taste and smell. She swirled and sniffed. “Blackberry, perhaps?” And then she tasted. And, without missing a beat, she pronounced, “prune. Definitely prune.” Yes! Prune! That was it. This interesting red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec tasted of prune. Prune with a smidge of berry and a nudge of coffee. If you like prunes, you’ll like this medium-bodied wine. It would pair particularly well with Middle Eastern and Moroccan fare. (Texas Wine Pick, 11/00)

Llano Estacado 1997 Signature Red Meritage ($7). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, this wine was the first non-California wine to be accepted to the prestigious Meritage Association. It spends eight months in American oak, giving it just enough of that bourbony thing going underneath the smooth plum and berries. (Texas Wine Pick, 10/99)