Charles Smith Wine “The Velvet Devil” Merlot, $14.99

Winemaker Charles Smith is quite the character. Hailing from the area of Walla Walla, Wash., Charles is known for his outrageous appearance, big attitude, crazy labels and above all — for outstanding wines. You know Charles Smith's wines; they have the labels that look like a third grader designed them. But don't let that dissuade you from trying his wines.

The Velvet Devil Merlot gives off sweet chocolate aromas, which lighten to red berry aromas with a light chocolate under layer with touches of raspberry.

The name is fitting as this is pure velvet on the palate. Rich, plush and voluptuous are some descriptors that come to mind. This wine has a distinctive chocolate quality as well as big blueberry, blackberry and plum notes with a well-integrated lean texture and a finish that is intriguing. Smith and his Washington State creations tend to be solid values if not unique. This one is certainly unique. The Charles Smith line of wines is intended for immediate consumption and this merlot is a perfect example. This wine is delicious and while it may not be the most complex wine you will ever drink, it will surely put a smile on your face. Throw this down on the sofa with some barbecued ribs, pizza, or a hamburger.

You can find this wine at Avon Liquor, Alpine Wine & Spirits in West Vail, West Vail Liquor Mart and Beaver Liquors in Avon.

Kevin Lawrence, Avon Liquor

2008 Barefoot Chardonnay, $12.99 for 1.5 liter

When last we went Barefoot, I was extolling the virtues of the very drinkable and very cheap Barefoot Zinfandel. Once again, this California mass-producer proves it can outshine the other buy-by-the-pallet wineries with an el-cheapo bottle that nonetheless stands pretty well on its own.

Tart on top with some of that that cheap-white skunk to start, the Barefoot Chardonnay mellowed fast and opened up into a pretty nicely balanced and drinkable white. More sweet than dry and fairly acidic, it nonetheless exhibited a decent floral palate of apricot, pineapple and vanilla. It's tough to think too much about this in the depths of winter, since this would make an excellent choice for a summer barbecue bottle no one could wrinkle her nose at (especially at only $13 or less for a 1.5L).

Barefoot's Chardonnay has a sorta funky finish that might leave you yearning for a more sophisticated bottle, and it's not for the pickier white-wine fan. But as something to have around the house to serve with a quick fish or chicken dish — or to toss at that guest who always seems to arrive empty-handed — it's tough to beat at this price. Heck, buy a case — it definitely outflaps Yellowtail.

You can find this wine at Alpine Wine & Spirits in West Vail, Avon Liquor, Beaver Liquors in Avon, Eagle Ranch Wine & Spirits, West Vail Liquor Mart and Riverwalk Wine & Spirits in Edwards.

Alex Miller, Summit Daily Editor

Avery India Pale Ale, $9.99 per six-pack

Hops. H-O-P-S. Let's talk about them.

Hops, as Wikipedia will tell you, are the cone-shaped, female flower clusters that hang ever-so-gracefully off the lush vines of the humulus plant. The humulus (also just called the “hop,” since nothing else the plant produces is as cool) just happens to be a part of the Cannabaceae family, to which the Cannabis genus also belongs. And if you ever walked past the art teacher's car before first period, you'll understand that hops and the chronic share some characteristics — both are woodsy and pungent yet dreamily fragrant. Also, both plants have aromas and flavors that take some getting used to.

Now, let's talk about Avery's India Pale Ale. Yes, “IPA” is the name of Avery's IPA. (That's really all you need to know, but this train is moving on anyway.) This beer is for hop fanatics and hop fanatics only. If you like heavy floral tones and a citrus bite combined with a bitter aftertaste that requires another gulp to wash away (a self-defeating but wonderful cycle), introduce yourself to this beer on the double. If you don't like hops or haven't made up your mind about the conic little devils, this beer will be a bit much.

The Avery IPA is the payoff for “figuring out” hops, though. Not a beer for all occasions, it is still a rewarding piece of work. It has a soft snarl that the general public might associate more with a Scotch than with a beer; and the crisp, floral aroma at the front doesn't at all match the beer's bitter, malty finish, which is just tricky and cool.

Avery's India Pale Ale is a bit pretentious, but, like the Harvard Law Review, it's really well done — even if you don't get it. And like Kanye West, it's good, so it does whatever it wants — which, in this case, is to be as hoppy as a drinkable beer can be.

You can find this beer at Alpine Wine & Spirits in West Vail, Avon Liquor and Beaver Liquors in Avon.

Aaron Butzen, Daily Correspondent