Check, Please! Bay Area's seventh season episode 1 (#701) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Gamine: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

2) Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

3) Davey Jones Deli: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0mOXKwmFhgI

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My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I'm the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. I will also share some wine tips with each episode.

2008 Pepper Bridge “Pepper Bridge Vineyard” red blend, Walla Walla Valley, Washington $55

Intense, layered, powerful and yet still supple, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot from the iconic Pepper Bridge Vineyard in Washington’s eastern Walla Walla Valley is a wine to covet (especially since less than 500 cases were made).

2010 Amavi Cellars Semillon, Walla Walla Valley, Washington $20

The winemaker at Pepper Bridge, Jean-Francois Pellet, is one of Washington’s finest and his passion project is Amavi. This aromatic white made with Semillon grapes is a stunner. Juicy fruit notes are supported by vibrant acidity in a wine that pairs perfectly with fiery fare from burritos to curry dishes as well as a variety of cheeses.

2009 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Washington $29

Walla Walla Valley in southern Washington along the border with Oregon is home to many of the state’s top wineries, including Amavi. With its combination of dark berry flavors and earthy, spicy aromas this classy red could go for twice the price. Silky tannins create a luxurious texture in a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few years.

Watch a fun video of Leslie Sbrocco interviewing Jean-Francois Pellet the winemaker from Walla Walla's Amavi Cellars.