As we wrap up another week, finish up calls, meet our final deadlines and gripe to anyone who will listen, it’s time to consider our line-up of weekend wines.

If you’re in a funk, this will hopefully tease you out of it.

I’ve been busy sipping wine all week long in the name of research, and I have these suggestions to help you kick off your weekend. Here are some great picks:

Swanson Vineyards, 2006 Oakville, Napa Valley Merlot, 14.8 alcohol, $36: Briary and complex with notes of dried cherry, herbs and spice. Seamless texture. Good length.

Etoile NV Brut, 13 percent alcohol, $40: Aromas and flavors of tropical fruit. Nutty and yeasty with notes of pear, toast and spice. Good mousse. Supple.

Simi, 2007 Alexander Valley Late Harvest Riesling. (This was the Sonoma County Harvest Fair’s Sweepstakes White in the specialty category.) Rich and ripe with notes of roasted pear, apple, spice and honey. Lush texture. Lingering finish.

There you have it … a tasty trio of wines to explore this weekend. Check them out and report back.

In the meantime, we open the door for you to suggest others. What should we be uncorking this weekend? What’s more, what wine adventures should we be on the look out for this weekend? 

As for griping, if you just need a place to lament about your week, we also welcome cranky comments. The Net is a good place for the disgruntled because it’s limitless, a vast, untapped black hole.