Recently a good friend asked about some of my favorite wines. I hastily threw together an e-mail with a half dozen of my favorites. In doing so, I realized I had to put some thought into the response. This encouraged me to think a bit harder and put together this list. Wines make my list of favorites for flavor (F), food friendliness/pairing attractiveness (P), or value (V); see the far right column. Clearly, the sweet spot is a wine that makes the list for all three reasons. The flavor component should not even be noted – if I don’t like the flavors, the wine would not even be considered. The pairing component is nearly the same – I generally drink wine because it works well with food. However, I am leaving this open for the possibility of discovering a wine I like to drink, but is not particularly well suited for pairing. Not having unbounded supplies of cash, value is also an important factor. There are certainly wines that I have enjoyed (and are on the list) but are exceedingly expensive. Those that fall outside of my wallet’s pain tolerance did not make the list although they may have been excellent wine.
You will find that the table is arranged by variety although many wines are blends such as the Cabernet Sauvignons. I am reserving a “blend” category/variety for those wines that don’t fit the prescribed rules for a certain variety of wines such as the popular California Meritage blends. If you have a favorite wine you think I should consider, let me know. Better yet, send me a bottle and I promise to give it serious and thoughtful consideration. I know I have missed some wines that I have enjoyed and deserve to be listed. Undoubtedly, I will work on this as I work tirelessly rediscover the wines I unintentionally shunned. I will also update the list as I discover new wines that I feel worthy to be added…it’s a tough job.
| Vintage | Wine | Variety | Tasting Notes | Alcohol | Rating | Price | FPV |
| 2009 | Apothic Red | Blend: Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot | A captivating blend of three distinct grapes, with the dark fruit flavors of Syrah, brambly spice of Zinfandel, and a smooth elegance of Merlot. Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend. | 13.1% | 90 | $12 | FPV |
| 2009 | Folie a Deaux Menage a Trois California Red | Blend: Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon | A wonderful blend of 46% Zin, 31% Merlot and 23% Cab. A deep dark, clear raspberry jello red. The nose does not give up much, a bit of strawberry, a touch of chocolate and not much else. Nicely fruit forward, soft round black and blueberry flavors, cocoa powder, raspberry and then you can sense the tannins in the mid-palate. The tannins are light, but give the Menage a Trois enough structure and body to hold the fruit together. There is a nice raspberry jam finish. On top we've got Zinfandel, a saucy tease that brings blackberry and raspberry jam to the relationship. Merlot, with its generous mouth feel and red fruits, fits perfectly in the middle. The rich flavors and firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon make it the ideal. | 13.5% | NR | $12 | FPV |
| 2006 | Ghost Block Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon | The 2006 vintage has elegant aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice and roses. The palate confirms the nose with flavors of ripe blackberry, chocolate-covered cherries and coffee. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of toffee and cherries. This wine is both complex and balanced. My only issue with this description is that it should include a bunch of expletives pronouncing the spiritual experience you will have upon the first sip. Yes, choirs of angels, euphoria, and a sense that all is right in the world accompanies each drop. As we were nearing the end of the bottle, each of us were taking smaller, and smaller sips in the desperate hope we could make it last just a few minutes longer. | 14.7% | 94 | $50 | FP |
| 2008 | Rex Goliath 47 Pound Rooster Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon | Dark purple in color with aromas of currant, plum and vanilla. Black currant and plum flavors with sweet tannins. | 13.5% | 83 | $7 | FPV |
| 2006 | Buena Vista Carneros Chardonnay Ramal Vineyard Clone | Chardonnay | The 2006 Ramal Vineyard Clone 17 RY Chardonnay exhibits aromas of baked apple, pineapple, cinnamon, nutmeg and caramel and rich flavors of ripe pear, green apple, orange rind and spice with a creamy mouthfeel and zesty finish. Try this wine with poached salmon in a beurre blanc sauce. | 14.2% | 90 | $30 | FPV |
| 2009 | Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay | Chardonnay | Aroma: Kiwi, clove spice, nectarine and lime zest with a hint of toasty oak. Palate: Lush, mouth filling flavors of peach, apricot and papaya backed by vanilla and allspice. Overall Impression: A super supple wine with a creamy, silky texture and vibrant, fresh fruit. Nicely balanced with a clean, satisfying finish. | 14.2% | 93 | $22 | FPV |
| 2008 | Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay | Chardonnay | soft and complex. It reflects its cool climate source with flavors of green apple, orange zest, and apple pie, which are complemented by buttery and toasty notes. With nutty and rich flavors, the wine finishes with a silky, full mouthfeel. | 14% | 89 | $15 | FPV |
| 2008 | Mer Soleil Santa Lucia Highlands Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | Chardonnay | Citrus driven nose. Hints of matchstick, pineapple, banana and coconut. Soft and round entry. Oak is apparent, but not defining. Mid-palate goes on to reveal other layers of flavors – vanilla, lemon meringue pie and again coconut. Finish is rich with viscosity that coats the mouth for minutes after your last sip. | 13% | 90 | $31 | FP |
| 2008 | Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay | Chardonnay | The 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is pale yellow-green in color. It has a profuse nose of honeysuckle, vanilla, orange zest and lemon curd. The creamy mouthfeel is balanced with crisp minerality and firm acidity. The finish never ends. | 14.9% | 95 | $70 | FP |
| 2009 | Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay | Chardonnay | Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay is a rich wine with layers of tropical fruit, peaches and pears. Golden yellow color with a pale hue. Seductive aromas of peach, melon, and citrus are balanced with honeysuckle and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of pears, peaches and melons are backed with lively acidity. A nice touch of vanilla-scented oak provides an added flavor dimension. The creamy palate has a lingering finish of melon and citrus fruit with a satisfying buttery complexity. | 14.4% | NR | $33 | FP |
| 2008 | Sebastiani Vineyards Sonoma County Chardonnay | Chardonnay | Our Sonoma County Chardonnay is true to its appellation. Cooler coastal vineyards provide structure and minerality in this wine. The warmer inland sites provide weight and viscosity. The aromatics are strong with ripe pears, apples, toasted bread, vanilla and crème brûlée. The richness of the palate is offset by balanced acidity. | 13.5% | 88 | $11 | FV |
| 2008 | Travis Monterrey Chardonnay | Chardonnay | Ripe peach, pear, nectarine and exotic fruit aromas. Rich yet lively on the palate, with excellent natural acidity. The bright fruits and acidity of this wine make it a real pleasure and easy to enjoy. This is a wine you could easily enjoy on it’s own, or with any number of seafood or poultry dishes | 12.5% | 88 | $16 | FPV |
| 2009 | Don Miguel Gascón Malbec | Malbec | A bright purple luster draws you in, and the nose is bright, clean, focused and full of wild blackberry. Balanced in the mouth, with size and tannin but plenty of acidity and fruit. Tastes of blackberry, vanilla cream, molasses and spice, and the finish brings it on home. | 14.6% | 90 | $10 | FPV |
| 2006 | Benziger Family Winery Sonoma County Merlot | Merlot | Our 2006 Sonoma County Merlot is supple and full-bodied with velvety texture and rich flavor. Aromas evoke connotations of dark fruit and pepper. Robust flavors of currant, black raspberry, anise and ripe plum linger on the palate. | 14% | 86 | $12 | FPV |
| 2010 | La Ardilla Moscato de Valencia | Moscato | It is intensely floral on the nose with crisp citrus, and complimentary flavors of citrus, honey, and apricot. Many times with Moscatos, the sweetness buries the fruit flavors. Not so with the La Ardilla. I did not have to hunt for the flavors. And this wine had a very pleasant surprise – a light effervescence. The first impression is a wonderful balance between the sweet and the fizz that make this wine both fun and refreshing. | 5.5% | NR | $10 | FPV |
| 2009 | Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Harvest Select Riesling | Riesling | Our Columbia Valley Riesling is a blend of Riesling from throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley. We craft it to be a refreshing, off-dry Riesling vintage after vintage. The wine delivers sweet lime and peach character with subtle mineral notes. This is our "every day Riesling" that is a pleasure to drink and easy to match with a variety of foods. | 11% | 89 | $10 | FPV |
| 2008 | Koonowla Clare Valley Reisling | Riesling | Bright pale yellow. Perfumed scents of citrus fruits, pear, flowers and minerals. Lime and Anjou pear flavors are complicated by green cardamom and coriander seed, with nervy minerality adding cut. The lime note echoes strongly on impressively clean, nervy finish. This should benefit from aging but shows very good complexity already. | 12% | 90 | $20 | FP |
| 2009 | Ledson Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc | Sauvignon Blanc | This wine is a flamboyant fruit bomb from the moment the cork is pulled to the last exciting drop. The nose is richly fruity, filled with pineapple and fresh lychee; you just want to dive into the aroma! This wine is a show-off from the get-go! When you are able to tear yourself away from the nose, the palate is light, bright and beautiful; the acidity is delicately balanced by the rich fruit and weight of the wine. As the wine warms and breathes, the balance of the wine remains (although its beauty is best enjoyed chilled!). This wine is perfect alone on a warm evening, exquisite with food, and captures the excitement that this white Bordeaux grape is capable of. The finish is bright and minerally, as lively as you might expect of a grape exciting enough to be Cabernet Sauvignon’s mom. The soft fruit elegantly fades into lemony minerality as the finish fades into memory… Catch this beauty while you can! | $13.4% | 91 | $26 | FP |
| 2006 | Benziger Family Winery North Coast Syrah | Syrah | Our 2006 North Coast Syrah boasts earthy aromas of tobacco and herbs. In the mouth, dark fruit flavors of ripe plum and black raspberry linger on the palate. A long finish leads way to hints of pepper and spice. | 14.5% | NR | $11 | FPV |
| 2004 | McClean Vineyards Estate Private Reserve Paso Robles Syrah | Syrah | Surprisingly, the 2004 is actually darker in color and a bit more youthful than the 2005. With a bouquet of black cherry, plum pudding, freshly grated cinnamon, fig cake, dark chocolate and sassafras, this is a layered, complex wine at an astounding value. | 13% | 92 | $28 | FP |
| 2007 | Mayo Family Winery Russian River Valley, Saralee’s Vineyard Viognier | Viognier | Consider this wine a real showoff…with a secret. It’s the aroma that makes the statement. The wine is explosive and exotic. Perfumed aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot and sweet summer peaches will knock your socks off as this is not a typical, cloying Viognier with a simple sweet greeting. Once on your palate, you’ll love its fresh, crisp structure not usually found in Russian River Valley Viognier. Balanced on its well-structured frame is an array of peach, lemony and floral flavors that finish forever. | 14.5% | 87 | $35 | FP |
| 2006 | Ledson Russian River Valley Old Vines Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2006 Ledson Russian River Valley Old Vines Zinfandel features a rich nose of plum and cherry. You are then rewarded with wonderfully complex flavors of raspberry, strawberry, cherry and pepper. The finish is long and satisfying. | 14.9% | 92 | $44 | FP |
| 2009 | Seghesio Family Vineyard Sonoma County Zinfandel | Zinfandel | Wild berry patch aromas and scents of freshly baked bread. Desired varietal markers of raspberries, blackberries and Zin’s briary spiciness reflect the excellent 2009 vintage. Zin’s ever-present acidity enhances the finish and fine, dusty tannins add complexity, mouthfeel and structure. Layered nuances of flavor with cracked pepper, tilled soil and a hint of creamy oak. Characteristic synergy of components – balanced and elegantly structured | 15% | 90 | $25 | FPV |
