Chateau Haut Brion: Red Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan. Since I helped with the harvest at this property in my early days and got to taste the 1964 vintage in barrel this has been one of my favorite wines. Deep purple and complex with overtones of black fruit, smoke and spice this is the perfect wine match for red meat, especially lamb. Haut Brion is one of the top 5 red wines from Bordeaux so it is expensive.
Turley Zinfandel: Probably the best Zinfandel produced in California, Turley Zinfandel is rich, extracted and full of fruit. Turley actually produces several different zinfandels each from a single vineyard. They also make 2 blended wines, an "Old Vines" from vines at least 25 years old, and a "Juvenile" from younger vines. Both wines are blends of fruit from several vineyards. Turley wines are very expensive for Zinfandel, probably the most expensive Zinfandel sold in California. This is due to small production from each vineyard and extremely delicious results. Very rarely do you find Turley wines available in retail wine shops. Sometimes they are found on wine lists of top restaurants. Wines can be purchased at the winery in Templeton California. www.turleywinecellars.com
Peralta Family Wine Company: www.peraltawinery.com. Ed Masciana, Winemaker at Peralta, is a genius when it comes to sourcing some of the best California wines. His wines have received "Best Values" from The Wine Spectator. Limited production, selections change frequently.
Joseph Phelps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Napa Valley. One of the best California Cabs. Complex and rich with layers of fruit. Also try Insignia, a Meritage (Bordeaux Blend). Pricey but worth it.
Mason Sauvignon Blanc: Napa Valley. Randy Mason makes a tropical fruit driven, citrus flavored beauty at Napa Wine Company in Oakville California.
Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay: Sonoma County. One of the best. Winemaker George Bursick created a style that reflects the fruit of the vineyard balanced with a harmony of toasty oak. Even though George has moved on the style is maintained. Great companion to lobster, crab and halibut.
Sineann: www.sineann.com. The new cult wines of Oregon. Winemaker Peter Rosback creates some of the tastiest Pinot Noirs and Syrahs around. Also a second label Owen Roe, www.owenroe.com. Try "Sinister Hand", an Oregon version of Chateauneuf du Pape or the lively Sineann Pinot Gris.
Cayuse Vineyards: www.cayusevineyards.com. Christophe Baron originally from the Champagne region of France produces Syrah from gravelly river bottom vineyards in Walla Walla Washington. Most receive Wine Spectator scores in the 90's.
A Great Wine Shop: Vinopolis: www.vinopoliswineshop.com. The wineshop in Portland Oregon that has one of the best selections of wines from the Pacific Northwest and great prices. Discounts on multi bottle purchases. Order from the website and subscribe to their newsletter.
Copyright Marc R. Kauffman 2008 - 2012. All rights reserved.