Here’s a round-up of Chardonnays I’ve  enjoyed lately — with a little something for every budget!
Round Hill 2008 Chardonnay California Oak Free ($12). Crisp and refreshing, with green pear and apple, pretty lemon and a juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2007 Chardonnay South Australia The Lackey [...]

I don’t blame people for being confused about many of California’s appellations — most are pretty broad and diversified to the point that they offer little insight to consumers trying to glean information from a wine label.  Examples of a region and grape variety making a practically can’t-miss combination are fairly rare when it comes to the wide and varied [...]

There’s a chili cookoff happening in my neck of the woods this weekend, which puts me in mind of Malbec. It’s a great match for chili, not to mention roasted meats, grilled vegetables and more. In other words, it’s a food-friendly, versatile red wine — aromatic and usually made in a smooth, easy-to-like style. Here are [...]

There are days when I really love my job — and tasting a bunch of big, structured Cabernets is a good example of a really good day. (It looks like another wave of winter weather is on the way — so pick up one of these today to see you through!)
Beaulieu Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon [...]

I have recently been in the throws of a full-blown Vouvray obsession. It all started with a particularly pretty example of this classic Chenin Blanc — some would say Chenin at its finest — and evolved into night after night of weighing the pros and cons of various chevres and blue cheeses paired with various [...]

According to the Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission, the following varietals are grown in Mendocino County:
White:Arneis, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, French Colombard, Gewurztraminer, Marsanne, Muscat Blanc, Muscat Orange, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musque, Semillon, Tocai Friulano, Viogner, White Riesling, Other Whites
Red:Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Carmenere, Charbono, Cinsault, Dolcetto, [...]

Here are a few Cabs in the $25-ish range that I’ve enjoyed lately. Try pairing any of these with your favorite steak preparation, or this Pepper-Crusted Roast Beef.
ForeFront by Pine Ridge Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa-El Dorado-San Luis Obispo ($24). Excellent value on this new label from Pine Ridge. Offers intense, rich blueberry, blackberry, currant, sage, mint, [...]