This is a hurried list of recent wines we liked. A better list will replace this one as I get around to it. On the Links page, you can find the link to Glenn Poor’s column on inexpensive wines. It is an excellent source of easily obtained , everyday wines. Note no years are given here, but be aware of differences by vintage, especially in the higher priced wines.
Under $10: Good wines for everyday use.
Red: Rosemont Estate (Diamond Cab and Shiraz and combinations), Columbia Crest Grand Estate (Cab and Merlot), Gallo of Sonoma (Reserve Cab, Syrah, Pinot Noir), Falesco Vitiano, Masi Valpolicella, Cline Red Truck, Duck Pond (Pinot Noir), Rancho Zabaco (Dancing Bear Zin), francis Coppola (Rosso Shiraz), Paringa (Cab, Shiraz), Wishing Tree Shiraz, McGuigan Shiraz, Beringer Pinot Noir, Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas de Monstrell.
White: Chateau Ste. Michelle (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc), Murphy Goode Reserve Fume Blanc,
Chateau Souverain (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc),
$10 - $20: There is a quantum leap in quality obtained by jumping to the teens.
Red: Simi Alexander Valley (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel, Beringer Knight Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Fess Parker (Syrah and Pinot Noir), Beckmen (Syrah, Pinot Noir), Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec, Talomas Syrah, Peter Lehmann Clancy’s Syrah, Lolonis Zinfandel, Lyeth Meritage, David Bruce (Petite Syrah and Pinot Noir), Chateau Souverain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Charles Krug (Cabernet Sauvignon and Carnernos Pinot Noir), Poggio Reale or Castello di Volpaia Chiant Classico Reserva, D’Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz, Leasingham Claire Valley Bin 61 Shiraz, Babcock Syrah, Palazzo Della Torre Allegrini.
White: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay, Wolf Blass Gold Label
Chardonnay, Fess Parker Chardonnay, Beckmen
Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Napa (Chardonnay and
Fume Blanc),
$20 - $40: Again a big leap in quality, but price becomes a less reliable indicator.
Red: Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Flora Springs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Silverado Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos du Val Napa Valley (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), D’Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz, Von Strasser Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Ste. Michelle Meritage, Foppiano Reserve Petite Syrah, Fontodi chianti Classico, Teofilo Reyes Red Wine Ribera Del Duero, Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero, Traviglini Galtimare, Rosemont Show Reserve Shiraz,
White: No need to go to this price on whites in my ignorant opinion.
$Higher Priced Wines: The best wines cost more, but you need to be careful about vintage and get better advice, but here are some winners.
$40 -$100: Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages, Chappellet Pritchard Hill, Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow, Franciscan Magnificat, Flora Springs Trilogy, Penfolds RWT Shiraz, Many others for you to find.
Sparkling: Under ten dollars you cannot beat Domaine Ste. Michelle, though Rotari and Frexinet are good if you want Italian or Spanish. In the teens , Gloria Ferrar. In the $20 - $40 range, in ascending price, Mumm Cordon Rouge, Piper Heidsieck La France, Heidsieck Monopole Bluetop, Deutz Brut Classic NV, Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV. Above that, go to vintage (C. Heidsieck 1990 and 1995) or through away your money on a fashionable label.