Comparing the faves: A survey of recent selections from respected wine experts. Whenever there’s an option, I highlight their more-affordable picks. Check out their websites for background and other picks:
2006 Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier Rapel Valley, Chile:
Natalie MacLean dubs it the best value among her recent white-wine selections, a “gorgeous Viognier!” $15.95
2005 Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Cotes du Rhone:
Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg describe this as slightly lighter than California pinot noir, with “more earthiness than fruit.” $10
Saint André de Figuière “Cuvée Valerie” Côtes de Provence 2006:
Dave McIntyre finds in it a “sunny, rejuvenating acidity and slight, enticingly herbaceous flavor.” $14
2006 Husch Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, Calif.:
Jerry Shriver describes it as “crisp and focused,” with melon and grapefruit flavors that should make it “perfect for Indian summer sipping.” About $13
2006 Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio:
Peter M. Gianotti calls it a “refreshing Tuscan, with citrus notes.” $20
Nothing tempting? Or just not available at the local wine shop?
Dig into some perennial standbys at SFGate.com’s Top 100 Wines of 2006, the Top 100 of 2006 list (PDF download) from Wine Spectator and the list of 50 Wines You Can Always Trust from Food & Wine.
Attracted to a bottle that’s advertised in the local paper or sitting on the local wine store shelf?
Do a little background research with Wine Enthusiast’s free, searchable Wine Buying Guide—either with a specific name or by types and price. For a little extra info, try Robert Parker’s handy Vintage Chart. Or see what the online wine community says about it with the search tools at cork’d, snooth or Wine Log.
Once you’ve selected the wine, you naturally want to decide what to eat with it. For some savvy guidance, try Natalie MacLean’s Wine & Food Matcher, which boasts a database of 360,000 wine-food pairings.
Feel free to share your experiences. And of course, enjoy!