Recommended Red Wines
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir (Pee-no Nwar), is quite a difficult grape to grow, it is normally not blended. Often referred to as the noblest of wines. Pinot Noirs tend to have a have more delicate and fresh taste. These wines will go great with grilled fish and lighter meats like lamb and chicken Our top Pinot Noir recommendation:
2004 Siduri Sonoma County Pinot Noir ($19) This blend from eight vineyards delivers deliciously soft, juicy cherry and blackberry flavors and a creamy vanilla character for a very fair price in a world of expensive Pinot Noirs.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (Sah-ra or Shi-raz) or Shiraz are the same type of wine. Syrah wines tend to have a taste like blackcurrant or other wild berries. These wines tend to be hearty and fuller bodied. Syrah wines can also have a toffee notes if they have been stored in oak barrels. These wines particularly go well with such foods as with steak, beef and stews. Our top Syrah recommendation:
2002 Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Syrah ($25) A big wine at a not-so-big price, it has aromas and flavors of wheat, blackberry, plum, cherry, toast, licorice and spice, with a pleasant earthiness and velvety tannins.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel (Zin-fan-del) are really versatile grapes, which result in light to rich to heavy red wines. These wines can go great with many meals, we particularly like them with our pizzas. Zinfandel grapes are only found in California. Our top Zinfandel recommendation:
2003 Ridge Geyserville Sonoma County ($30) Elegant and easy to drink. Aromas of raspberry, blackberry, menthol, black pepper, black currant, licorice and earth. Flavors of blackberry and raspberry with hints of mint, licorice, earth and vanilla.
Merlot
Merlot (Mer-lo) are softer red wines, and great for those of you interested in starting to drink wine. Merlot will go with all types of food. Our top Cabernet Merlot recommendation:
2002 Powers Columbia Valley Merlot ($13) This good-value wine from Washington state smells of raspberry, blackberry, barnyard, coffee, chocolate, leather and cigar, with a palate of plum, blackberry, cassis and tar. Lively acidity.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon (Ka-ber-nay So-vee-nyon) , we have saved the best for last. These wines are regarded as the some of the best in the world. You can enjoy a good Cabernet Sauvignon with a good red meat, plain dishes are well suited to this type of meat. Our top Cabernet Sauvignon recommendation
2001 Hess Collection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) Blackberry, mint, cherry, plum, earth, herb and roasted meat dominate the aroma; concentrated berry, black cherry soda, pepper, juniper and forest floor flavors are supported by cellar-worthy tannins.
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