WHATCHA LOOKING FOR?

My phone is constantly dinging with pictures of wine labels and questions from friends. The mass majority are “Big” wine labels, Yellow Tail, Beringer, La Crema, etc. You get the point, people look for wines they are familiar with. If you have heard about it, it MUST be good. That’s not really the case in wine. The best VALUE is in wines you haven’t heard of!

Kinda like my daughter, Taylor. Her birthday is around the corner. When I asked her for her list, it went something like this; Zippy Sack, Snackys and belt buddies. If you watch any sort of TV, you realize these commercials run constantly on kids channels. No puppies, Dora, or Princesses.  She was slightly devastated when I informed her she didn’t need any of these items. She pleaded with me “Mom, with the zippy sack, you don’t have to make the bed”. I slightly paused at that fact. Good one, I thought. No, was still my answer. I might have steered her in the direction of a scooter, crisis averted!

When looking for wine, it can be overwhelming. I get overwhelmed. I suggest you challenge your taste buds a little and try something new. Maybe Taylor can deliver it to you on her “new scooter”.

If you’re a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc fan try a Sancerre, Pinot Blanc, Cassis, Pouilly-fume, or a California Sauvignon Blanc. I recently had a Cassis (Domaine du Bagnol Cassis), it was refreshing, mostly Marsanne in the blend with notes of zest and minerality. The perfect alternative to my usual, Sancerre. My other recent favorite was a Barnett Sauvignon Blanc (California), tropical fruit and crisp $28.00. I am a BIG fan of Barnett Vineyard reds, but this was a nice surprise.

If your a California Cabernet kinda gal (or guy), there is HUGE world out there for you. Maybe try a Cab from South Africa (Rust en Vrede and Del Toren being my favorites), Spain you say? How about a nice Rioja (La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva, astonishing), Ribera Del Duero has some good quality wines. Washington State has been turning out some stellar Pinot Noirs and Cabernets, I had an amazing Andrew Will Cabernet.  France? The world is your oyster; Bordeaux, Cote-Rotie, Crozes-Hermitage, and maybe something from Rhone. Not necessarily all Cabernet grapes, but worth a taste! You can’t go wrong.  Let me know what you try and what you think!