Wine list: Look for these best bets

<p>Press Democrat wine writer Peg Melnik scopes out wine lists around the North Bay, looking for good value and the occasional splurge. This week’s picks (prices are retail; restaurant markup varies):</p><p><b>La Vieille Ferme, 2008 Cotes du Rhone Ventaux Rosé, $8. </b>A tangy rosé with notes of raspberry, strawberry, watermelon and great minerality. A great quaff.</p><p><b>Dry Creek Vineyard, 2008 Wilson Ranch, Clarksburg, Dry Chenin Blanc, $12. </b>Tropical fruit flavors. Notes of pineapple, pear, vanilla and spice. Lively acidity. Tasty.</p><p><b>Novy, 2007 Carlisle Vineyard, Russian River Valley Zinfandel, $29. </b>A zesty zin with notes of blackberry, black cherry, white pepper and spice.</p><p><b>True Grit, 2006 Mendocino Petite Sirah, $30. </b>A rogue petite sirah with an edge. Intense. Peppery with robust fruit. Firm tannins. Intense.</p><p><b>Paraduxx, 2006 Cinnamon Teal Red Wine, $48. </b>Bright flavors of bing cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Hint of chocolate. Long finish.</p><p><em>Want to share a current wine on your favorite restaurant’s list? E-mail peg.melnik@ pressdemocrat.com or check out her Tasting Room blog at pressdemocrat.com.</em></p>