Wine list

<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>DeLoach Rose, 2007 Russian River Valley O.F.S., $18. </b>A refreshing rose, light and lively. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, herbs and spice. Crisp, with good acidity. Balanced.</p><p><b>Gloria Ferrer, NV Blanc de Noirs, $20. </b>A sparkler with lively bubbles and refreshing flavors. Notes of strawberry, black cherry and creamy vanilla. A blend of 92 percent pinot and 8 percent chardonnay. </p><p><b>Dashe, 2006 Florence Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, $32. </b>This is zin-licious. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, herbs and black pepper. Spicy finish.</p><p><b>Artiste Winery, Les Fleurs, NV White Blend, $35. </b>A lovely blend that's both muscular and yet light on its feet. Notes of citrus, toast and caramel. A blend of 28 percent gewürztraminer, with the remainder 26 semillon, 22 marsanne, 16 sauvignon blanc and 8 chardonnay.</p><p><b>Roessler, Griffin's Lair, 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, $45. </b>A Burgundian-styled pinot noir. It has a great core of fruit, but it's refined. Great structure. Firm tannins.</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>