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>Pine Ridge, 2008 California Chenin Blanc / Viognier, $14. </b>This is a sexy white blend that’s fleshy and fruit forward, yet crisp. Frankly, it’s a glass of fruit: nectarine, peaches, grapefruit and pear. Notes of honeysuckle and spice. The blend is 81 percent chenin blanc, with the remainder viognier.</p><p><b>Kunde, 2008 Sonoma Valley Gewurztraminer, $15. </b>A tasty gewurztraminer, with aromas and flavors of jasmine, honeysuckle, nectarine, peaches and spice. Bright and lively.</p><p><b>Chateau St. Jean, 2007 Sonoma County Pinot Noir, $19. </b>A great everyday sipper. Aromas and flavors of dried cherry, herbs and spice. Good balance.</p><p><b>William Hill, 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay, $22. </b>A toasty chardonnay, with notes of apple, pear, vanilla and spice. Rich, yet has good acid. Long finish.</p><p><b>Davis Bynum, 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, $35. </b>A balanced, elegant pinot noir. Aromas and flavors of cherry, rhubarb, vanilla and spice. Toasty 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>