Wine List
Published: Monday, January 4, 2010 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.
Press Democrat wine writer Peg Melnik scopes out restaurant wine lists around the North Bay, looking for good value and the occasional splurge. This week's picks (prices are retail; restaurant markup varies):
Ridge, 2007 Lytton Springs, California Zinfandel, $20. A snappy zinfandel with bright fruit flavors, anise and pepper. Firm tannins. Balanced. A blend of 71 percent zinfandel, with 22 petite sirah and 7 percent carignane.
Zaca Mesa, 2006 Santa Ynez Valley Syrah, $23. A big, fruit-forward wine with earthy notes. Meaty, with notes of blueberry and white pepper. Long finish.
Roar, 2007 Rosella's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah, $40. A smoky, meaty syrah with round tannins. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, plum and white pepper. Plush finish.
Carlisle, 2007 Vineyard, Russian River Valley Zinfandel, $40. A big, briary zin packed with fruit and racy spices. Notes of anise and black pepper. Zesty finish.
Williams Selyem, 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, $46. A crisp pinot noir with bright bing cherry flavors. Great high-toned fruit. Notes of violet, vanilla and spice. Long finish.
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
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