Wine List

<p>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):</p><p><b>Calstar Cellars, 2006 Alta Zin, Cardanini Estate, El Dorado County Zinfandel, $19 </b>(15.4 percent). A rustic zin with an undercurrent of spice. Notes of raspberry, chocolate, vanilla and black pepper. Briary.</p><p><b>Dashe, 2008 McFadden Farms, Potter Valley Dry Riesling, $20 </b>(13.8 percent). A dry Riesling with a silky texture. Notes of honeysuckle, apricot, mineral and spice. Good length.</p><p><b>Rodney Strong, 2008 Sonoma County, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, $22 </b>(14.4 percent). A bright, toasty pinot noir with tangy red fruit. Notes of cherry, cranberry, caramel and spice. Good acid. Lively.</p><p><b>King Estate, 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir, $27</b> (13 percent). Earthy, with notes of raspberry, mushroom, leather and caramel. Long finish. Smoky.</p><p><b>Oakville Ranch Robert's Blend, 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, $90 </b>(14.4 percent). Complex and concentrated. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry toast and spice. Lush texture.</p><p>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</p>