Wines to try for week of Jan. 29

<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><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><h3>Easton, 2009 Rinaldi Vineyard, Obscura, Fiddletown, Late Harvest Zinfandel</h3> <p>13.6 percent alcohol, $20. A stunning late-harvest zin with layered flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, chocolate and white pepper. Juicy. Lingering finish.</p><h3>Ridge, 2010 Benito Dusi Ranch, Paso Robles Zinfandel</h3> <p>14.4 percent, $30. A big zin with rustic flavors. Red fruit, herbs and potent spice. Great acidity. Briary.</p><h3>JC Cellars, 2009 Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles Zinfandel</h3> <p>15.5 percent, $35. A juicy zin with a great core of fruit. Complex, with notes of cherry, dried sage, toast and a hint of caramel. Good structure.</p><h3>Marimar Estate, 2008 La Masia Torres Family Vineyards, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir</h3> <p>14.7 percent, $39. A round pinot noir with earthy notes. Aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, mocha and spice. Lingering finish.</p><h3>Williams Selyem, 2009 Vista Verde Vineyard, Late Harvest, San Benito County Gewurztraminer</h3> <p>9 percent, $40. A complex dessert wine with aromas and flavors of nectarine, honey, peach and cinnamon. Silky texture. Striking.</p><h3>Rodney Strong, 2008 Reserve Alexander Valley, Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon</h3> <p>15 percent, $45. A cabernet with great structure and concentrated flavors. Notes of black fruit, herbs and spice. Chewy tannins.</p><h3>Thomas Fogarty, 2007 Gist Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Franc</h3> <p>15.2 percent, $45. A cab franc with a great concentration of black fruit. Notes of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, herbs and spice. Juicy. Nice length.</p><h3>Clos Pegase, 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</h3> <p>14.9 percent, $48. A cab with good bones and a great core of fruit. Deep flavors of black raspberry, cassis, plum, anise and cracked black pepper. Complex.</p><h3>Amapola Creek, 2007 Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</h3> <p>15 percent, $60. A ripe cab with sassy spice. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, plum, with a peppery finish. Big.</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>