Top wine picks from North Bay restaurant lists

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):

MacPhail, 2014 Sonoma Coast, Rosé of Pinot Noir, 14.5 percent alcohol, $22. This dry rosé rides on crisp acid and bright fruit. Notes of wild strawberry and cherry, with just the right dose of spice. Lively. Vibrant. Knockout.

Kokomo, 2013 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, 14.8 percent, $28. This is a striking zin with a big personality. It has ample fruit with a tasty kick of spice. It’s a big-boy zin, layered with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cocoa and plum. Full-bodied. Firm tannins. Rock star.

Sonoma-Cutrer, 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 14.2 percent, $29. This pinot leads with black fruit in its aromas but on the palate there’s tangy cherry and wild strawberry. What makes it even more interesting is the interesting flavors in the mix – cola, licorice and tobacco. This pinot is a treat.

Rombauer Vineyards, 2012 El Dorado Zinfandel, 15.9 percent $34. This jammy zin has a surprise in the mix – a burst of cranberry amid the ripe blackberry. It’s a complex wine with a lot going on. There are also notes of cedar and black pepper, but that punch of cranberry gives this zin an interesting twist. A smart pick.

Sea Smoke, 2012 “Streamside” Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay, 14.9 percent, $60. A gorgeous chardonnay with lovely aromas and flavors of brioche, lemon curd, and jasmine. While it explodes with flavor, it still managed to be balanced. If you can manage it, this is definitely worth the splurge.

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.