Wine List: This week's picks

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):

Whitehaven, 2013 Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, 13 percent alcohol, $20. A sassy sauvignon blanc that's grassy and tropical. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit, lime and a hint of jalape? makes it edgy. A tasty pick if you like New Zealand-styled sauvignon blancs.

Flora Springs, 2011 Napa Valley Merlot, 13.5 percent, $25. A striking, earthy merlot that's seamless. It has depth, with notes of concentrated cherry, herbs and black pepper. Lingering finish.

The Prisoner, 2012 Napa Valley Red Wine, 15.2 percent, $40. A jammy blend with a big personality. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, cherry and pepper. Ripe, but not over-the-top.

Masut, 2012 Mendocino County Pinot Noir, 13.9 percent, $40. A pinot with gorgeous raspberry and dark fruit, buoyed by racy acidity. It's bright, with a great underpinning of herbs and toast. Nice length. Silky mouth-feel.

Kenwood Vineyards, 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5 percent, $75. A decadent cab well worth the dinero if you can spare it. Elegant and complex with a range of flavors -#8212; black raspberry, cassis, mint and white pepper. Great bones (good structure), but it manages to also have full-throttle fruit. Impressive.

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.