A Matter of Taste

Rating wines is big business. I am sure that many a wine maker strives to gain acceptance by having their wines rated by the top dog guru's in the industry. Although I believe it is important to have an awareness of ratings systems and their value, the best system of all is trusting your own instincts! Choosing a wine from a restaurant wine list or for a special dinner at home should not be intimidating or even a chore. When wine is a passion it becomes a quest to learn more about it, the varietals, growing regions, the process of wine making itself! Wine should not be a mystery or something that is overwhelming, keep it simple! Start with a wine you like and know that it does not have to cost you a fortune! A 96 point rating is not a guarantee that you will like the wine. Don't get me wrong, I value wines that have been rated by the experts because when they all agree that a wine is very good or even great my chances of satisfaction also increase. I also know what I like and don't always agree with a rating.

2006 Morgan 12 clones Pinot Noir
This elegant Pinot Noir is produced and hand sorted from the top quality Santa Lucia Highlands Vineyards. The long growing season is attributed to the cool Monterey climate and strong Salinas Valley breezes and helps to create intense, ripe flavors of black cherry and spicy earth notes. The wine spent 11 months in French oak (40% new oak). The result is a pinot that is ripe, intense and well balanced. ($30)


2006 Lincourt Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County
This wine is sourced from the famous Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria and also vineyards in the Santa Rita hills. The combination is a great presentation of mango and papaya with a backbone of mandarin orange and key lime. This wine is whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak. This is a refreshing, accessible chardonnay. ($18)

2006 J Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from their estate vineyards as well as selected growers in the region. It is interesting to me that these grapes were picked at night to preserve freshness! The wine aged for 12 months in small French oak barrels (30% new oak). This wine exhibits aromas of red cherry with notes of earth and spices. ($29)