Roche Bousseau Anjou Blanc

The beautiful Château de la Roche Bousseau was constructed in 1433, though much of it was destroyed after the French Revolution and rebuilt thereafter. Vines were planted in 1791 and have grown to almost 200 acres of Chenin Blanc and the other usual Loire Valley grapes. Chenin creates a simple enough wine in most places, but in Anjou the grape offers wines that can be complex, complete and exciting.

Roche Bousseau Anjou Rouge

The Château de la Roche Bousseau is first mentioned in the 15th century, but it was destroyed following the French Revolution. The Regnard family bought their first vines in 1791 around that time, now they own about 200 acres of vines. This is typical of what they produce: absurdly underpriced 100% Cabernet Franc from older vines with bright fruit and slightly herbal notes that are both fascinating and perfect for you to toss chicken on the grill.

Rocoiseau Viognier

More than a half century ago Viognier was forgotten; near extinct. In the 1980s things blew up, with acreages quintupling. There were a few successes, but most just didn't do justice to the grape. Winegrowers eventually found the ideal conditions, while the Viogniers of the Rhone have become pricey and sought-after. Elevated spots in the Pays d’Oc are this wine’s source; to a great degree this is the grape’s frontier now.

Rombauer Chardonnay

Fruity. Buttery. Big. It's Rombauer, I don't think any further explanation is needed.

Rosabelle Rose

For rose it doesn't matter as much what grapes you use, just the process. Though they need to be picked early and when they’re still tangy and tart. For Rosabelle that means Grenache and Cinsault. These days a paler style of rosé prevails, set by Provençal producers and Rosabelle is cut from that cloth.

Saint Nicolas Pinot Noir

Everybody talks about how difficult Pinot Noir is to grow but, to be honest, it’s not that hard to grow it. It’s just hard to make it taste like Pinot Noir, rather than a generic red wine. You’ve got to grow it in a nice place where things cool off at night, as happens in this little spot of the Languedoc, protected from the afternoon sun. Maybe it won’t change your world, but it will taste like Pinot Noir that makes you want to drink some more.

Saldo Zinfandel

The Prisoner Wine Company needs no introduction; current winemaker Jen Beloz knows Zinfandel like nobody (she was at Ravenswood for years); this Zinfandel is blended from vineyards “here and there” (or “saldo” in Latin) throughout Northern California.

Scout's Honor Red

As consumers look for less expensive offerings, Cali producers have been scrambling to try and show they can produce high quality wine at affordable prices. Venge Estate makes several top notch reds in the $50 plus range and are well known for their high quality wines. For those who think you need to spend a fortune to get a great red wine, this may change your mind.

Sebastiani Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon

For decades Cherryblock has been the flagship wine for the Sebastiani family. Samuele Sebastiani emigrated from the Tuscany region of Italy in 1895 and started Sebastiani nine years later. He bought land in Sonoma County and made commercial wine for years; generations later, their oldest and most heralded vineyard is the Cherryblock Vineyard, most recently replanted in 1961. With about 8% Merlot, this is an expression of rich, old-vine Sonoma Cab.

Seigneur Du Feu Cabernet

Throughout the last two centuries of winedom, French wine has been aged in French oak (minus a few years surrounding WWI but we’ll save that history lesson for later). American oak is crucial to many other wine regions: Spain, Australia, the U.S. (maybe even Silver Oak). So this is a southern French Cab with American oak’s lashing of coconut and vanilla – the classic aromas of American oak barrels. An unexpected but happy marriage!

Silverado Solo Cabernet Magnum

Snowvale Cabernet

It's no surprise that I love Snowvale Cabernet. It's classic California; ripe fruit, full-bodied, hints of spice, firm tannins, and an intense yet balanced finish. The surprise is that it's only $13. This is one to buy by the case. Just don't tell your friends how much you paid.