Bottles I'd happily buy again, described the way I'd tell a friend. Prices are rough US retail.
Reds I reach for again and again, from silky and light to warm and mellow.
Paso Robles, California (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Big and velvety, with blackberry, black cherry and cassis, plus a touch of mocha and vanilla. It tastes great after allowing it to open for 30 to 60 minutes.
Pair with Steak, burgers, aged cheddar, KFCPrice $50 to $60My rating ●●●●○
Beaujolais, France (Gamay)
Silky and juicy, with red cherry and violets. Light enough to drink slightly chilled.
Pair with Roast chicken, picnic cheesePrice $22 to $30My rating ●●●●●
Bright, fresh whites, from zesty and herbaceous to peachy and lively.
Marlborough, New Zealand (Sauvignon Blanc)
Bright and zesty, with grapefruit, passion fruit and fresh-cut grass. I especially love the green bell pepper and herbaceousness, that garden-fresh edge that makes it instantly recognizable.
Pair with Oysters, goat cheese, grilled asparagusPrice $12 to $17My rating ●●●●●
Erden, Mosel, Germany (Riesling)
Luscious and golden, with honeysuckle, white peach and apricot lifted by racy Mosel acidity and a long, slatey finish. Sweet without ever feeling heavy.
Pair with Fruit desserts, blue cheese, spicy Asian dishesPrice $50 to $60My rating ●●●●●
Pale, dry and made for sunny days.
Provence, France (Grenache blend)
Pale and dry, with strawberry, watermelon and dried herbs. The wine equivalent of a sunny porch.
Pair with Salads, goat cheese, summerPrice $16 to $24My rating ●●●●○
Bubbles for celebrations, or for no reason at all.
Alsace, France (Pinot Blanc blend)
Fine bubbles, green apple and toasted brioche. Champagne-style joy at a friendlier price.
Pair with Fried chicken, popcornPrice $20 to $26My rating ●●●●○
Wine without the alcohol. Bottles that still taste like the real thing.
Mosel, Germany (Riesling)
Bright and juicy, with ripe stone fruit and green apple, balanced by crisp Mosel acidity. It lands between fruity and dry and finishes fresh and clean. What I liked most is that it tastes like real wine, not wine that has been stripped of its essence. It's also a perfect gift for your pregnant friend.
Pair with Spicy Asian food, shrimp, saladsPrice $17 to $23My rating ●●●●●