Category: California best wines 2006

California best wines 2006

By Steve Pitcher, thewinenews.com Based on the performance of North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, California has been on a spectacular quality roll that got under way in 1994 and,…

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc of the Year Cliff Lede, 2005 Napa Valley – $20: Vibrant, spicy aromas of white grapefruit and verbena, accented by apricot and lychee fruit exhibit a…

Chardonnay

Chardonnay of the Year Grgich Hills, 2004 Estate Grown, Napa Valley – $38: A classy Chardonnay in every respect, offering enticing aromas of acacia blossom, ripe Meyer lemon,…

Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Year Rancho Zabaco, 2004 Toreador, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley – $50: The essence of old vine zinfandel, this stylish wine offers heady aromas of…

Syrah, Petites & Blends

Syrah of the Year Shafer, 2003 Relentless, Napa Valley – $63: Combining boldness with restraint and concentration with finesse, this magnificent wine remains the benchmark for Syrah excellence…

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir of the Year Merry Edwards, 2003 Klopp Ranch, Russian River Valley – $48: Wonderfully fragrant aromas expand with airing to exhibit vivid, ripe, just-crushed wild strawberry…

Merlot

Merlot of the Year Beringer, 2002 Bancroft Ranch, Howell Mountain – $75: Vibrant, intense aromas of mocha and wild blackberry accented by subtle notes of cedar, cherry cola…

Red Blends

Red Blend of the Year Joseph Phelps, 2003 Insignia, 30th Anniversary, Napa Valley – $165: The current vintage of Insignia continues an impressive record for this Bordeaux-style blend…