Man Trip 2006 Wines

Website to visit

Each day, USA TODAY's Jerry Shriver recommends a a wine that costs $15 or less in his Cheers! blog at http://cheers.usatoday.com.

Sounds like a good source for us Bham Winos.

A recent suggestion:

2004 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel, Sonoma County, about $15. For more than 30 years this Sonoma County producer has turned out some of California's most reliable zinfandels (along with some of its very best Sauvignon Blancs), and this bottling upholds that tradition. It's packed with juicy blackberry flavors and spice notes, and the alcohol comes in at a very manageable 13.5%. This isn't a trophy wine, just a well-made, classic California Zin, and I wish more wineries would stick to this style. Try it with either a hunk of sourdough bread and some hard cheese or with barbecued ribs.

Chalone Vineyard 2003 Merlot

Officially it's the Monterey County Merlot.
I'm on a mission to save Merlot. It has gone out of favor because of the rantings of some bald guy in a weird movie. So who do you want to believe, him - or your taste buds? Seriously, Merlot is good stuff and don't forget it.

This one was very good. I have had good success with both reds and whites from the Monterey region and that was one thing that caught my eye on the label. It has rich cherry flavors and aromas and some hints of oak vanilla. Try it. $18 at Western.

Orleans Hill Viognier 2005

This white uses organically grown grapes. From the website: "Most California wineries make a Viognier like they style chardonnay-- big, oaky, clumsy, and non-distinctive.

Our Viognier is more along the styling of an Italian Pinot Grigio, crisp, dry and non-oaked with a kiss of CO2 left over from primary fermentation. This keeps the alluring melon and floral aromas in the forefront and makes a wine which is great summer quaffing or with light fare."

Online tasting notes: Clear light gold. Peach nectar and vanilla aromas, ripe and full. Luscious texture and a hint of sweetness on the first taste segues to a finish that's more dry and tart, with medium body and a hint of alcohol (it's listed at 13.5%).

Our opinion - pretty good. Served with salmon poached in a rich sauce of tahini and tomatillo salsa. About $11.

Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot 2004

We had this last night with steaks. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, and sweet oak. Not too fruity (it has a bit of Cabernet blended in) - we thought it was very good. Label also notes Alexander Valley / Wetzel Family Estate. About $15.

Keltie Brook Pinot Noir 2004

Hey Shawn - a screw top Pinot from Carneros. We drank it and blogged it so it must not have been terrible. No notes available. 9/30/06