The Masters of Wines

With lots of cherished friends and guests coming to the Garden City next week you want to have wines that taste like a million dollars but will not break the bank. I guess the best way to start is the practice round wines. The white wine of choice is still Chardonnay, and the winner is Cartlidge and Brown ($11.00), filled with delicate apple and pear notes with just the right amount of creaminess and oak. This wine was a Gold medal winner in the Hilton Head Winefest, and will hold up against many of the $50.00 wines. Now for the reds, Merlot is generally a well-balanced crowd pleaser, with the ability to pair well with many different dishes. Echelon Merlot, California ($11.00) is outstanding, packed full of velvety dark fruit, lingering chocolate and a touch of oak. This wine is a winner all the time, and will please almost any of the finicky guests.

Now the practice rounds are over and Uncle Mike has the big boss from Columbus arriving Thursday, Aunt Chris is sent to the wine store to stock the cellar. She does not want to break the bank, keep in mind she is also going to stock her closet with new outfits, but also does not want to look cheap, the $10.00 and unders just won’t do! Here are some favorite wineries that make wonderful wines and are relatively well known.

Pine Ridge, California

This is one of my all-time favorite wineries; their 2000 Chardonnay just received 91 points in a well-known wine publication, and is only $22. Every wine they produce is a winner, especially Merlot and Cabernets. If you really want to impress the big boss pick up a bottle Andrus Reserve $130, this big fruit packed treasure is made in a traditional Bordeaux style. It is a true treasure and treat!

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, California

One of the true pioneers in California, this winery has been producing much sought after wines for decades. Their Chardonnay $30 is well balanced and elegant, a truly perfect example of classic Chardonnay flavor. They produce a wide variety of great reds, Napa Cabernet $50, Fay Cabernet $90, S.L.V. Cabernet $140, and Cask 23 Cabernet $200, all of which make my mouth water just writing about. These are world-class winners and will be noticed with appreciation.

Kendall Jackson GREAT ESTATE, California

This is not the regular Vintners Reserve wines we see in the stores; these are really special, almost heaven, perfect flavor favorites. We all know that Kendall Jackson produces high quality wines consistently; well this is raising the bar six times. Their Chardonnays are creamy soft with just the right amount of fruit $30. They also produce some down right, mouth watering, hoping for the next sip reds. Most notably, Pinot Noir $30, Zinfandel $35, and Cabernet $50.