Tom Simoneau's guest appearances

Tom Simoneau

California Wine Country

On The Wine Road

Danica Patrick

Francis Ford Coppola

David Ramey

Bob Cabral

Alan Baker

Alexander Valley

Jim Morris

Brian Maloney

Remi Cohen

Jesse Katz

Dan Fishman

Rebecca Robinson

Tim Bell

Dan Berger

Tim McDonald

OwlTail

J Lohr

Tom Simoneau is in today with two guests from J Lohr Vineyards &amp; Wines, Steve Peck, director of winemaking, and Kristen Barnhisel, director of white wines. Kristen Barnhisel Dan Berger has brought a 2010 Morgan Sauvignon Blanc from Monterey. Dan Morgan Lee makes this wine, he likes the distinctive flavors of valley floor, green pepper, cilantro, parsley, all the green flavors. Dan finds it fascinating and reminisent of 70s and 80s style wines. In ‘95 or ‘97 we started seeing the New Zealand wines which taught us to appreciate the herbaceous flavors. Tom Simoneau would never guess it is as old as it is. Dan explains that its primary characteristics are green, herbaceous. Sauvignon Blanc is not like Chardonnay in any way, which is floral and has citrussy componenets. This is herbaceous. Kristen likes the aroma profile, there is a little dried lime on it with the sweet herbs, very Monterey County. The underripe grapefruit flavors are also part of this. Steve Peck tells how Jerry Lohr planted his first vineyard in the Monterey Arroyo Seco in 1972 and the original winery is in San Jose. They have dedicated wineries, one in Monterey where Kristen makes Chardonnay. They started making Paso Robles Cabernet, which has become the variety that has made their reputation. Dan says that the acidity carries the J Lohr Chardonnay. There are flaors of creme brulée banana peach. They’re about 20 miles south of Monterey. They pick at night. They have about 9 different clones of Chardonnay, which gives it its complexity. Dan says the mid pallette acidity carries a bit of under-ripe pineapple and with time, maybe 3 years from now, this wine is going to explode. Tom is getting pepper and oak together, maybe for the first time ever. Steve Peck describes the Riverstone Chardonnay that they are tasting. It is all barrel aged and also barrel fermented. It’s about 25% new American oak and malolactic fermentation. Steve Peck Some American cooperages made “too much easy money” in the whiskey barrel business, to concentrate and specialize in wine barrels. There are French cooperages opeating in the US with American oak and Steve likes to use them. Dan agrees. The next Chardonnay is a 2019 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay, their reserve Chardonnay and an ode to Burgundy, as Kristen describes it. There is another winemaker, Brendan Wood, who looks after their red wines, he has been with J Lohr for 17 years. Dan Berger tells the story of when Jerry Lohr brought several of his winemakers to Australia in 2006, for the Australian technical winemaking conference and they were the only Americans visible there. Dan agrees Jerry was dedicated to quality. He donated to UC Davis and to the winery at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. They are proud to be part of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and to put the authenticity stamp on every bottle. The 2018 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon is next. It’s a blend of three ranches in higher elevation spots and cooler spots, for Cabernet. There is a bit of Petit Verdot in it. Tom Simoneau notices a little herbal quality in it. Steve describes the intersecting of the flavor profiles in his blends. He recommends a splash decant, to get air onto it.

Tom Simoneau is in today with two guests from <a href="https://www.jlohr.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">J Lohr Vineyards &amp; Wines</a>, Steve Peck, director of winemaking, and Kristen Barnhisel, director of white wines. <a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.148/a1j.e4a.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/kristen-barnhisel-j-lohr.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Kristen Barnhisel Dan Berger has brought a 2010 Morgan Sauvignon Blanc from Monterey. Dan Morgan Lee makes this wine, he likes the distinctive flavors of valley floor, green pepper, cilantro, parsley, all the green flavors. Dan finds it fascinating and reminisent of 70s and 80s style wines. In ‘95 or ‘97 we started seeing the New Zealand wines which taught us to appreciate the herbaceous flavors. Tom Simoneau would never guess it is as old as it is. Dan explains that its primary characteristics are green, herbaceous. Sauvignon Blanc is not like Chardonnay in any way, which is floral and has citrussy componenets. This is herbaceous. Kristen likes the aroma profile, there is a little dried lime on it with the sweet herbs, very Monterey County. The underripe grapefruit flavors are also part of this. Steve Peck tells how Jerry Lohr planted his first vineyard in the Monterey Arroyo Seco in 1972 and the original winery is in San Jose. They have dedicated wineries, one in Monterey where Kristen makes Chardonnay. They started making Paso Robles Cabernet, which has become the variety that has made their reputation. Dan says that the acidity carries the J Lohr Chardonnay. There are flaors of creme brulée banana peach. They’re about 20 miles south of Monterey. They pick at night. They have about 9 different clones of Chardonnay, which gives it its complexity. Dan says the mid pallette acidity carries a bit of under-ripe pineapple and with time, maybe 3 years from now, this wine is going to explode. Tom is getting pepper and oak together, maybe for the first time ever. Steve Peck describes the Riverstone Chardonnay that they are tasting. It is all barrel aged and also barrel fermented. It’s about 25% new American oak and malolactic fermentation. <a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.148/a1j.e4a.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/steve-peck-j-lohr.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Steve Peck Some American cooperages made “too much easy money” in the whiskey barrel business, to concentrate and specialize in wine barrels. There are French cooperages opeating in the US with American oak and Steve likes to use them. Dan agrees. The next Chardonnay is a 2019 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay, their reserve Chardonnay and an ode to Burgundy, as Kristen describes it. There is another winemaker, Brendan Wood, who looks after their red wines, he has been with J Lohr for 17 years. Dan Berger tells the story of when Jerry Lohr brought several of his winemakers to Australia in 2006, for the Australian technical winemaking conference and they were the only Americans visible there. Dan agrees Jerry was dedicated to quality. He donated to UC Davis and to the winery at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. They are proud to be part of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and to put the authenticity stamp on every bottle. The 2018 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon is next. It’s a blend of three ranches in higher elevation spots and cooler spots, for Cabernet. There is a bit of Petit Verdot in it. Tom Simoneau notices a little herbal quality in it. Steve describes the intersecting of the flavor profiles in his blends. He recommends a splash decant, to get air onto it.

J Lohr Vineyards presented by Tom Simoneau

Tom Simoneau joins Steve Jaxon this week with his 2019 Wines of the Year and to interview Nicole Hitchcock, winemaker at J Vineyards and Tom's 2019 Winery of the Year. Today's show notes are by Tom Simoneau.Winery of the Year: J Vineyards &amp; WineryWith the J Cuvée 20 being my sparkling wine of the year, I’m here to tell you that’s just a small part of what is happening at J. Since it was purchased by E &amp; J Gallo Winery in 2015, the brand continues to flourish under the new ownership. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock oversees a portfolio that includes 1 Pinot Gris, 1 Vin Gris, 6 Chardonnays, 10 Pinot Noirs, and 8 Sparklers. I was the lucky guy who got to taste most of them last month. The tasting room is a must stop as they have an in-house chef to pair these stunning wines with some very creative small plates. Congratulations to J Vineyards &amp; Winery as my 2019 Winery of the Year. jwine.comBest WhitesSparkling Wine:J Vineyard &amp; Winery Cuvée 20, Nonvintage, Russian River Valley, $38. Initially introduced to commemorate their 20th Anniversary. Cuvée 20 today represents the workhorse of the J Sparkling wine portfolio. jwine.comChardonnay:Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards 2017 Sonoma Coast Les Pierres, Estate Grown, $42. Long known for producing some of Sonoma County’s finest Chardonnay. Winemaker Mick Schroeter continues that tradition. sonomacutrer.comSauvignon Blanc:Dry Creek Vineyard 2018 Dry Creek Valley, $20. With classic Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc flavors this 100% Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in 84% stainless steel with 16% barrel fermented in neutral Acacia, French, and Chestnut barrels. Congrats to winemaker Tim Bell. drycreekvineyard.comOff Dry White:Mill Creek Vineyard &amp; Winery 2018 Gewurztraminer, Dry Creek Valley, Estate, $27. To say Mill Creek is a family affair is an understatement. Bill and Yvonne Kreck are the hands on owners and grape growers while son Jeremy handles the winemaking. millcreekwinery.comAlternative White:Gordian Knot Winery 2018 Albarino, Russian River Valley, Elieo Vineyard, $28. Unfortunately this will be the last vintage from Gordian Knot, due to the untimely death of co-owner and winemaker Tim Meinken. If you’ve never tried Albarino, think of it this way… if a Sauvignon Blanc wanted to be a Riesling it would be an Albarino. gordianknotwinery.comBest Value White:Kim Crawford 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, $18. Often discounted, this is a can’t miss dry white that falls right in the middle of grapefruit, grass, and gooseberry. Crisp, clean, and I’ve seen this wine as low as $10. kimcrawfordwines.comMost Fun Wine:Sterling Vineyards has released a trio of wines in recyclable aluminum bottles. The 375ml Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rosé are real wines full of varietal character. They are perfect when glass bottles, cork pullers, and glasses are not appropriate. $7.99 for 375ml. sterlingvineyards.comSweet Wine:Simi Winery 2018 Late Harvest Riesling, Alexander Valley, 375ml, $35. When you talk to winemakers this is probably the most difficult and expensive wine to make. This Simi is the best I’ve had in years. Dessert in a glass. simiwinery.comLuxury Wine:Maritana 2017 Chardonnay, Dutton Hanson Hill, Russian River Valley, $90. This is the new project from Donald Patz of Patz and Hall fame. This 1.8 acre parcel farmed by the Dutton family is vinified using only 27% new French Oak to focus on the fruit and minerality of the site. That’s what Donald Patz has been doing since he sold his winery. donaldpatzwinegroup.comRosé:Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley, $16. This wine was born to be a Rosé. Picked at a lower sugar to finish dry at 13% alcohol. Fruit forward and as versatile for a food pairing as there is. avvwine.comBest Reds:Cabernet Sauvignon:Duckhorn Vineyards 2016 Rutherford, Napa Valley, $100. Duckhorn may have made its reputation with Merlot, but those of us in the know have always had our ey...

Tom Simoneau joins Steve Jaxon this week with his 2019 Wines of the Year and to interview Nicole Hitchcock, winemaker at J Vineyards and Tom's 2019 Winery of the Year. Today's show notes are by Tom Simoneau. Winery of the Year: J Vineyards &amp; Winery With the J Cuvée 20 being my sparkling wine of the year, I’m here to tell you that’s just a small part of what is happening at J. Since it was purchased by E &amp; J Gallo Winery in 2015, the brand continues to flourish under the new ownership. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock oversees a portfolio that includes 1 Pinot Gris, 1 Vin Gris, 6 Chardonnays, 10 Pinot Noirs, and 8 Sparklers. I was the lucky guy who got to taste most of them last month. The tasting room is a must stop as they have an in-house chef to pair these stunning wines with some very creative small plates. Congratulations to J Vineyards &amp; Winery as my 2019 Winery of the Year. <a href="http://jwine.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jwine.com</a> Best Whites Sparkling Wine: J Vineyard &amp; Winery Cuvée 20, Nonvintage, Russian River Valley, $38. Initially introduced to commemorate their 20th Anniversary. Cuvée 20 today represents the workhorse of the J Sparkling wine portfolio. <a href="http://jwine.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jwine.com</a> Chardonnay: Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards 2017 Sonoma Coast Les Pierres, Estate Grown, $42. Long known for producing some of Sonoma County’s finest Chardonnay. Winemaker Mick Schroeter continues that tradition. <a href="http://sonomacutrer.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sonomacutrer.com</a> Sauvignon Blanc: Dry Creek Vineyard 2018 Dry Creek Valley, $20. With classic Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc flavors this 100% Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in 84% stainless steel with 16% barrel fermented in neutral Acacia, French, and Chestnut barrels. Congrats to winemaker Tim Bell. <a href="http://drycreekvineyard.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">drycreekvineyard.com</a> Off Dry White: Mill Creek Vineyard &amp; Winery 2018 Gewurztraminer, Dry Creek Valley, Estate, $27. To say Mill Creek is a family affair is an understatement. Bill and Yvonne Kreck are the hands on owners and grape growers while son Jeremy handles the winemaking. <a href="http://millcreekwinery.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">millcreekwinery.com</a> Alternative White: Gordian Knot Winery 2018 Albarino, Russian River Valley, Elieo Vineyard, $28. Unfortunately this will be the last vintage from Gordian Knot, due to the untimely death of co-owner and winemaker Tim Meinken. If you’ve never tried Albarino, think of it this way… if a Sauvignon Blanc wanted to be a Riesling it would be an Albarino. <a href="http://gordianknotwinery.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gordianknotwinery.com</a> Best Value White: Kim Crawford 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, $18. Often discounted, this is a can’t miss dry white that falls right in the middle of grapefruit, grass, and gooseberry. Crisp, clean, and I’ve seen this wine as low as $10. <a href="http://kimcrawfordwines.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kimcrawfordwines.com</a> Most Fun Wine: Sterling Vineyards has released a trio of wines in recyclable aluminum bottles. The 375ml Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rosé are real wines full of varietal character. They are perfect when glass bottles, cork pullers, and glasses are not appropriate. $7.99 for 375ml. <a href="http://sterlingvineyards.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sterlingvineyards.com</a> Sweet Wine: Simi Winery 2018 Late Harvest Riesling, Alexander Valley, 375ml, $35. When you talk to winemakers this is probably the most difficult and expensive wine to make. This Simi is the best I’ve had in years. Dessert in a glass. <a href="http://simiwinery.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">simiwinery.com</a> Luxury Wine: Maritana 2017 Chardonnay, Dutton Hanson Hill, Russian River Valley, $90. This is the new project from Donald Patz of Patz and Hall fame. This 1.8 acre parcel farmed by the Dutton family is vinified using only 27% new French Oak to focus on the fruit and minerality of the site. That’s what Donald Patz has been doing since he sold his winery. <a href="http://donaldpatzwinegroup.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donaldpatzwinegroup.com</a> Rosé: Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley, $16. This wine was born to be a Rosé. Picked at a lower sugar to finish dry at 13% alcohol. Fruit forward and as versatile for a food pairing as there is. <a href="http://avvwine.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">avvwine.com</a> Best Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon: Duckhorn Vineyards 2016 Rutherford, Napa Valley, $100. Duckhorn may have made its reputation with Merlot, but those of us in the know have always had our ey...

2019 Wines of the Year with Tom Simoneau

Michelle Marquez is filling in for Steve Jaxon today. Dan Berger and Tom Simoneau are both in today as well. Simoneau Vineyards is putting on a Winemaker Dinner at the Bay View Restaurant at the Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay. Today, Tom Simoneau has invited Marco Gallazzo and Luca Duria from the Inn at the Tides. Luca is the chef there and will prepare the dinner that they will serve at the Winemaker’s Dinner on Friday, October 14th, at the Inn. Today in the studio they have brought the whole dinner served with linen and actual silverware. They will pair it with the four wines that they will serve that evening. The chef is an expert Italian chef.Tom Simoneau started making wine in 1983 but only went commercial in 2005. He is known as a grape grower but his production under his label is small and he only sells direct to consumer.Tom has brought his Chardonnay Rosé. Dan says there may have been others but this one is superb. It’s made using early harvested Chardonnay fruit. The aftertaste has a gorgeous strawberry raspberry finish. Tom says it’s hard to make. They crushed the red grapes, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon separately, before the Chardonnay grapes.Diners will taste Tom Simoneau’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage red wine, Brenda Lee Chardonnay and Chardonnay Rosé, with the dinner. You can make reservations by emailing or calling the Inn at the Tides. There will be a Lemon Risotto with fresh peas and pea shoots, and prawns finished in butter and Brenda Lee Chardonnay. It will be paired with the 2013 Brenda Lee Chardonnay, their 25th harvest. The oldest vines in that vineyard are from 1972, with some later plantings. They use French oak barrels and only 30% malolactic fermentation. Dan says the entry shows good acidity and the aftertaste is rich enough to go with the richness of the risotto. The rice is perfectly cooked, al dente, as it should be. Chef Luca explains that Italian Arborio rice keeps its texture very well.

Michelle Marquez is filling in for Steve Jaxon today. Dan Berger and Tom Simoneau are both in today as well. Simoneau Vineyards is putting on a Winemaker Dinner at the Bay View Restaurant at the Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay. Today, Tom Simoneau has invited Marco Gallazzo and Luca Duria from the Inn at the Tides. Luca is the chef there and will prepare the dinner that they will serve at the Winemaker’s Dinner on Friday, October 14th, at the Inn. Today in the studio they have brought the whole dinner served with linen and actual silverware. They will pair it with the four wines that they will serve that evening. The chef is an expert Italian chef. Tom Simoneau started making wine in 1983 but only went commercial in 2005. He is known as a grape grower but his production under his label is small and he only sells direct to consumer. Tom has brought his Chardonnay Rosé. Dan says there may have been others but this one is superb. It’s made using early harvested Chardonnay fruit. The aftertaste has a gorgeous strawberry raspberry finish. Tom says it’s hard to make. They crushed the red grapes, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon separately, before the Chardonnay grapes. Diners will taste Tom Simoneau’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage red wine, Brenda Lee Chardonnay and Chardonnay Rosé, with the dinner. You can make reservations by emailing or calling the Inn at the Tides. There will be a Lemon Risotto with fresh peas and pea shoots, and prawns finished in butter and Brenda Lee Chardonnay. It will be paired with the 2013 Brenda Lee Chardonnay, their 25th harvest. The oldest vines in that vineyard are from 1972, with some later plantings. They use French oak barrels and only 30% malolactic fermentation. Dan says the entry shows good acidity and the aftertaste is rich enough to go with the richness of the risotto. The rice is perfectly cooked, al dente, as it should be. Chef Luca explains that Italian Arborio rice keeps its texture very well.

Tom Simoneau and his Winemaker Dinner

Tom Simoneau is on California Wine Country this week to present his 2018 Wines of the Year, with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. There are a lot of wines to describe and a few to taste, so we get started right away. After each wine, you will find links to the wineries' websites. Tom Simoneau's website is http://winecountrylive.com/.Winery of the YearFerrari-Carano Vineyards and WineryThis stunning property in the deep end of Dry Creek Valley has been producing world class wine for nearly forty years. Recently widowed Rhonda Carano continues on the vision she and Don Carano planned way back in 1981. The grounds at the winery are worth a visit alone. The wine making team headed by Sarah Quider and Rebecka Deike have made so many good wines you’ll have some fun trying to figure out which wine is your favorite. Congratulations to my Winery of the Year… Ferrari-Carano. Sarah Quider calls in to the station for a live chat with Tom, Steve and Dan (beginning at about 32:18 in the audio file). ferrari-carano.comBest WhitesSparkling Wine: Gosset Champagne, Non Vintage Grand Reserve Brut, $45With just the right amount of bubbles, just the right amount of yeast, just the right amount of acid, this wine is just right. How long have they been making sparkling wine in Champagne? Only 350 years to get it right. Once you taste this Gosset Sparkler you’ll have a new best friend.  champagne-gosset.comChardonnay: Hyde de Villaine (HdV), 2015 Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley, $70HdV is a family venture between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, France. Aubert de Villaine, Co-Director of Domain de la Romanee-Conti, married Larry Hyde’s cousin Pamela, and a star… winery was born. This Chardonnay is lean in a rich sort of way. It’s the definition of balance, fruit, a magnificent mouth feel with a finish that leaves you with, how’d they do that? HdVwines.comSauvignon Blanc: Hanna Winery, 2017 Russian River Valley, $19Long known for producing one of Sonoma County’s finest Sauvignon Blancs, winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe did not disappoint with his 2017. Crisp grapefruit, hints of herbs and mineral, nice and dry. From a classy Sonoma County family owned winery. hannawinery.comOff Dry White: Imagery Estate Winery, 2017 Riesling, Upper Ridge Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak, $26From the winery long known for producing alternative wines with colorful art labels on their wine bottles, this Riesling is a real winner. Fruity and flavorful, the perfect aperitif. A stop by their tasting room in the Sonoma Valley is an education in itself. imagerywinery.comAlternative White:   Sonoma-Loeb, 2016 Viognier, Cold Creek Vineyard, Carneros, $32You may not have heard of Sonoma-Loeb before, but if Napa Valley’s Chappellet is familiar, they are the owners. This is a wine brand you need to check out. This Rhone white is as good a Viognier as I have ever tasted. With its floral aroma, crisp acidity, and rich mouth feel I guarantee you’ll thank me for turning you on to this wine. Sonoma-Loeb.comBest Value White: Korbel Champagne Cellars, 2015 Natural, Russian River Valley Champagne, $16How’s the old saying go… A chicken in every pot and a bottle of sparkling wine in every fridge. Not sure if that was said by Dom Perignon or Gary Heck, the owner of Korbel. But either way, Korbel makes it easy for all of us to celebrate with a glass of bubbles and not break the bank. The Natural is my favorite but the entire portfolio of sparklers is highly recommended. And yes, it says Champagne on the label. It was grandfathered in back in 2006. korbel.comRosé:   Bucher Vineyards, 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $25Rosés are on fire. It is the hottest category for wine sales over the last few years. This Bucher Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir is crisp with bright strawberry fruit, from the long time dairy farm family off West Side Road in Healdsburg. Visit their website for an appointment at their new group tasting lounge i...

Tom Simoneau is on California Wine Country this week to present his 2018 Wines of the Year, with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. There are a lot of wines to describe and a few to taste, so we get started right away. After each wine, you will find links to the wineries' websites. Tom Simoneau's website is <a href="http://winecountrylive.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://winecountrylive.com/</a>. Winery of the Year Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery This stunning property in the deep end of Dry Creek Valley has been producing world class wine for nearly forty years. Recently widowed Rhonda Carano continues on the vision she and Don Carano planned way back in 1981. The grounds at the winery are worth a visit alone. The wine making team headed by Sarah Quider and Rebecka Deike have made so many good wines you’ll have some fun trying to figure out which wine is your favorite. Congratulations to my Winery of the Year… Ferrari-Carano. Sarah Quider calls in to the station for a live chat with Tom, Steve and Dan (beginning at about 32:18 in the audio file). <a href="http://ferrari-carano.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ferrari-carano.com</a> Best Whites Sparkling Wine: Gosset Champagne, Non Vintage Grand Reserve Brut, $45 With just the right amount of bubbles, just the right amount of yeast, just the right amount of acid, this wine is just right. How long have they been making sparkling wine in Champagne? Only 350 years to get it right. Once you taste this Gosset Sparkler you’ll have a new best friend.  <a href="http://champagne-gosset.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">champagne-gosset.com</a> Chardonnay: Hyde de Villaine (HdV), 2015 Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley, $70 HdV is a family venture between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, France. Aubert de Villaine, Co-Director of Domain de la Romanee-Conti, married Larry Hyde’s cousin Pamela, and a star… winery was born. This Chardonnay is lean in a rich sort of way. It’s the definition of balance, fruit, a magnificent mouth feel with a finish that leaves you with, how’d they do that? <a href="http://HdVwines.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HdVwines.com</a> Sauvignon Blanc: Hanna Winery, 2017 Russian River Valley, $19 Long known for producing one of Sonoma County’s finest Sauvignon Blancs, winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe did not disappoint with his 2017. Crisp grapefruit, hints of herbs and mineral, nice and dry. From a classy Sonoma County family owned winery. <a href="http://hannawinery.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hannawinery.com</a> Off Dry White: Imagery Estate Winery, 2017 Riesling, Upper Ridge Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak, $26 From the winery long known for producing alternative wines with colorful art labels on their wine bottles, this Riesling is a real winner. Fruity and flavorful, the perfect aperitif. A stop by their tasting room in the Sonoma Valley is an education in itself. <a href="http://imagerywinery.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">imagerywinery.com</a> Alternative White:   Sonoma-Loeb, 2016 Viognier, Cold Creek Vineyard, Carneros, $32 You may not have heard of Sonoma-Loeb before, but if Napa Valley’s Chappellet is familiar, they are the owners. This is a wine brand you need to check out. This Rhone white is as good a Viognier as I have ever tasted. With its floral aroma, crisp acidity, and rich mouth feel I guarantee you’ll thank me for turning you on to this wine. <a href="http://Sonoma-Loeb.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sonoma-Loeb.com</a> Best Value White: Korbel Champagne Cellars, 2015 Natural, Russian River Valley Champagne, $16 How’s the old saying go… A chicken in every pot and a bottle of sparkling wine in every fridge. Not sure if that was said by Dom Perignon or Gary Heck, the owner of Korbel. But either way, Korbel makes it easy for all of us to celebrate with a glass of bubbles and not break the bank. The Natural is my favorite but the entire portfolio of sparklers is highly recommended. And yes, it says Champagne on the label. It was grandfathered in back in 2006. <a href="http://korbel.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">korbel.com</a> Rosé:   Bucher Vineyards, 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $25 Rosés are on fire. It is the hottest category for wine sales over the last few years. This Bucher Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir is crisp with bright strawberry fruit, from the long time dairy farm family off West Side Road in Healdsburg. Visit their website for an appointment at their new group tasting lounge i...