Gosh… favorites!!!

I have a love for Guenoc Chardonnay. Its not an expensive bottle, quite the opposite in fact. I think it sells for around $12. I first drank this wine while visiting the Lilly Langtree Estate Hotel in Bournemouth England. She was a fascinating woman who owned the Guenoc Vineyard and I couldnt help but be captivated by her story. The food served in the hotel was amazing. It was almost like every single taste and flavor was perfect in that time and space. It has a very warm spot in my heart. It reminds me of nice Sancere’s in France. Not over oaked like most California Chardonnay. Its smooth and easy. Lots of fruit to it, but not at all sweet or frilly. (Dont I sound like a wine snob here or what!)

My second favorite is a Sangiovese from a local napa vineyard called Luna. I think this is the perfect red. Able to stand on its own or mixed with good food. I love the texture of it and the balance. Not too sweet and sissy, not too acidic, and not too in your face. I believe it runs … oh $25 to $40 a bottle.

Finally, there are several outstanding wines I enjoy from the Rothchild estates. These would not be considered every day wines. More special occassion. Priced around $85 or so. They are warm and rich.

If Im drinking cheap…. The JLohr Chardonnay is a good bet. It was pointed out to me by a young wine clerk and got a really decent rating from W.E. I think it was a 93 pointer which for a bottle under $10 is outstanding. If there are no interesting wines on offer, yet I want just something easy and of easy access in restaurants it would probably be something as simple as the Kendel Jackson Chardonnay. For the money you pay, you get a consistant product and can find it practically anywhere.

Types of wines I enjoy… Poulley Fousse, Sangiovese, Chianti, Sancerre, Chateau Neuf du Pape (for heavy meals). I think wine is like music and it is all about the mood.

Here is my little wine tip: Drink it and either love it or hate it. Share the ones you like with your friends and have them do the same with you. Wine is a VERY social booze.

It’s also a lot of fun to explore what you like (the more drinking the better right?). I recommend picking a region and learning what you like from it- start off with CA (I am a big Zin fan myself). Don’t read too many reviews they don’t make any sense anyways (unless the taste description of PENCIL SHAVINGS means something to you

Remember to HAVE FUN! Wine isn’t about being a snob- it’s a glorious alcohol with rich tradition. But you don’t drink it because it makes you feel important – you drink it because it rocks!