WINE TIME: Columnist Frank Sutherland picks the best wines of 2009(2)
• 2006 Adobe Road Bavarian Lion Vineyard Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($44.99): Both fruit and floral notes emerged from the glass, with scents of black currants, geraniums, graphite and minerals. On the front of the tongue, we tasted juicy fruit, particularly cassis, with soft fruit tannins. The texture was velvety. Everything about this wine was luscious.
Honorable mention wines under $15
n 2008 Primaterra Venezie Pinot Grigio ($9.99): Scents of strawberries, kiwi, banana chips and a hint of flowers. A versatile Pinot Grigio.
• 2007 Mark West California Pinot Noir ($14.99): The aroma reminded us of cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cooked sugar and creme brulee. Darker fruit on the palate, with flavors of tea, clove and tobacco, backed by high alcohol. A perennial value.
• 2008 Excelsior Chardonnay ($11.99): This South African white was aromatic, with strong pear scents along with lemon-lime and perfume. A complex wine at an attractive price.
• Non-vintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Brut ($12.99): This wine had clean smells of citrus, apricot, dried fruit and hints of floral notes. Crisp and clean.
• 2006 Maximo Castilla Tempranillo ($9.99): The scents suggested blueberries and pomegranate with a dusty hint of chocolate. We tasted blueberries, tea, milk chocolate, oranges and vanilla beans.
• 2008 Fetzer Valley Oaks California Gewurztraminer ($9.99): The wine was off-dry (slightly sweet) but in perfect balance. A superb pairing for Thanksgiving and other rich meals.
• 2008 Montoya Monterey Pinot Noir ($14.99): A fruity nose of strawberries, blueberries and lemongrass, along with mint and barnyard smells. A great match with food.
Honorable mention wines over $15
n 2007 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($74.99): The aroma offered chocolate cherries, pot du creme, creamy rich fudge and smoke. Everything in the nose was mirrored on the palate. A lovely wine.
• 2006 J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99): Big and expressive with a great texture.
