Mixed Case: Great Picks from Merlot to Chardonnay

This week, we drank a lot of wonderful wines, from Merlot to Chardonnay. Here’s what we found interesting this week. Find your new favorite!

 

2012 Rombauer Merlot, Carneros, Napa, California $32
A light and pretty style with red fruits and plums that finishes with a light touch of vanilla. Good food wine that would pair with most chicken and beef dishes.  BUY

2012 Coquerel Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California $29
Lively and vivacious style with loads of blue notes finishing strong and long. We paired this with Eric Ripert’s salmon with leaks and pinot noir sauce, and it was a great match. BUY

2013 Gary Farrell Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California $35
A very pretty style with peach, pear and brioche flavors. Delicious paring with cracked lobster with drawn butter and lemon BUY

lobster and wine

2012 Balletto Vineyards Brut Rosé, Russian River Valley, California $42
Pretty in pink with lively acidity and complexity. Cherry and strawberry notes leads to a clean, mineral finish. BUY

2013 Landmark Vineyards “Overlook” Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California $23
Whole cluster pressed and fermented in French Oak without the use of cultured yeast. The style is slightly creamy with rich textures and flavors of brioche and citrus zest. We paired it with Dungeness crab, which made a perfect pairing! BUY

2013 Bodegas Juan Gil Albacea Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain $12
Dark, rich and brooding with dark blue and black fruits. We paired this with a homemade mushroom pizza. Great deal for twelve bucks BUY