Wines to Taste Now

These premium wines have recently been released and are superior in taste and value. They all can be opened and enjoyed now:

Caliza Paso Robles 2006 Syrah. $45. A beautiful wine from the west side of Paso. Amazing texture and finish. Big fruity mouth-feel at 16.5% alcohol. Winner Best of Class and Sweepstakes Award best red at the recent San Francisco competition. www.calizawinery.com.

Chateau St. Michelle Washington 2005 Col Solare. $75. Acclaimed blend with the hand of one of Italy’s finest winemakers, Piero Antinori of Tuscany. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Cab Franc, has distinct aromas and taste of black cherry, berry and dark chocolate. A masterpiece. www.ste-michelle.com.

Grgich Hills Napa Valley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. $60. 21 months in French Oak with natural organic and biodynamic growing techniques. Superior balance of acid, fruit and tannins. www.grgich.com.

Justin Paso Robles 2006 Isosceles. $62. The ’05 made my top ten tastings and this release is even better! Isosceles is 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot and is always best when aged beyond its release date. www.justinwine.com.

Thornton Temecula Valley 2006 Nebbiolo. $32. The venerable grape of the legendary Italian wines Barolo and Barbaresco but with a value price. Thornton’s Don Reha nails it with a ripeness and maturity matching the Italians. Best of class at the 2008 California State Fair. www.thorntonwine.com.