2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Big Winners

This morning I visited with Henry Tennenbaum of KRON-TV 4. During our segment we sprinted through a tasting of these four Judges’ Choice Winners. My notes are just a brief snapshot from memory so pick up a bottle of each yourself and luxuriate in a slower pace over dinner to gain the full experience.

Navarro Vineyards, Mendocino, Cuvee 128, Sauvignon Blanc This wine exhibits plenty of citrus and zippy acidity. The pH is just 3.16 and the TA is 7.5 g/l, making for a refreshing Sauvignon. P&B in Philo 13.5% $18 at the winery Navarro

Merryvale, Carneros, Pinot Noir 2008 This is truly an elegant Pinot with plenty of cherry fruit and an enhancing kiss of vanilla. The wine was aged in French oak for 12 months and 37% of the wood was new. P&B in Napa 14.8% $34.99 at the winery Merryvale

Michael & David, Lodi, Lust, Zinfandel 2007 This is a rich style of Zin with lots of jammy fruit and an almost thick texture, smooth and ripe. If you’re a fan of the winery’s 7 Deadly Zins, you’ll love this as it takes the richness and multiplies it by 3. Vinted and bottled by Michael & David Phillips in Lodi 16.9% $59.00 at the winery Michael & David

Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Margaret’s Vineyard, Orange Muscat 2009 The orange blossoms leap out of the glass when you smell this wine while in the mouth it is all fresh fruit, moderately sweet in the 4-5% range, and light-bodied. This fresh and delicate approach to this sweet wine would make it perfect when you have a sweet tooth but don’t want the thickness of many a late harvest wine. Produced and bottled in Paso Robles 12.5% $15 at the winery Robert Hall