Editor's Picks

Editor's Pick: A Napa Valley Merlot with Personality

For myself, I find that Merlots can be a bit neutered in style and typically not as interesting to drink as a Cabernet Sauvignon. But if you are in a position where you are not sure what to pick off a wine list, or bring as a hostess gift, Merlots are a great choice. Those of us less experienced than your typical wine connoisseur feel safe drinking Merlot.

The 2001 Ehlers Estate Merlot is a nice Merlot with personality. Blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine has tannins from the Cabernet grapes, along with the balanced acidity typical of Merlots. Give it a tiny bit of time to open up and enjoy. $27 a bottle retail. Available at the winery: Ehlers Estate, 3222 Ehlers Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574 (707) 963-5972. www.ehlersestate.com

Editor's Pick: New Mexico Sparkling?

When you think of Methode Champenoise you usually don't think of New Mexico, but maybe you should. The Gruet family, originally from the Champagne region of France, found climate and conditions ripe for producing sparkling wines in a southwestern state better known for providing stunning backdrops to Western movies.

Vineyards are just outside the town of Truth or Consequence, and the tasting room is in Albuquerque. The NV (non vintage) Blanc de Noirs is definitely a food wine, and not what I would pick for a strawberries and champagne serving. We had a great plate of French Fries and aoli at Mustards Grill in Yountville (CA) and it was a tasty mix. The wines are an old standard from a really unique place in the world. They are a good value also. Expect to pay $30 a bottle in the restaurant, $13 if you can order it from the web site (shipping limited to certain states). Gruet Winery, 8400 Pan American Freeway, N.E., Albuquerque, NM (888) 857-9463. www.gruetwinery.com/

Editor's Pick: A Rogue Syrah (Oregon)

Low yield, black fruit from the high vineyards above the Rogue Valley in Oregon make an exceedingly drinkable Syrah. Produced by the pioneering Oregon winery, Elk Cove Vineyards, the dark purple color looks velvety in the glass and delivers the taste your eyes make your stomach expect.

In the vernacular of the professional wine taster, this wine is "fruit forward." On the first sip, you can readily identify plum and cherry, later picking up a hint of toastiness (graham). Bottled this year, you can drink it now or keep it a few years. Once opened and sitting for a bit, you will notice the wine seems to get meatier and new flavors come forward. Since only 240 cases were produced this might be hard to find in restaurants (though that is where I ran across it). Syrah Rogue Valley Del Rio 2001 $48 in the restaurant; $28 retail. Elk Cove Vineyards, 27751 NW Olson Road, Gaston, OR 97119 (877) ELK-COVE www.elkcove.com/

Editor's Pick: New York Franc-ness

New Yorkers have always been well known for their particular brand of frankness, but they are also achieving notoriety for Francs of a different character -- still bold, and spicy, but something that goes in the mouth and not out of it.

The North Fork of Long Island is home to a young couple and the winery that carries their name, Schneider. Long an agricultural area, the last decade has seen the region gain notice for its viticulture - especially the planting and bottling of cabernet franc. Currently on the market, Schneider is selling its 2001 North Fork of Long Island, Le Breton Cabernet Franc in a number of well known restaurants across the United States. The small production, 400 cases made, means you might not be able to find it in a eatery next to you. If you do, expect to pay around $30. This bottle retails online for around $18. Schneider Vineyards, 2248 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 www.schneidervineyards.com/

Editor's Pick: {Pick 5}

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