Wines on the Wing 2018

ANA adds 54 new wines to onboard and lounge menus

Why make a different chardonnay? Because you can! And, in fact, this is something completely different. You can immediately sense that this chard is more structured, more linear and more focused. Peach and nectarine show up on the nose, along with orange/tangerine peel. A pleasant soft landing in the mouth of stone fruit, orange and peach blossom along with barrel spice from 10 months in French oak (30 percent new). Very much a stricter and more classical interpretation of local chardonnay; less of a cocktail wine and more of a food wine with its finely chiseled acidity.

Plenty of apple, citrus and pear on the nose with a bit of tropical influence (pineapple) as well. Remarkably fresh, fruity and vibrant on the palate. The tropical fruit becomes more evident, but it's brisk and breezy, not overwhelming, with apple and citrus making another appearance. Bright and sunny, it has a modicum of texture on midpalate. Well-balanced and well-structured, it's a great expression of what Santa Barbara County chardonnay is all about. It's actually quite remarkable that this bottling comes in under $20. Most chardonnays at this price point are boringly generic; this one offers character and a distinct sense of place.

Light and crisp, with flavors of lemons, limes and mangos, smooth finish.

Shortages are looming, so buy your holiday wines now Drinking at home has its advantages, beginning with the cost. Our wine expert has some tasty wine suggestions that will still keep your holiday entertaining budget in check. The holiday party season is in full swing leaving more decisions about which wines to buy whether you are entertaining at home or heading out to celebrate with friends... The good news is drinking at home has its advantages, beginning with a cost cut of at least 50 per cent. That’s right, the home wine list is sans any markups in restaurants or bars, but while drinking twice as much for the same price is attractive we suggest spending 20 or 30 per cent more and drinking better while still saving money. Here are our suggestions: ...Pinot Noir will be in demand and you will need a pair:...Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 2016, California.

Tom Simoneau's Wines of the Year 2018 Best Value Red: Murphy-Goode, 2016 Pinot Noir, California, $15 It’s been said you can’t make a good Pinot for under $25. Well I’m here to tell you Dave Ready Jr., Winemaker for Murphy-Goode has and the list price is $15. And the wine is often discounted. Pour this baby blind with some high priced Pinots and it will hold its own. Showing cherry berry fruit and bright acidity.

Dry, refreshing, sturdy acidity — this is the white to pour with broiled seafood or roasted chicken dishes. Think crisp lemon, tart grapefruit, white stone fruit and pear with an herbal streak in the finish.

Light and lively, with aromas and flavors of ripe pears and cinnamon.

A good value, this light-bodied wine with citrus notes is an easy quaffer. Round in the mouth with delicious fruit flavors.

If you wonder what all the interest in Pinot Noir is about, start here. Murphy-Goode delivers incredible quality for the price. This Pinot is sourced off cool vineyards up and down the Cali coast from areas including Monterey, Santa Barbara and Mendocino. It’s juicy and packed with Pinot character: black cherry, strawberry, spice, cola and vanilla. It’s aged in French and American oak. It’s an intense dark color with good texture on the palate and bracing acidity for structure.

Good price for a wine this rich and balanced. It's honeyed, with orange and apricot fruit.

Light and crisp, with flavors of ripe pears and golden apples.

A simple, direct Pinot Noir, light and silky in the mouth, with jammy raspberry, cherry, date and brown sugar flavors.

Finally, be on the lookout for the widely available Murphy-Goode California 2011. It may not match the range or the depth of its high-ticket mates, but it is clean, nicely balanced and delivers plenty of honest Pinot fruit at a price that is easy to take.

2010 Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir, California: aromas and flavors of black plums and cloves, soft tannins.

A great value, this California pinot grigio has simple peach and pear flavors and a hint of spice.

Ripe, smoky cherry flavor with a light oaky taste. This blend of pinot grapes from several excellent growing regions, including Monterey and Santa Barbara, way overachieves. It's full of black cherry fruit and more layers of nuance than one would expect, given the price.

Not a real complex pinot noir, but this wine exhibits nice varietal character and is very easy to drink. Cherry, plum nose with good ripe cherry, berry flavors. Good value.

Golden apples and spice, with a tart lemony finish.

Wines labeled with a California designation are most likely to sport an everyday price. The 2008 Murphy-Goode offers a good varietal character for the price.

Clean and varietal, with no filler grapes blended in to boost the color. Barrel-aged.

Jim Gordon of Wine Enthusiast describes ‘Good fruit concentration and a velvety texture make this deeply colored, dry wine substantial enough for a special occasion. It smells like spicy oak and tastes like ripe black cherries and blackberries, with a smooth mouthfeel. #77 on the Wine Enthusiast 2016 Best Buy Top 100.’ Full-bodied & Smooth.

Tasty plum and red cherry flavors and an easygoing texture make this medium-bodied wine a pleasure to drink. The aromas are quite fruity and fresh, accented with oaky, spicy notes, and the flavors seem generous. A touch of tannin provides welcome structure.