8 Red Wines Worth Splurging On This Spring Siduri Winery makes several different powerful Pinot Noir wines, but I especially enjoyed this earthy yet elegant red wine. As you might expect from a younger California Pinot Noir, the fruit flavors (hint of raspberry and blackberry) take center stage at first. But within a few minutes, those flavors become more muted and more complex, intense flavors begin to emerge. A truly wonderful wine ready to enjoy now.

8 Red Wines Worth Splurging On This Spring Another complex Pinot Noir from California’s superb Sonoma County. While it’s difficult to make broad generalizations when talking about two of California’s most famous wine growing regions, I find that many Sonoma County wines often have an earthier, more full-bodied finish compared to wines from neighboring Napa Valley. But this subtle, silky Pinot defies such expectations. Here, the flavors (including raspberry) are softer and more understated. I was especially impressed by how well this light, refreshing red wine tastes at this young age. A perfect summer afternoon red wine.

20 Pick-Me-Up Gifts to Send During COVID-19Special occasion coming up? Send bubbly! This sparkling rosé is a party in a bottle with delicate notes of ginger, strawberry and lemon meringue.

2017 Jackson Estate Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap ($40): There is a faint Burgundian note in the initial whiff of this otherwise rustic, beet-scented, blackberry-tasting winner. The same large company that makes various good-value Vintners Reserve bargains has invested in this relatively new appellation and the project has yielded here proof that the region has special properties. The fruit here is broad, and the mid-palate richer than some who make a slightly more “wild” version of PN. Instead, there is a succulence to the palate, which means it’s a bit more approachable than some of the “Gap” PNs that go for slightly more rusticity. The company has also released a 2018 Pinot called “Cloud Landing,” which is slightly more impressive, but because it’s a year younger, it’s slightly harder to evaluate. And the fact is, that wine is $55. The 2017 is actually good value, comparing favorably to $50 to $60 Pinots. The 2018 is primarily going to be sold to restaurants, but because most such places are closed, it will benefit from additional bottle time.

2017 Jackson Estate Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap ($40): There is a faint Burgundian note in the initial whiff of this otherwise rustic, beet-scented, blackberry-tasting winner. The same large company that makes various good-value Vintners Reserve bargains has invested in this relatively new appellation and the project has yielded here proof that the region has special properties. The fruit here is broad, and the mid-palate richer than some who make a slightly more “wild” version of PN. Instead, there is a succulence to the palate, which means it’s a bit more approachable than some of the “Gap” PNs that go for slightly more rusticity. The company has also released a 2018 Pinot called “Cloud Landing,” which is slightly more impressive, but because it’s a year younger, it’s slightly harder to evaluate. And the fact is, that wine is $55. The 2017 is actually good value, comparing favorably to $50 to $60 Pinots. The 2018 is primarily going to be sold to restaurants, but because most such places are closed, it will benefit from additional bottle time.

The 2017 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir begins with very pleasant aromas of red and black cherry, cola, roasted coffee, vanilla and a hint of rhubarb and cranberry. The medium-bodied wine tastes wonderfully smooth, balanced and is full of flavors of black cherry cola, strawberry, a little earth, a little oak and even a bit of minerality. This is a super easy and fun to drink wine. A nice streak of spice, licorice and even a little citrus zest lead into the dry, very long finish. Excellent!We’ve featured this wine a number of times over the years and that is simply because it is so consistently delicious. The 2017 is no different in that regard.

Wines of the weekThe nose on this pale-straw coloured Sonoma Chardonnay offers a complex combination of red apple, fresh pear, ripe cantaloupe and tropical fruit, as well as subtle vanilla and spice. On the medium-bodied palate those components come through beautifully, with those latter elements adding texture and richness. A stylish example of what can be done with this grape in California, and worth trying while it’s on sale (it’s regularly $29.07). It’s also one of the products available for delivery from Liquor Marts. 4.5/5

Off the vine: Wines you can celebrate withLa Crema Winery in California’s Russian River Valley is a highly regarded producer of both Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. The winery is celebrating 40 years with a stunning Pinot Noir. Bright red in color with rosewood and cedar aromas, this rich and concentrated wine is jammed packed with ripe fruit flavors such as black cherry and plum. Medium to full bodied with good depth and sharp, crisp acidity.

Lots of density; bold terroir and heavy tannin.

Big red fruit and some spice; vanilla edge.

Brisk acidity, floral, boldly peachy and apricot dusted.

More complex, bright red and dark black fruit in balance; intense but fruity, remarkably dense.

Iconic Oregon pinot noir, lightly herbal, graphite, well-balanced.

Lots of florals, honeysuckle, quite perfumed.

California Chardonnays: Ripe for Rediscovery or Just Overripe?It’s time to take another look at a wine both popular and maligned. Our wine columnist did and found a few crisp, bright, affordable bottles.The lush, beautifully balanced 2018 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay, one of the top wines in my group, tasted like a wine at a higher price point. It’s made from a mix of purchased and estate fruit, the latter sourced from Mr. Stewart’s best Chardonnay vineyards.This lush, creamy wine could pass for a much pricier bottling. Marked by floral and citrus aromas and a firm mineral edge, it’s aged in French oak and sourced from some of the winery’s top Chardonnay vineyards.

The 8 Best Red Wines to Drink in 2020From loveable classic varietals to funky natural bottlesBest to Pair with Red Meat: Stonestreet 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate VineyardsSometimes you just need a big red wine, there’s simply no way around it. If you’re serving a steak dinner, prime rib, or pot roast, you should look for a tannic and powerful wine to stand up to it. For those nights, the 2016 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Alexander Valley will do the job nicely.The high tannins make it a great match for rich red meats, and the dark fruits will complement the carmelized and smoky flavors from a grill or other high heat cooking. Aged for 19 months in oak barrels, this bottle packs the flavors of cooked dark fruits like cassis and plums, paired with warm vanilla and baking spices.

Wine of the Day: Root & Rubble Pinot NoirRoot & Rubble Pinot Noir is a luscious, fruit-focused wine with texture, body, and an overall inviting approachability. Without the influence of oak, the Russian River grown Pinot Noir shines with floral aromas of lilac and rose petal on the open, followed by ripe cranberry, raspberry, wild strawberry, with a soft earthy, cola note on the finish. #cheers

La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017, with aromas of black plums, fresh raspberries and forest floor, balanced acidity and a concentrated palate of bing cherry and baking spice.

Orange peel nose, with watermelon and strawberry on the palate. Cherries. Vibrant, spicy and earthy. Good value.

Wine pairings for Easter that you won't have to hunt forFor most of us, this Easter Sunday our menus and gatherings will stray from tradition. For many food and wine enthusiasts, I have a feeling, the care and attention to food and wine choices will not change, even if you reflect and celebrate with only the family members living in your house versus our traditional large get-togethers. Because many of us are minimizing our shopping (including wines) to either delivery or minimal trips I wanted to focus on the wines that are plentiful and easy to find.Roast ChickenThe wonderful aspect of pairing wine with chicken is you can choose a red or white. Lighter style red wines such as gamay are ideal. For whites, one of my favorites is the toasty balance of a crisp, refreshing chardonnay.The Values - 2018 Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay

Wine pairings for Easter that you won't have to hunt forFor most of us, this Easter Sunday our menus and gatherings will stray from tradition. For many food and wine enthusiasts, I have a feeling, the care and attention to food and wine choices will not change, even if you reflect and celebrate with only the family members living in your house versus our traditional large get-togethers. Because many of us are minimizing our shopping (including wines) to either delivery or minimal trips I wanted to focus on the wines that are plentiful and easy to find.Roast ChickenThe wonderful aspect of pairing wine with chicken is you can choose a red or white. Lighter style red wines such as gamay are ideal. For whites, one of my favorites is the toasty balance of a crisp, refreshing chardonnay.The Splurges - 2018 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

Oregon is producing some of the most exciting wines in the US at the moment – the region is growing from success to success.The Gran Moraine is a perfect example of this: planted in 2005 to several different Dijon clones, this is one of the more westerly vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The area benefits from the cooling afternoon breezes that roll off the Pacific – ideal for grape growing.The chardonnay is hand-harvested and benefits from gentle, whole-cluster pressing. This traditional technique allows winemakers to capture the freshest and most pristine juice.A lengthy 12 months of natural fermentation in Burgundian oak barrels follows.And you’re left with that perfect balance you want from a chardonnay – minerality meeting richness, citrus meeting stone.

Kendall-Jackson is one of the biggest names in Californian wine making – and its Vintner’s Reserve is a quintessential new world chardonnay.It’s a great introduction to Californian chardonnay in particular – a greatest hits compilation, if you will – taking its grapes from Monterey (50%), Santa Barbara 33%, Mendocino (16%) and Sonoma (1%).The result is wine characterised by a velvety texture, toasted oak and lashings of butter.This richness is counterpointed with tropical fruits including pineapple, mango and papaya, with plenty of refreshing citrus, too.It’s rounded off with vanilla and honey for what is the most balanced US chardonnay you’ll find anywhere for less than £20.

La Crema Vinera means “best of the vine” – and that’s the benchmark this Monterey County winery has set itself since it launched back in 1979.The 90-mile long Monterey Valley stretches from Monterey Bay, through farmland and rolling hills, and is always buffeted by the cold winds that sweep in off the Pacific Ocean.The coolness means that the grapes spend more time on the vine, which allows a deeper, more dramatic spectrum of flavours and aromas to develop.La Crema’s chardonnay is the embodiment of this – a rich, layered wine that’s smooth and elegant while still maintaining a zesty brightness.

9 Rosés to Kick Off SpringRosé all day? Try rosé all year!When it comes to accessible wines, La Crema should be at the top of your list. While it’s often found at supermarkets, don’t write it off as mere “supermarket wine.” La Crema, now in its 40th year, claims some really fabulous cold-climate pinot noir wines, and if you ever visit its Sonoma tasting rooms, you’ll find an array of exclusive bottles, like the Saralee’s Vineyard rosé. Until then, go ahead and grab this very drinkable pinot noir Monterey rosé, with hints of watermelon, strawberry, cherry, citrus and blood orange and with a zesty minerality that renders it complementary to many types of food.