Top Regions, Top Red Wines
Santa Barbara, CA | Paso Robles, CA | Monterey County, CA | Napa Valley, CA | Russian River Valley, CA | Willamette Valley, OR | Walla Walla Valley, WA | Columbia Valley, WA | Long Island, NY
Santa Barbara County, CA: Syrah
Basic Wine Picks
2005 Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Syrah ($24): Toasty and smoky, with black fruit and a juicy finish.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2006 Beckmen Vineyards Purisima Mountain Vineyard Block Six Syrah ($50): Formidable in structure, with deep blackberry fruit.
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Paso Robles, CA: Zinfandel
Basic Wine Picks
2006 Dover Canyon Winery Cujo Zinfandel ($19): Big, dark, juicy black raspberries.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2005 Turley Wine Cellars Pesenti Vineyard Zinfandel ($38): Mocha and blackberry, with plenty of peppery spice.
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Monterey County, CA: Pinot Noir
Basic Wine Picks
2006 Poppy Monterey County Pinot Noir ($19): Light red cherry fruit with a touch of green herbs and peppery acidity.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2006 Paraiso Vineyards West Terrace Pinot Noir ($40): Bold dark cherry fruit with licorice and cinnamon.
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Napa Valley, CA: Cabernet Sauvignon
Basic Wine Picks
2005 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($25): Classic currant notes, with hints of sweet oak.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2005 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($160): Robust, with luscious berry and currant fruit.
Plus:
- Wine Country Destination Guide: Napa
- Where To Go Next: Napa
- Great Napa Valley Wine Values
- 2008 Winemaker of the Year: Napa’s Celia Masyczek
Russian River Valley, CA: Pinot Noir
Basic Wine Picks
2007 DeLoach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($24): Light but with lots of depth and black cherry fruit.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2006 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir ($60): Deep and complex, full of ripe cherry and spice.
Plus:
- Biking Through Sonoma’s Russian River Valley
- World’s 30 Best Pinot Noirs
- Star Selections: Best Pinot Noirs
Willamette Valley, OR: Pinot Noir
Basic Wine Picks
2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Fermented Pinot Noir ($19): Light-bodied and bright, with wild berry flavor.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2005 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Pinot Noir ($65): Aromatic and firm in structure, with layers of berry fruit.
Plus:
- Finding Oregon’s Finest Pinots
- Oregon Buying Guide: 5 Favorite Pinot Producers
- Top Bottles from Eco-Conscious Oregon Wineries
Walla Walla Valley, WA: Syrah
Basic Wine Picks
2005 Saviah Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah ($30): Juicy blackberry fruit with aromatic floral notes.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2006 K Vintners Cougar Hills Syrah ($50): Potent blackberry fruit with a hint of black olive and lots of spice.
Plus:
- A Pair of Good Washington Syrahs
- Washington State Reds: 20 Top Bottles
- More Great Washington State Reds
Columbia Valley, WA: Cabernet Sauvignon
Basic Wine Picks
2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($17): Juicy currant and cherry flavors with sleek tannins.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2005 Betz Family Winery Père de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon ($55): Powerful and intense black currant fruit, dense tannins and tobacco nuances.
Plus:
- Washington State Reds: 20 Top Bottles
- More Great Washington State Reds
- Washington State Wine Region Basics
Long Island, NY: Merlot
Basic Wine Picks
2001 Lenz Estate Selection Merlot ($23): Focused black plum and dark cherry fruit with modest tannins.
Benchmark Wine Picks
2006 Bedell Cellars Reserve Merlot ($50): Ripe plum and black cherry fruit with hints of espresso and vanilla.
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