Caymus California Cabernet

Caymus Suisin Walking Fool

That pesky Wagner Family just can’t stop cranking out wines that keep attracting new drinkers. It stands to reason that the people that brought you Caymus, Emmolo, Mer Soleil and many others have decoded the American palate and learned to craft wines of buzz and lushness. This one is Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the sunny Suisun Valley, just to the east of Napa and offering great value and friendliness.

C'est pas la Mer a Boire Picpoul

Here’s what you should know about Picpoul de Pinet: it’s never bad; and only sometimes good. So there’s a lot to be said for grapes that never suck. About the time I decided I was no longer going to think about the Picpoul grape, I tasted this Picpoul de Pinet and it was utterly delicious.

Chalk Hill Russian River Chardonnay

Sonoma winemaking legend David Ramey put this place on the vinous map, after he had done more or less the same at Simi and Matanzas Creek, and before he finally created his own namesake estate. Knows his stuff. This sees a native yeast fermentation in barrel, with completed malolactic fermentation for all the richness you seek.

Charmes de Nayat Cremant Rose

Why shouldn’t Bordeaux make sparkling wine? They make all other styles of wine extremely well. And this one is made just the same way they do it in Champagne and it’s maybe a touch drier.

Chateau Carteau

The vines on this Saint-Emilion property produce less fruit but more concentrated flavors; that is the character of older vines. The very typical Saint-Émilion blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon sees a bit more new oak than is typical at this price point; the Bertrand family, long-time owners, clearly see this wine as having the backbone for it. Half new and half one-year-old barrels generate more spice and weight

Chateau Courac Cotes du Rhone

We might presume that most of the top Old World sites are multi-generational legacies, remaining in the hands of ossified aristocrats served by dedicated minions. I suppose that’s true in some places. But most of the exciting things happen in Europe are the result of new blood; new folks like Joséphine and Frédéric Arnaud who took over this property in 1995. Northwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Arnauds have more than 200 acres of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, the latter a grape that has only, in the last two or three decades, become more typical of Côtes du Rhone blends. Again, it helps to add some new blood to these old places.

Chateau de la Brede Blanc

There was a time when Bordeaux Blanc was a joke. Then the 2000s happened and suddenly all the white wine from Bordeaux was delicious, they are better than ever. This blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon and 20% Muscadelle is classic and still very modern and completely compelling. It’s been matured in new French oak so it’s not simple. Bring oysters to the party or even grilled fish.

Chateau Eyquem Le Belvedere

The Bayle and Carreau families bought this 17th century manor house, named for Louis d’Eyquem, nephew of Michel de Montaigne, writer and philosopher and often called the inventor of the essay. With clay-limestone soil and a view of the spot where the Dordogne and the Garonne rivers meet, this is planted to 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec.

Chateau Eyquem Le Point de Mire

We don’t usually call wine sexy… but this one leaves us no choice. Deep ruby red, smooth and velvety, with aromas of violet, ripe fruit, and just a hint of smoke — it’s Bordeaux turning on the charm. One glass in and you’re loosening your buttons. Two glasses in and you’re wondering why you wore pants… and suddenly Côtes-de-Bourg feels less like a region and more like a lifestyle choice.