Top Wine Buys

For a full list of wine recommendations, check out our wine review page.

Ravenswood Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

A definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. Dense and full-bodied, the wine uncorks with an explosion of deep black fruit and freshly roasted coffee beans. Rich but soft tannins carve out a core of caramel & chocolate that is quickly filled with a spicy finish—damn fine.

Markham Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Soft & fleshy with a core of fresh raspberries and a grapey nose of black pepper. An excellent value for zin.

Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Sonoma

A decent little bottle of Zin for the price. I add this wine to my “best buy” section with great hesitation. The last time I reviewed a Pedroncelli wine, it was quite negative, and the powers that be at the PLCB had a major hissy fit. I still haven’t forgiven them yet.

Newton Unfiltered Merlot, Napa Valley

A Merlot for Bordeaux drinkers. Wet earth & allspice underpin the enticing aroma of smoked plums. Well-balanced, fresh cherry notes and tannin deliver a multi-layered experience.

Viberti Barolo Riserva “San Pietro”

Lovely room-filling aromatics of wilted violets, dried roses, and lilac… and roofing tar. This is a classic cru Barolo and at its peak. If you ever find yourself noshing on wild boar sausage with white truffles, this is definitely the bottle to have. Make sure to invite me over, okay?