Cabernet Franc in California typically is a different animal than Franc from its home in the Loire Valley in France. New World Francs tend to have hefty tannic structure, are overripe and too often resemble Cabernet Sauvignon, though they shouldn’t.

I cannot pretend to know what everyone prefers in terms of their wine choice. I can however use my own 18-year relationship with my wife to tell you what she prefers - Sauvignon Blanc, and I prefer something red; Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zin, Dolcetto and the list goes on.

As one of the largest landholders in Champagne and one of the oldest Champagne Houses dating from 1743, Moët & Chandon consistently turns out quality Champagne.

The Russian River Valley is synonymous with quality Pinot Noir, and Migration Wine uses most of their Pinot Noir fruit for their portfolio from here, though they also include vineyards in Sonoma Coast and Santa Barbara County.

Viognier is often produced as a floral one-trick pony, a wine that smells great, but offers little in terms of structure or food-pairing possibilities. However, in the capable hands of Lynn Penner-Ash, one of Oregon’s leading winemakers, it is elevated to world-class status.

Spottswoode Estate has long been one of those wineries that receives high acclaim but less commensurate public attention. Winemaker Aron Weinkauf crafts beautiful expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon, but also an impressive Sauvignon Blanc. Comprised of 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Sauvignon Musque from six different vineyard sites in Napa, Sonoma and Carneros, his creation is an inviting wine.

I tend to taste and drink a lot of wine over the course of a year. I am in a few tasting groups, sometimes the wines are consumed at various local wine store tastings and a number drunk with friends and family.

I tend to taste and drink a lot of wine over the course of a year. I am in a few tasting groups, sometimes the wines are consumed at various local wine store tastings and a number drunk with friends and family.

I tend to taste and drink a lot of wine over the course of a year. I am in a few tasting groups, sometimes the wines are consumed at various local wine store tastings and a number drunk with friends and family.