Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2006
We are recommending both red and white wines that we enjoy drinking. Click on the links below to learn more about our recommendations.
Recommended Red Wines
Barbera
Barbera is often used as a blending grape. As a varietal it can exhibit aromas of berries, plums, or cherries with hints of vanilla, toasty, or smoky flavors. Barbera is the perfect complement for tomato-based pasta dishes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full-bodied red wine. Aged in oak, this is a complex wine with cassis and blackberry flavors as well as hints of bell pepper. This is the classic wine to pair with red meats.
Merlot
Merlot is a smooth, dry red wine. It is often described as having the flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, herbs, and mocha. Merlot is best with poultry and grilled meats, but actually goes well with most foods.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a smooth silky wine that is extremely fruity. It is characterized with aromas and flavors of black cherry or rose petals along with hints of spiciness or herbal qualities. Pinot Noirs are enjoyed for their soft velvety texture. High in alcohol, they are full bodied but not heavy. Pinot Noir is best served with grilled salmon, roast beef, lamb, duck, and mushrooms.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a medium bodied dry wine with earthy aromas and berry, plum, spicy, or floral flavors. It has a smooth texture. Sangiovese is the main grape used to produce Italian Chiantis. Sangiovese goes especially well with pasta and other Italian foods.
Syrah
Syrah is a hearty wine noted for its complexity of aromas and flavors including raspberry, plum, smoke, and white pepper. It is a dark red wine, sometimes almost black in color. This wine is also called Shiraz. Syrah is great eaten with duck, wild game, steak, and beef.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel can be light to full bodied. It can be rich and spicy or lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors that are typical for Zinfandel include raspberry, jam, black pepper, and licorice. Zinfandel is wonderful with steaks, grilled meats, and tomato based dishes.
Recommended White Wines
Champagne
Champagne is the traditional wine for toasting special occasions. True Champagnes come from the Champagne region of France. Similar wines produced elsewhere are called Sparkling Wine. Brut Champagnes are more dry than those labeled Extra Dry.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular dry white wine. It is more full bodied than other white wines. Chardonnay has aromas of fruits and acidity. The aroma typically has flavors of lemon or grapefruit. Fermentation in new oak barrels results in a rich, buttery taste often described as toastiness, vanilla, apple, nutty, or toffee. Chardonnays aged in French oak result in a milder flavor than those aged in American oak. Chardonnay goes well with chicken, seafood, and fish.
Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer has a spicy aroma and fruity flavors of peach, apricot, tropical fruits, and lychee. It can be dry or sweet. Gewurztraminers go especially well with spicy Asian dishes and pork sausages.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is light and crispy with almond, lemon, and vanilla flavors. These wines are also called Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio goes well with seafood and salmon.
Rieslings
Rieslings have a floral aroma. They range from very dry and crisp to intensely sweet depending on where it is from. German Riesling is slightly sweet and balanced with some acidity. California Riesling tends to be sweeter. Rieslings go well with chicken, fish, pork, and spicy foods.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc usually has a grassy citrus aroma. Flavors range from apple, pear, green tea, limes, and freshly mowed grass. You can often detect a little smokiness. California Sauvignon Blancs sometimes have a melon flavor. This is a crisp light wine with a strong acid finish. It is also called Fume Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with salads, poultry, seafood, and cheese.
Best Buys to Stock Up On
De Martino 2004 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cabernet Sauvignon has been blended with Malbec and Carmenere resulting in a dark red wine with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherries, and truffle. Very tannic with intense flavors. Wine & Spirits has given this wine a score of 91. ($14.99)
Peter Lehmann 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon This wine is from Barossa Valley, Australia. Some of the best bargains in wines come from Australia and this is no exception. This wine has rich, intense flavors of black currants and a long silky finish. Very nicely balanced. ($15.99)
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2003 Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon This is one of my favorite bargain Cabs. It has a nice earthiness along with flavors of cherry and raspberry. Very smooth and well balanced. ($14.99)
Bonny Doon 2003 Ca' del Solo Big House White (Screw Cap) This house wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. It has a floral and fruity flavor. A bargain in a screw top bottle! ($10.99)
Argyle 2004 Chardonnay (Screw Cap) This wine is from Willamette Valley, Oregon. A big, creamy Chardonnay with flavors of pear and apple and hints of rosemary. It has a nice, lingering finish. ($13.29)
Kim Crawford 2005 Sauvignon Blanc (Screw Cap) Intensely ripe and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with fresh tangy apple flavors. This wine is a light straw color. Another bargain in a screw top bottle. ($17.99)
Bonny Doon NV Framboise Infusion of Raspberries (half-bottle) This is a delightful sweet wine in a half-size bottle. It�s been awarded 90 points from Wine Spectator and 92 from Wine Enthusiast. Enjoy the captivating raspberry aroma and flavor�this wine is a dessert by itself! ($12.99)
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