La Crema - 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

La Crema Winery is unique because they own five estates in distinct wine making regions of California. The cool winds off the Pacific Coast help produce delicious grapes for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah varietals from the Anderson Valley, Los Carneros, Russian River Valley, Monterey, and the Sonoma Coast. La Crema's presence in different regions uniquely allows them to make the same varietal, such as Chardonnay, five different ways.

This week's favorite: 2007 La Crema Chardonnay

$15-19, your local grocery or wine store

For Chardonnay lovers who like strong oak flavors, this wine is not for you. However, for those who love a good Pinot Grigio, this is the perfect light-bodied Chardonnay. Light and vibrant, it has strong citrus and apple flavors, a buttery middle, and a lingering finish with notes of vanilla and caramel. Certainly a perfect Chardonnay for a hot summer night!

This wine would be best served with seafood and other light summery dishes. I would pair it with fresh crab cakes served on a rich bed of butter lettuce, tomatoes, yellow peppers, and topped with a creamy cilantro lime dressing. You can also garnish the crab cakes with a spicy aioli to compliment the buttery and caramel flavors of the wine. Enjoy!

MacMurray Ranch - 2007 Pinot Noir

MacMurray Ranch is a small vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. The Russian River Valley is known for their warm days and cold nights. Pinot Noir grapes, a dark, finicky, and delicate fruit, and its cousin, the Pinot Gris, a blueish-gray grape that produces its white wine counterpart, are the two main varietals grown here. The MacMurray Ranch vineyard is also part of Sonoma Coast, a region that overlaps the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. With cool Pacific winds, these regions allow MacMurray Ranch to develop its grapes with more diverse Pinot flavors from the rich soils and cool valley climates.

This week's favorite: 2007 MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir
$14-19, specialty wine store or liquor store

For Pinot Noir lovers, this is a good, medium-bodied bottle. The true strong Pinot Noir fruits of strawberry and cherry hit you with a burst of flavor that then settle into a warm, smooth chocolate finish with a slight hint of vanilla. This Pinot Noir is not as spicy as other Pinot Noirs, but truly delectable in all the flavors it does provide.

This wine should be served with a rich Italian meal. A summery tomato sauce over chicken or pasta would really compliment the warm flavors of the berries and cherry, and as you are finishing the bottle, this Pinot Noir would pair nicely with fresh cannolis for dessert.

Estancia Estates - 2007 Pinot Grigio

Estancia is the Spanish word for "estate". The founders of Estancia wine feel that a truly good wine captures the flavors of its origin. After 25 years in the wine business in South America and Europe, Estancia Estates purchased property in 1986 in the Monterey and Paso Robles regions in California, cultivating cool climate varietals that make up their portfolio of wines today. The Pinot Grigio comes from the Salinas Valley, and is just one of their outstanding and affordable wines.

This week's favorite: 2007 Estancia Estates Pinot Grigio
$12-16, found at most grocery and wine stores

This Pinot Grigio is a great wine for all "whites" lovers, even hardcore Chardonnay fans. It starts off extremely light and fruity, with vibrant notes of pear and apricot, but what is most unusual is that it has a full-bodied buttery, vanilla finish that lingers in your mouth. It really warms up your palate, while keeping you cool in these hot summer months.

This Pinot Grigio would be delicious with Fresh Grouper Picatta, served over whole wheat linguine. For the Picatta, coat the Grouper fillets in egg and flour, and pan fry in a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once the fillets are golden brown on each side, reduce the heat and add capers, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup white wine (you can use the Estancia to cook and drink, but I prefer to savor the entire bottle. Cheaper dry white wine will do). Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, to let the fish soak in the flavors. Serve fillets over a bed of linguine, and pour some of the remaining sauce on top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and enjoy!

Bogle Vineyards - 2005 Phantom

Bogle Vineyards, located in Clarksburg, California, are known for their reliable, good value varietals, found at your local supermarkets and wine stores. In 1992, Bogle Vineyards entered into the California Appellation Program, in which fruits of different wine regions are shared between vineyards to create new blends under their label, and boost production in lesser known wine making regions. The first blend on our site is a product of this program, a mixture of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, and Mourvedre vines harvested from five different regions in California. Aptly titled, Phantom is the meaning for the Scottish word "Bogle", so you'll find this blend in limited production each year.

This week's favorite: 2005 Bogle Vineyards Phantom
$15-$20, found at your local fine wine store

For ALL wine lovers, this red is for you! In its rich ruby color, this wine is intense with fruit and a dark, peppery flavor. However, the pepper fades quickly, and it finishes smooth with lush, almost oaky notes of almond and vanilla. It is warm and refreshing, and like a Phantom, you'll find this bottle gone before you know it.

This wine is best served with a full-flavored meal. A grilled T-bone steak with garlic, onions and peppers, corn on the cob, and a sweet potato with butter and cinnamon would do nicely for a Sunday night dinner. For the finer fare, roasted duck with raspberry sauce and a side of warm mushroom risotto would make Phantom almost heavenly.