I’d recommend Marimar Torres Pinot and Chard Groth Cab and Merlot Miner petite syrah Roccioli (sp? it’s been a while since I’ve had it, it’s hard to find and expensive) Tres Sabores Anything by Flowers Duckhorn...

appellation Merlot, and maybe even a Sierra Foothills Zinfandel. ABOVE ALL, ask your local retail for his or her suggestions! He/she will know their inventory, and will be able to recommend a smooth, less tannic red to you. Post...

recommend to fellow Chowhounds. It was the second time I’ve had lamb in a Chinese restaurant. The other time was in the Monterey Park area east of Los Angeles. That dish was from the western area of China, the region that...

, his was probably the first Monterey winery where the reds were better than the whites!) Then came along producers like Smith & Hook, Jekel, Hahn, and others who showed you could make “serious” Cabernets, Merlots,...

availability. I like to try new things that taste good on a budget. So I pick things up at work like the Mt. Linden Merlot ($4) as well as partronize my local wine merchants where I bought 3 Rieslings during their 20% off sale...

if they have tours or tasting. Also, I remember many years back going to Sanford (&Benedict) and Firestone made a surprizingly fun rose of Merlot. Others quite good in Santa Barbara County. I’m not the biggest fan of...

I like most anything with the Ferrari-Carano label on it. Their Chardonnay is a big, bold California Chardonnnay. Quite a contrast to a white burgundy. They have a great Italian-style wine call Siena. They also make good Merlot....

pie was pretty good too.) Norman’s: Did not like it as much as I used to, maybe my “buds” changed. I only liked their 2002 Merlot and Zinfandel Port this time. Vista Del Rey: A very nice couple own and produce their...

house on the estate. I bought Cab, Dolcetto, Gewurztraminer, “Juliana” (Merlot, Cab., etc. blend) and Sangiovese. I also got their premium Vache brand Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. I don’t generally like CA Chardonnay but this was...

We’re heading to Napa Valley for a very brief 3-4 day rest the week of July 4th. Will be there 1/2 day on the 3rd (driving from Monterey, with a stop in Santa Rosa to the Schultz Museum – a “must” as...

You beat me to it. I’d also add the Beckman Grenache Rosé from CA – Central Coast/Monterey. Hunt

thing I have ever seen. It is called “The Challenger”: 1/2 pound burger (he specified it be a Buffalo meat burger, since he had never tried bufallo before) with avocado, bacon, monterey jack, cheddar, sauteed...

OMG! Where is there Grocery Outlet in the Bay Area? I’m a recent SF to Sonoma transplant but have always trekked to the GO in the Monterey Bay Area by my parents' place....Thanks

really good, if you like these type of dishes. Intense flavors and spices, as well as fresh, organic, locally obtained salad (from the Tuesday night, 4-8pm Farmers Market in downtown Monterey, which is great). Entrees: (1) I had...

Don’t forget the Bogle Merlot... But why limit yourself to California? Pepperwood Grove, from Washington State has some high quality bargain priced wines, too. The syrah is my favorite—it has gotten very high marks in...