Golden Values from California’s Central Coast

“There’s gold in them their hills!”  On a recent trip to Santa Ynez, Edna Valley and Paso Robles wine regions to set up final details for our October tour, I was astounded to find these bargain gems:

• Barrell 27 Wine Company:  ’07 High on the Hog Proprietary White ($15)  

A Rhone lover’s delight made from white Grenache, Viognier, Rousanne & Marsanne.   

• Claiborne & Churchill:   ’09 Gewürztraminer ($18)

This winery makes the best Alsation varietals (all bone dry) wines in the US.

• Melville:  '08 Verna’s Estate Chardonnay ($21)

Yeah, I know, ABC (“anything but chardonnay), however, this one rocks.

• Melville:  '08 Syrah Verna’s Estate ($24)     

You gotta be crazy….a good Pinot for <$25?  Yep, I’m crazy in love with this one.

• Palmina:  '08 Barbera ($22)

Spice and berry notes on with this medium-bodied charmer make it a perfect summer red.

• Palmina:   ’09 Tocai Fiulano Honea Vineyard ($22)

You’ll be catapulted to NorthWest Italy when you taste this pear and citrus bomb.

Central Coast Wine & Food Lovers Tour:

http://www.wineknowstravel.com/