Drink Eat Love: Top Ten Drinks for October

Finally, it is here. I have told many of you that I would start putting up my ten favorite wines that I have tasted each month. The wines selected below were all tasted in the month of October and are listed in no particular order with an estimated retail price.

1. Bouchaine, Pinot Noir, Carneros 2005 $23 to $25

I was really surprised by this wine. It is classic Carneros with tons of bright sour cherry and raspberry flavors. The palate is fresh and has a kick of acid that made me do a double take. This would be a great T-day wine!

2. Palmina, Barbera, Santa Barbara County 2004 $19 to $22

I am known as a "hater" of Italian grapes grown in California. Well, I am no longer a hater, as the Palmina Barbera has all one could want out of a Barbera: Layered flavors of black cheery, spice and acidity! YUMMY!

3. Bollinger "Special Cuvee" Champagne N.V. $39 to $45

I love Bollinger! It is primarily Pinot Noir and is rich and fruity. It is well balanced and the choice of James Bond, so you know it´s good!

4. Dr. Loosen, "Blue Slate", Riesling Mosel 2006 $17 to $21

A classic Mosel Riesling with classic stone fruit aromas all wound arounda tight core of minerality and finished off with intense acid and low alcohol. Another good T-day wine!

5. Fernand & Laurent Pillot, "Tavarnes" Pommard 2005 $45 to $50

AMAZING! Yes it is expensive but it is TOTALLY worth every penny. This is red Burgundy at its best (Pinot Noir). It starts out really tight -- if you want to drink it now DECANT for over an hour-- but as it opens, this wine is rich, supple, elegant, and so many other positive adjectives this post would be way too long! This is one of the best wines I have had in a LONG TIME! I will be buying a case to put in my cellar.

6. Au Bon Climant, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2005 $17 to $21

Best California Chardonnay for the money I have had in 5 years. This wine is fresh, bright and clean with all the yummy qualities of California Chard, without the over-ripe fruit and cloying sweetness. This will be on my table at Thanksgiving and would also be good with Dungeness Crab.

7. Roederer Estate Brut, Mendocino, N.V. $16 to $20

This is my favorite domestic sparkling wine. HANDS DOWN.

8. Lustau, "Angel Zamorano" 1/16 Oloroso Sherry (DRY) $35 to $40

Shauna and I each had a glass of this at Cesar, a local Spanish Tapas bar. This wine is rich, nutty, intense, and VERY unique. Not everyone should jump into this wine but I LOVE Sherry and I know Dave would say that everyone should get on the Sherry bus and take the plunge!

9. Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny 2003 $35 to $40

BAD ASS!!!!! This wine is 100% Cabernet Franc and it is awesome. This is a take no prisoners Cab Franc and not for the faint of heart. The nose is explosive with black plums, roasted cherries and sweet tobacco. Rich and full bodied this would be the perfect wine for a cold night, a fire, and a lover.

10. Copain, Saisons des Vin, "Les Printemps" Rose 2006 $10 to $14

A fitting way to round out the top 10. This is an elegant and pretty wine. It is a light salmon pink with a delicate nose that is almost like silk touching your cheek. This too will be at T-day!

Enjoy!

Next up:

1. The Loire! Everyone needs to explore this amazing wine region

2. Wines for Thanksgiving

3. Beer