Keep it simple

In 2007, I wrote five mission statements to remind me to always keep this column consumer friendly. In summarizing a recent public wine presentation, I could only remember four (age?). I was so embarrassed. I told the Navigator that will never happen again. So now, I am down to three. Here they are:

1. Wine is Simple, Enjoy it. It’s not rocket science. It’s just fermented grape juice. Wine is supposed to be fun, so enjoy it. There are no rules.

2. Ignore Wine Snobs. Pinkie-waving loudmouths spewing snooty wine-speak are boring and can suck the life right out of a party. Avoid them.

3. Trust Your Palate, Drink What You Like. Develop your own taste for wine. Don’t outsource your palate to some wine critic’s opinion. What is your opinion? If you like a big red wine with fish, great. Remember, food and wine pairings are just suggestions. Drink what YOU like, period. Find a wine you like, one you can afford and enjoy it. Cheers!

10 wines under $10

Here are 10 wines I tasted (ok, drank) in 2017 that made my top ten bargain list:

1. 2014 Bogle Essential Red. Most red blends finish too sweet for me but this one does not. It is readily available and at Costco for $7.99.

2. 2015 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon. This label has been on my list for years. It is a bargain at $7.19.

3. 2016 Fournalet Cotes Du Rhone. It is available for $6.99 at Trader Joe’s. In a funny little bottle, it’s a classic Old World French rustic red blend.

4. 2013 Temptation Zinfandel. Made by Alexander Valley Vineyards of Healdsburg, the wine is a steal at Costco for $7.99. It’s a great daily sipper.

5. 2015 Gnarly Head Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel. Available in most markets and a best of class winner in the Sunset Tasting, it is just $9.99.

6. 2016 McManis Petite Sirah. When I look for a P.S. under $10, it’s either Bogle or McManis. This year McManis gets the nod. Get ready for purple teeth.

7. 2016 Dry Creek Fume Blanc. This is my go-to dry crisp white wine. Sale priced at $9.99, it’s a bargain.

8. 2016 Vinas Chilenas Rosario Estate Rose. The 2016 was a near perfect rose, unfortunately the 2017 is a bit sweeter, but is still a deal at Trader Joe’s for $3.49.

9. 2013 Santa Ema Merlot. This Chilean merlot has red fruit flavors with hints of chocolate, vanilla and a nice silky texture, a $7.99 bargain.

10. 2012 Vina Robles Red 4. A Grocery Outlet pick, this wine is my house red. It is a smooth four grape blend and discounted to $4.99. Wow. Cheers!

This story was originally published February 13, 2018 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Keep it simple."