After 15 years, Modesto wine columnist still takes consumer-friendly approach to wine

A good friend who encouraged me to write this column said, “Make sure you make your column consumer friendly and none of that pinky waving wine snobbery stuff.”

After 15 years and 360 Wine Line columns, I’ve tried stay true to that approach. Since we’re all consumers, I’m on your side. We’re all looking for the best possible wine experience and that includes avoiding the boring adjective-laden-wine-speak of wine snobs.

Fifteen years ago I had five mission statements but I have since reduced it to one. It is, trust YOUR palate to find a wine that you like, one you can afford and enjoy it. That’s all there is to it! I’ve also discovered a simplified wine rating system. The credit goes to www.winecountrygetaways.com. Since wine is a personal choice, trusting your palate is key to this five point scale. I love this wine equals 5 points. I really like this wine, 4 points. This wine is good, 3 points. This wine is not that good, 2 points. I don’t really care for this wine, 1 point. What’s better than having your own personal wine rating scale?

I looked back to Wine Line’s first birthday to see what wines were on our table in 2008. Whites; 2006 Aveleda Vinho Verde $7, 2006 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $12.99, 2006 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier $12, 2006 Little Black Dress Chardonnay $10, 2007 Marques de Caceres Rioja $4.99 and the 2007 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc $10. Red wines were; 2004 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot $11, 2005 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon $10, 2004 Columbia Two Vines Shiraz $5.99, Cycles Gladiator Merlot and Syrah each $10 and the 2005 Gallo of Sonoma Pinot Noir, a fantastic bargain at $8.99.

These 15 years of Wine Line would not have been possible without the Navigator. Together, we discovered California Wine Country in 1972 and look forward to another 50 years. Yes, the wine glass is still half full and on to year 16. Cheers!

What’s on our table

l spotted a unique wine label at the Grocery Outlet. It had a big C painted over a colorful piece of abstract art. It was a 2018 Columbia Valley Merlot C Reserve. The back label stated it was from the Wahluke Slope AVA and it was just $5.99. I found the same label on a 2018 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($6.99), a 2019 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($6.99) and a 2019 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay ($5.99). The wines are the Sommelier Selection for the Crystal Cruise Line. If you’re familiar with that cruise line, you’ll know why I’m going back for more steals.

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.