Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 13 (213)

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My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I’m the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. Also, in my "What to Sip" suggestions, I choose one restaurant from each show and offer tips for selecting libations to enjoy with your meal.

Wine of the Week:

2004 Kenwood Merlot Sonoma, California $17
Merlot is about smoothness and this wine is just that -- supple and soft. Stock up on the wine by the case as it goes with just about any dish on the table from fish to meat.

What to Sip: Sonoma-Meritâge Martini Oyster Bar & Grill

For a restaurant that includes "martini" in the name, you might want to start your meal with one of their signature Cosmos, Chocolate Truffle Martinis, or a French Kiss (hey, it’s simply Ketel One Vodka with Chambord and a squirt of lemon juice). Since the restaurant also has Sonoma in the name, you might expect their wine list to focus on local specialties and it does. White wine drinkers can sip the Landmark “Overlook” Chardonnay ($45) made in a buttery, oaky style. It pairs beautifully with rich fish dishes. The superb Sonoma bubbly house of Gloria Ferrer is highlighted with their Blanc de Noirs poured by the glass ($7). Kunde’s Sauvignon Blanc is also a top by-the-glass option ($7) and both are ideal with you -- guessed it -- oysters.