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. I will also share some wine tips with each episode.
2009 Jim Barry "The Cover Drive" Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, Australia $19
A special area in South Australia, Coonawarra has red soil that produces noteworthy Cabs known for their elegant, snappy style with a hint of minty aromas. This affordable wine is a winner (and the label's ode to cricket is, too). Flexible enough to enjoy with foods from cheese to roast chicken to grilled beef.
2010 MF Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $12
What a value. You'd be hard pressed to find a Chardonnay at this price that beats the quality. Hailing from superstar Russian River, it should be twice the price.
2009 Arista "Two Birds Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California $68
A splurge-worthy wine from a top, yet still undiscovered, star of Pinot Noir. This limited-production wine is an homage to the owners and encompasses the density, complexity, and intensity that defines the best of California Pinot.
