Señor Sisig, M.Y. China, Italian Colors: Check, Please! Bay Area reviews

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 (beer and spirits) tips with each episode.

2013 Douglas Green “the beach house” Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa ($9)
This wine is a crowd pleaser. Nothing serious or stuffy here, just a wine that’s pure fun to sip. Zesty and juicy, it captures a ping of citrusy freshness that makes it a white to drink beachside or tableside with salads, light fish dishes, and spicy cuisine. Make sure to stock up, you’ll drink it quickly.

2010 Robert Oatley Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia ($18)
Bob Oatley has a rich history in the Aussie wine business having owned the famed Rosemount Estate winery that put Shiraz on American’s wine map. With his current namesake winery, Oatley has taken Shiraz to the next level. This elegant yet still voluptuous red shows what fruit from the marine-influenced McLaren Vale area can produce. A spicy, saucy sip ideal paired with hearty fare hot off the grill.

2012 Light Horse Chardonnay, California ($14)
This is the kind of Chardonnay you’ll want to sip from poolside to tableside. Expressing ripe fruit notes it also captures the brightness and lightness of Chardonnay. With just a kiss of oak to add complexity, this is a wine for enjoying alone or with a wide variety of dishes from salmon in a mustard sauce to soft cheese topped with spicy chutney. The brand belongs to Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, which has formed the Light Horse Foundation. A portion of all wine sales go to the foundation assisting high-risk individuals afflicted with autism. So, drink well and do good at the same time. I’ll toast to that.

2012 Light Horse Pinot Noir, California ($15)
It’s a challenge to find good value Pinot Noirs, but this is one of the best values on the market. The Light Horse is well made, well priced and to that I say, “well done.” With characteristic Pinot aromas of floral and spice, along with flavors of red berries and a silky texture, this is a wine you’ll want to drink any day with just about any dish.