Top 8 Wines of 2011 (I must have drunk a lot of repeats this year)

1) 2009 Apothic Red

2) Cline Cashmere $15

3) Sean Minor 4 Bears Sauvignon Blanc $12

4) Girasole Pinot Noir $15

5) 2007 Ballast Stone Cab $17

6) 2007 Domaine La Grave vin de pays des hauts de badens

7) 2006 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Alexander Valley

8) 2008 Firestone Discoveries Chardonnnay

2008 MacMurray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Taste: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Price: retail $27, my price $15

I bought this at a year end close out, hence the discounted price.  I've had the MacMurray Central Coast Pinot a number of times (it's one of my sister's favorites).  As I've said before, I'm not a huge Pinot fan - I find they fall flat much of the time at the price point I like to stick with. 

MacMurray Ranch makes six different Pinot's, with the Sonoma Coast just a step up from the Central Coast label.  It was elegant, rich, with essence of dark fruit that lead to a full mouth feel and silky smooth finish.  Yum!

2006 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Alexander Valley

Taste: 5/5
Value: 3/5
Price $25

I can't believe I've had this in my wine collection for over 3 years!  Being a white, I figured it was time to open it up and enjoy.  One of the best Chardonnay's I've had in quite awhile - pineapple, pear, apple and a nice touch of butterscotch.  Wonderful acidity and crispness on the finish.  I would buy a few more if I could find it in the $18 or under range, but there are enough that I like in the under $15 range that it would be hard to justify.  A great value for a gift, however!

2007 Ballast Stone Cabernet

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $17

From McClaren Vale, South Australia this Cab reminds me of a Rodney Strong Cab I've had at double the price.  A bouquet that transports you to a leather filled library with cedar, olive and coffee on the full, dense, inky palate.  Lively acidity with a generous, persistent finish.  I Vinturi'd it, but would love to try again decanted for an hour or two.   14.0% alcohol gives nice legs!

2007 Domaine La Grave vin de pays des hauts de badens

Taste: 5
Value: 5
Price: ?$15

I'm pretty sure I bought this at a wine tasting, but can't for the life of me remember how much it cost.  My usual price is <$15, so that's a safe bet.  Now, I'm not typically fond of French wines as they sit flat on my palate.  I do know they pair magically with food, so I try to keep that in mind.  This wine never made it to the food, but it was shared with my friend Sonnet for her birthday.
This is a FANTASTIC cab for the "I don't like cabs" wine drinker, a statement backed up my my friend Sonnet.  This was rich, without being overly big or tannic, and had a nice long finish.  Would definitely buy again.

2010 La Puerta Torrontes

Taste: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $9

Day 1, I would have given 5/5 - sauvignon blanc esque with a touch of sweetness, but day 3 it had lost that hint of sweet and was very crisp and citrusy.  I still give it a 4/5, because there are times that nothing but a crisp, citrusy wine will do and this is a great price point, plus the finish is long and vibrant.

Torrontes, a white grape, is Argentina's flagship white varietal and a grape that Argentine now calls its own.  Characteristic aromas of flowers and citrus, with crisp acidity and a refreshingly persistent finish.

2010 Chateau Millet Domaine de L'Enclos

Taste: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $10

Cotes de Gascogne produced by Chateau Millet.   A blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, it is very very saugvignon blanc esque.  The two varieties are vinified separately before being blended.  A dry white wine, intense on the nose with lots of freshness.  Dominated by floral notes and fruits like acacia and white peach with a crisp citrus finish.

Serve as an aperitif or with lighter fare.  Perfect with starters, goat cheese, fish and shellfish.  I cooked with and served with chicken picatta and was delighted.