THE WINE GUY: The gift of wine can spark delight

Serious wine drinkers really appreciate it if someone cares enough to give the best. Here is a shopping list of the best California wines I have tasted this year but not yet reviewed.

Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Chappellet Signature ($42)
2006 Ehlers Estate 1886 ($95)
2005 Hidden Ridge 55 percent Slope ($75)
2004 Mayacamas ($65)
1996 Mayacamas Library ($150)
2006 Joseph Phelps Napa ($54)
2006 Rocca Family Estate ($75)
2006 Sbragia Monte Rosso ($50)
2006 Sbragia Rancho Del Oso ($75)
2006 Sbragia Cimarossa ($75)

Bordeaux Blends
2006 Bennett Lane Maximus ($35)
2005 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages ($90)
2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia ($200)

Merlot
2006 Chappellet ($30)
2006 Duckhorn Napa ($52)
2006 Ehlers Estate ($45)

Pinot Noir
2007 J Vineyards Nicole’s ($60)
2007 Sea Smoke Southing ($50)
2007 Sea Smoke Ten ($80)

Syrah
2005 Fess Parker Big Easy ($45)
2005 Fess Parker Rodney’s ($45)

Chardonnay
2006 Chateau St. Jean Reserve ($45)
2007 Grgich Hills Estate ($42)
2006 Mayacamas ($35)
2005 Mayacamas Library ($45)
2007 Patz & Hall Hudson ($55)
2007 Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch ($39)
2007 Sbragia Gamble Ranch ($40)
2005 Talbott Diamond T ($52)
2005 Talbott Cuvee Carlotta ($63)
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Rich Mauro has been writing about wine since 1995. He is a policy analyst for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Reach him at rich@rmpeoplespalate.com or Box 1779, Colorado Springs 80901.