Chateau St. Jean

Chateau St. Jean continues to impress. They have become my favorite vineyard for their wide range of consistently outstanding wines at very modest prices. Their vineyard and winery offers more than just a touristy tour and tasting. The mansion that houses their twin tasting rooms offers visitors a range of wonderful foods, wines, and accessories. Make the trip if you are in Sonoma. http://www.chateaustjean.com/stjean/visit/map.jsp

Chateau St. Jean helped me appreciate Cabernets again. I don't have a palate for the traditional dry Cabs, so I haven't enjoyed most steak house wine lists. I tasted the Cinq Cepages a few months ago, which inspired me to experiment again with the Cabernet. The Cinq Cepages blends so many flavors, and it surprised me to actually taste a range of tones: fruits, herbs, oak, etc. It's a real treat for a special occasion because it's a bit pricey. Locally in Central Florida, I've found the Cinq Cepages for $68-$72 per bottle.

If you haven't enjoyed Chateau St. Jean, yet, don't let the price of the premium wines fool you. This winery produces wonderful wines at every price point.

The base Chardonnay is rich and buttery and very mellow for $9-$10 at Total Wine and ABC Fine Wines. I've spotted it at Sam's and Costco occasionally, too. If you like the burgundy style full Chards, you'll enjoy the range of those wines at Chateau St. Jean. It's my "go-to" housewarming gift if I know the owners enjoy white wines. A genuine throw-back to rich and buttery Chards.

My absolute favorite at Chateau St. Jean remains their wonderful 2005 Pinot Noir, Sonoma County. It tastes much bigger than a $15 wine should, and I always keep two or three bottles in my wine rack. Great fruit tones. The 2005 Pinot gave me my first experience noticing the different textures of wines on my tongue. Great mouth feel and finish. I've enjoyed it with Asian and Latin foods. I'm tempted to cook with it, but there never seems to be any left over from the dining table to find its way into the kitchen.