Editor's top picks

San Diego

  • 2008, Triple B Ranch, Merlot. grown and bottled on the estate, the grapes come from the gentle slopes and quiet valleys of northern San Diego County where the Broomell family has been farming since 1946. The roots are deep and it translates into a wine with a depth of ripe berry flavor and real sense of terroir. In a way rustic and very elegant at the same time. ws.www.triplebranches.com


  • 2010, Los Pilares, 50% Grenache 50% Carignane. This typical Rhône style wine bursts with flavors of cherry and dark berries. The 12.5% alcohol by volume allows the fruit to shine with soft tannins and without the cloying effect of over extraction. Hand-picked and sorted grapes, ambient yeast fermentation, no wood.www.lospilareswine.com


Los Angeles

  • 2007 Moraga red wine. A Bordeaux style blend made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot displays beautiful balance between dark fruit notes, components of tobacco and a great minerality which carries the flavors in a long and elegant finish. www.moragavineyards.com


  • 2010 San Antonio Winery, Windstream Chardonnay, Sarmento Vineyard. A vibrant expression of Chardonnay with just enough acidity to deliver fruit and freshness to the palate. www.sanantoniowinery.com


Temecula

  • Callaway 2010 Special Selection Pinot Gris (White). An interesting wine with a hint of pink, beautiful nose with notes of pears, great minerality and a lingering finish. www.callawaywinery.com


  • Callaway 2008 special selection Grenache (Rouge). Beautiful light red which reveals measured extraction, but a wonderful nose of red fruits and rose petals, black peppercorn in the mouth carried by just enough oak. www.callawaywinery.com


  • Hart 2009 Tres Hermanos, Temecula Valley (Rouge). A perfect example that showcases how Rhône style wines do well in Temecula. The name refers to the 3 main varietals (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre) and to the 3 sons of father Joe. www.vinhart.com


  • Hart 2011 Roussane (White). Produced from a 1 acre block in the family vineyard where grapes are obviously very happy and looked after, this wine combines intense fruity nose and a well-balanced mouth feel.www.vinhart.com


Malibu

  • 2010 Montage Winery Syrah, Seven Sons Vineyard. Estate fruit grown, is bursting with beautiful floral and ripe berry aromatics, but shines especially for its elegant structure, supple tannins and just enough acidity (probably due to the proximity of the vineyard to the ocean) to avoid any cloying effect. Alcohol: 14.2% which is not exaggerated for the area. www.montagevineyards.com


  • 2009 Hoyt Family Vineyards Chardonnay. A full-bodied Chardonnay grown in the background of a beautiful house with ocean views.www.hoytfamilyvineyards.com