Headed Down South? Pack This List for Great Wine Buying!

There’s a lot more to March Break than sun, surf and sand.

If you’re making a run for the border, leave some room in your luggage and get ready for a treasure hunt, because there are some steals, deals, and unique finds in wine shops across America.  And this list will get you started in the right direction — no compass required.

Cayuse “Armada Vineyard” Syrah Walla Walla Valley, Washington – If you care about critic’s scores the ’08 got 98 points from Parker.  An elegant wine with dark  berry fruit, smokey spice and meaty-barnyard.

Chateau Montelena “Potter Valley” Riesling Calistoga, California – This is a small production for the winery, so may only be found in California, but if you can find it, it’s worth it.  Round and rich on the palate with lemon/lime citrus, ripe peach and honey notes.  We smuggled a couple back and recommend you do the same.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, Italy  – we visited this winery in ’09 & have been talking about it ever since. Bold dark fruit, with black olive, saddle leather, bay leaf/sage notes.  A Wine Sisters favourite.

Domaine Grand Veneur “Clos de Sixte” Lirac, France – Rich & dark with cassis, black licorice, dried thyme and black earth.  Another high scorer from Uncle Bobby, if you’re keeping track.

Palmina “Honea Vineyard” Arneis Santa Ynez Valley, California – Elegant & food friendly, this mid weight wine has lanolin and kerosene notes coupled with chamomile, lemon zest and orange oil.

Miguel Merino Gran Reserva Rioja, Spain – Dense and dark with plum, dark cherry, barnyard and dusty earth.