Western Wine Awards 2010: Splurges

At $50 and more, these wines are best for big spenders or the rare splurge

Fine Chardonnay

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Fine Wines: Chardonnay

J. Rochioli 2008 Rachael’s Vineyard Chardonnay Delicate waves of fruit—tart Sierra Beauty apples, earthy pear, fresh litchi, and orange—lightly touched with French oak and finished with crème brûlée. (Russian River Valley; $70)

Fine Proprietary Red Wine

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Fine Wines: Red blend

Continuum 2007 Proprietary Red Lush and powerful but polished, with blue fruit, cassis, and spice from new French oak. (Napa Valley; $140)

Fine Bordeaux Blend

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Fine Wines: Bordeaux Blend

Justin 2007 “Isosceles” A powerful, age-worthy Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot) with dark fruit, cedar, tobacco, espresso, and a sprinkling of black pepper. (Paso Robles; $62)

Fine Chardonnay

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Fine Wines: Chardonnay

Kongsgaard 2007 “The Judge” Chardonnay A concentrated beauty, with stone fruit and citrus layered with tarte tatin, cedar, and a hint of caramel. (Napa Valley; $175)

Fine Merlot

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Fine Wines: Merlot

Duckhorn 2007 Merlot A new winner from an old Napa Valley team—rich, chocolaty blue fruit perfumed with tobacco, mint, and fennel. (Napa Valley; $52)

Fine Pinot Noir

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Fine Wines: Pinot Noir

Benovia 2008 “Bella Una” Pinot Noir A burst of minty cherry over strawberry, currant, earth, and leather, with a long, lovely finish. (Russian River Valley; $58)

Fine Pinot Noir

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Fine Wines: Pinot Noir

Adelsheim 2008 Winderlea Vineyard Pinot Noir Velvety red fruit (raspberry, cranberry) with earthy undertones and savory tannins make for elegant balance. (Dundee Hills; $90)

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