Narsai David Food Report: Two Sonoma Wines

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Two beautiful red wines from Sonoma County are spotlighted this week. First, from the Dry Creek Valley is the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, which boasts a spicy, minty aroma with a lush red color.

The distinctive ripe raspberry flavor is right on top, but for the palate, you should expect an elegant balance. The alcohol is only 13.5 percent, so this is in the classic style. This is definitely a wine for food. It would be delicious now with a rich, braised dish like a rare meat, but if you give it a couple of year's age, it would really be worth the wait. At $25 for a three-and-a-half-year-old cab, this is truly a bargain.

The next wine is the 2012 Dutton Goldfield Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley. For a Pinot Noir it has a deep, rich color. Splendid fruit aromas of ripe berries, especially strawberry, should be expected, but this goes well beyond expectation.

You should notice a spiciness that carries through to the palate, where there is plenty of tannin for the balance. Personally, I'd love to age this for a few years to develop the complexity it deserves. At $40, it's another great price.

Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53am, 12:53pm and 4:53pm, and at 2:53am Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.