Chenin Blanc is what makes France's Vouvray so internationally popular. California can also make a mean version, and Dry Creek Vineyards in Sonoma County has been doing it splendidly for decades. Leave the cork in your Chardonnay tonight and try this delicious permutation of one of the world's classic grape varieties.

2009 Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Chenin Blanc, Wilson Ranch  $12 srp
    A round, caressing nose suggesting peach pie, hazelnuts and lilting tropical fruit. Soft mouth entry is followed by a tangy, spiced pear kick of refreshment. This utterly charming wine is an ideal aperitif or matched with char-grilled vegetables, pork or fowl. Fine value as well. 89/100 points

[Ed. note: Better late than never...]

Chablis, whose regional name has been shamelessly copied and thus unfairly maligned, is one of the most elemental, direct expressions of the Chardonnay grape. It's often an eye and window opener for people who thought they didn't care for Chardonnay. Joseph Drouhin's always dependable Premier Cru bottling is exceptional in its most recent incarnation.

2008 Chablis Premier Cru, Joseph Drouhin $38 srp
The fresh minerality and effortlessness of the pure nose is comforting yet energizing; the fruit bursts and shines through. Flavors are round with the distinct "chalkiness" that bathes the cheeks, giving length and staying power to its fruit purity. Secondary elements of honey and butter beginning to emerge.
Try with poached Salmon or Tilefish. Drink now-2015
90 now/92 point potential

Launched in 1996, Hope Family Wines represent the pride and potential of Paso Robles fruit. Many of their wines are Rhone-inspired, but their Treana Red, a cabernet-based wine, (with 30% Syrah blended in to the 2007 edition) is a mouth-filling charmer that will not disappoint.

2007 Treana Red, Paso Robles $25 srp
An enticing nose full of lush licorice and herb-scented fruits. A tapestry of mulberry marmalade, it's like a vinous Guiness! Flavors entice rather than overwhelm; sleek, fig-like fruit with tarry, spice-laden overtones. Begs for a grilled Hanger Steak or Hunan pork preparation. Drink now-2014. 89 now/potential 91 points

El Coto is a forward looking Rioja Estate under the Fredrick Wildman banner of imported wines. This wine is an exceptional value for those who treasure a truly dry rosé.

2009 El Coto Rosado $10 srp
Made from Grenache and Tempranillo grapes, this rosé leaps out with grapey freshness. It's a noseful of crushed, fragrant berry delight. The flavors are bright and lingering--like biting into an un-sweet watermelon. There's a cozy softness that will beautifully surround any grilled poultry, pork or shish kabob entrée.
89/100 points

Will return live next week.

Here's an oldie to tide you over.

Goats Do Roam is a South African brand that pays homage to France's Cotes du Rhone region and its grape varieties--although initially the French did not take to kindly to this compliment! The irrepressible Charles Back heads up the wine making team that produces today's rosé.

2009 Goats du Roam Rosé $10 srp
Vividly Salmon-colored. A spicy, chalky, high-toned nose like fermented strawberries that tickle the sinuses. Good depth of flavor, with its plummy elements remaining energetic and fresh. There's just a touch of un-cloying sweetness on the finish. Try with a chilled pasta salad or a garbanzo, kidney bean medley. 87/100 points

Editor's note: Arturo is busy with a number of projects this week, so we're going to run this "classic" Wine Wednesday from January. Arturo says this offering goes well with anything coming off the grill.

Petite Sirah (Syrah) is an often misunderstood hybrid, created in France in the late 19th century. It simply glows in Californian soil with a rich grapey flavor and solid as a rock texture that's a perfect foil for mid-Winter fare. Golfer Greg Norman's foray into California wines has created a beauty.

2007 Greg Norman Paso Robles Petite Sirah  $15 suggested retail price.
Heady vinous bouquet of super-ripe plum, violet and spicy black fruit. Explosive and penetrating. Rich flavorful buckets of fresh, just picked fruit flavors. Non-complex but soul satisfying and lip-smackingly joyful. Great for spicy meat or Lentil-based dishes. 91/100 points 

For more than two decades, Ed Sbragia helped to make Beringer's top of the line wines so very delicious and collectible. Now he is on the verge of producing the 10th vintage at his own Sonoma County, Sbragia Family Vineyards. And the beat goes on! This newly released Cabernet, from the heralded 2007 vintage, is among the finest reds he has yet fashioned. 803 cases produced, and it is quite a value.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Andolsen Vineyard  $35 srp
Dr. Andolsen is the family doctor of many Dry Creek residents. And his vineyard is also in the best of health! This is a rich and earthy Cabernet, but not a one-dimensional fruit bomb. There's a plush black cherry, blueberry and black currant nose with minty and fresh herb overtones. Roses, vanilla, graphite and sweet cigar box elements also emerge on this complex bouquet. Juicy black fruits, cocoa, leather, and minerality are packed into the flavor, but there's a grace note that keeps it all lithe.
Truly great wines, (and winemakers) seem to show all they can be – a rare and complete expression of the promise. Superb length and unobtrusive fine tannins promise even more. Drink now-2020.
93/potential 95 points

Film legend Francis Ford Coppola continues his estate's varied bottlings of striking wines with labels to match. His "Director's" series features delightful renditions from throughout California's wine regions. Today's Pinot Noir is a charmer.

2008 Francis Ford Coppola Director's Pinot Noir $21 srp
    Lovely, alluring pomegranate color. A bright, exuberantly fragrant nose of textbook Pinot fruit. It's an outgoing berry compote, spice-scented delight. Soft, mouth-coating texture – the fruit is warmly ripe on the tongue with non-abrasive acids and tannins. Try with simple poultry or seared tuna. Drink now-2012.
90/potential 91 points

Goats Do Roam is a South African brand that pays homage to France's Cotes du Rhone region and its grape varieties--although initially the French did not take to kindly to this compliment! The irrepressible Charles Back heads up the wine making team that produces today's rosé.

2009 Goats du Roam Rosé $10 srp
Vividly Salmon-colored. A spicy, chalky, high-toned nose like fermented strawberries that tickle the sinuses. Good depth of flavor, with its plummy elements remaining energetic and fresh. There's just a touch of un-cloying sweetness on the finish. Try with a chilled pasta salad or a garbanzo, kidney bean medley. 87/100 points