2025 Wines

One of my favorite hobbies is wine. I'm more than a casual drinker, but I'm not a lush. I enjoy having a five to six ounce glass of wine with my dinner up to four nights a week, which means I should open fifty two bottles of wine in a year. 

Due to my past diabetes diagnosis, I prefer white wines that are carb and sugar friendly compared to other varieties. Even with my AC1 at an acceptable level, I still watch what I eat most of the time.

When I give my take on wine, I won't go into full detail like tannins, alcohol content, what they're best paired with, etc.. I like to keep things simple. Does it taste good by itself? Do they enhance a dish with baked salmon or sauteed chicken, the proteins I typically eat for dinner? Would I buy it again based on its price point?

The following is a chronological list of wines I've had so far in 2025:

Emerald Creek I'm A Charmer, 2020 (Dudley's Bakery, $22). I was indeed charmed by this blend of pinot grigio, Riesling, and muscat grapes. It tastes great by itself and also with the baked salmon and sauteed chicken meals I paired them with. For it's price point it's a must buy if I see it in stock the next time I make a "Bakery Run" to the mountains.

Romana Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 (Total Wine, $31.99). This one was memorable when I sipped it before a meal, and it really enhanced the flavors of both the baked salmon and sautéed chicken dinners I paired them with. It’s a great splurge item to drink alone or share with a special someone, but it’s better suited as that bottle you’ll bring to an intimate gathering to impress others. 

Heritiers Benoit Pepe Maurice Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2022 (Total Wine, $19.99) It’s a “red”, so I used an aerator to enhance its flavor. It’s bright and cheery, and best served by itself or paired with a steak. It was okay with chicken but not recommended with salmon. At this price point it’s definitely worth buying again.

Kendall Jackson Winemaker’s Block 2022 Chardonnay (Total Wine, $20.99) KJ’s Vintner’s Reserve was like comfort food for me back in the day, and this version is an upgrade that goes well with just about anything. You can never go wrong with KJ wines if “bang for your buck” is your jam.

Greyrock Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Total Wine, $21.99) This white wine is like SATC’s Samantha Jones. She’s bold, flavorful, and an acquired taste. If you’re into an explosion of passion fruit or stone fruit on your palette, you’ll love it paired with chicken, fish or even by itself.

Tres Llaves Winery Syrah Rose 2023 (Dudley’s Bakery, $35) This light pink blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes pairs well with chicken and salmon, but it’s even better with smoked gouda, grapes and dark chocolate. It’s not mass produced, nor is it listed as available on the winery’s web site. If I see it for sale on my next Bread Run I may bring another bottle home to share with friends before it’s all gone.