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.
Callaway 2022 Winemaker’s Reserve Harmonique (Callaway Vineyard & Winery, $45) This Roussanne/Chardonnay blend paired well with rainbow trout and roasted asparagus spears at the Meritage restaurant, and it was fantastic with the following: yuzu citrus chicken and steamed vegetables, Ghirardelli dark chocolate, smoked Gouda cheese, and water crackers. It’s pure indulgence in a bottle - one of only 2,500 to be exact — and worth buying again.
Kaleidoscope Red Wine Blend, 2022 (Total Wine, $14.99). This Robert Mondavi wine paired best with steak dishes that were spicy. It’s a good red wine for its price, but greater things await if I spent just $5 more on something else.
A to Z Oregon Rose Wine (Costco, $12.99). Sometimes you get what you pay for, and this wine didn't pair with any of my food dishes. I certainly wouldn't pay full price for this varietal. In fact, the only reason why I'd have one on hand is to keep the drunks from touching the good stuff.
Blue Canyon Pinot Noir, 2022 (Total Wine, $15.99). When paired with spicy meats and chicken, this blooms into a great “bang for the buck” red with hints of oak and black cherry. Pair it with something bland and its just another red lost in a sea of similar offerings.
District Series Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 (Total Wine, $19.99). Wine Enthusiast had it rated at 93, and for good reason. I loved it with steak, gouda cheese and by itself. If you want to impress with a good “bang for your buck” red that isn’t too heavy, this is a great choice to bring to an intimate gathering. It’s blueberry and chocolate notes will win most over.