Wine List

Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik scopes out wine lists around the North Bay, looking for good value and the occasional splurge. This week's picks (prices are retail; restaurant markup varies):

Sebastiani, 2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay ($13) -- A bright chardonnay with a creamy texture and concentrated flavors of apple and melon. Balanced. Great acidity. Crisp finish.

J, 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris ($20) -- A floral pinot gris with lovely aromas and flavors of jasmine, peach, nectarine and spice. Long finish.

Kathy Lynskey Wines, 2007 Marlborough, New Zealand Gewurztraminer ($24) -- Rich, spicy and floral. Notes of grapefruit, ginger and rose petal.

Rosenblum Cellars, 2005 Rockpile Road Vineyard, Rockpile Zinfandel ($35) -- A zin with a great core of fruit. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, currant, dark chocolate and spice. Integrated tannins.

Landmark, 2006 Grand Detour Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($35) -- A plush pinot with great structure. Aromas and flavors of tangy black cherry, toasty oak and white pepper. Complex.

Want to share a current wine on your favorite eatery's list or tips about corkage? E-mail peg.melnik@

pressdemocrat.com.

-- PEG MELNIK