Jeff Clavier's Buzzlog

One of my personal favorite in Sonoma County, A. Rafanelli is a small producer of this Zinfandel, and of a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon. I do recommend the tasting at the winery, that you need to call in advance for.
This Zinfandel is smooth, rich in fruit and spicy notes.
WS: 88.

A great Pomerol (made up of Merlot, unlike many other Bordeaux) in a great vintage. Full bodied, soft tannins, coffee and fruit aromas. A great bottle.
WS: 93.

This Rhone valley wine is 100% Syrah (Shiraz) and displays typical fruit, smoke and chocolate flavors.

This is one of my absolute favorites in non vintage Champagnes. We have managed to survive on California bubblies (and the stock of Champagne we had moved over from France), but I have yet to find a superior one (suggestions most welcome).
So last time we were in Paris, we tasted about 20 different Champagnes (life's a bitch sometimes) in the $15 to $25
range, and selected this one.
Flavorful, well rounded, medium size bubbles, an absolute pleasure.

Fairview is one of the leading producers in South Africa and his Goat
Rotie is a simple yet very enjoyable alternative to the expensive (and hard to find) French Cote Rotie's.
This Rhone blend, Shiraz with 5% Viognier, shows nice tannins, lots of fruit flavors, plus smoke and chocolate.
At $14 at Costco, it is really a great deal.
WS: 91

A great deal I spotted at Costco for $8.99. Well balanced with nice tanins, a light oak touch and ripe fruit flavors.
WS: 90

I was suggested to taste this Syrah by the (very well informed) staff of K&L Wine. For the price, ($9.99), it is a great deal: soft tanins, lush, complex flavors. Very nice.

Very nice aroma, flavours, texture. A recommendation from K&L Wine at a great price ($12.99).
However we enjoyed more La Folie a Deux.

A great LBV (Late Blottled Vintage) Port that I bought in Spain a few years ago. Medium body, fine tanins, still a lot of fruits.

Recommended by the staff from K & L Wine San Francisco, this Chardonnay from Central California is rich in fruit, well balanced and with a nice level of acidity. Definitely closer to typical Burgundy whites than many Californian chardonnays.