Below you'll find our picks of the month.

For access to the most current tasting notes, click here.

RED AND WHITE WINES OF THE MONTH

To download back issues of the pdf EPICUREAN TASTING ROOM ezine, click here.

WHITE WINE OF THE MONTH

2007 Valley of the Moon, Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Unoaked, $16
Score: 93.0
For years California Chardonnays have been criticized for being over-oaked. Now, as consumers have embraced unoaked Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris/Grigio, a few California producers are presenting examples of Chardonnay without oak ageing. It's not really a new concept, but consumers seem ready to accept lighter, more elegant Chardonnays. Valley of the Moon's press release suggests the unoaked rendition "invites casual enjoyment," but I'd say it invites the opportunity to experience the unmasked fruit of Chardonnay grapes. This version presents a light and lively blend of flavors reminiscent of fine French Chablis -- tart apple and citrus flavors, substantial minerality and crisp acidity that carry the finish for minutes. It's a superb palate cleanser, perfect with shellfish and poultry (especially duck).

RED WINE OF THE MONTH

2005 Ghost Pines, Merlot
60% Napa County, 40% Sonoma County Winemaker's Blend $23
Score: 93.0
I've had a lot of wines of cult status and four times the price that are not as good as this outstanding debut. Ghost Pines is a second label of Louis M. Martini, reserved for wines of multiple AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), in this case Napa and Sonoma, which is actually nothing new for Louis Martini, a Napa winery that has owned vineyards in Sonoma and Lake County for decades. The fruit is explosive -- cherries, blackberries and plum with an integrated layer of spice (cinnamon, clove, vanilla, fennel), superb balance, contained tannin, and great vibrancy that resonates from the nose through to the long, satisfying finish. This is an absolute steal at $23. Lay in a case.