I just got back from a wonderful vacation getting out of the Bakersfield heat and visiting some Norwegian countries. If you ever have the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting Stockholm, Sweden, Amsterdam, and The Netherlands. Next time you swing by the bar, be sure to ask me about the trip.

   Now that I'm back I wanted to let you know what I have been drinking recently.

2010 Bertani Velante Pinot Grigio We brought this wine in a few weeks ago and I made a mention of it then. For those of you who have not tried this wine it is a great choice for summer drinking. Sourced from Bertani's estate vineyards in the northern Veneto region and made from 100% Pinot Grigio, this wine offers scents of golden apple, ripe pear and peach. The wine is pleasantly dry with a crisp appealing acidity that is very refreshing. $9.91

As many of you know I love a good Sauvignon Blanc and an outstanding choice would be the 2010 Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc. Charles Krug is celebrating their 150 year Anniversary. Owned by the Peter Mondavi Sr. Family, this winery has been making some outstanding wines in the last five years. This wine will impress you with its fresh aromas of honeydew melon, peach skin, lemon grass and pear. Nice flavors of stone fruits and apricot display with a nice texture and crisp acidity. $14.99

2008 Double T Chardonnay by Trefethen is one of the staff favorites. What I find appealing about this wine is it appeals to everyone from connoisseurs to those just getting into wine. Peach and nectarine aromas with notes of baking spices & toasty oak. This wine delivers great balance making it a great match with seafood, poultry, pasta or pork. $16.91

Last up and one of the best deals we have come across in California Cabernet is 2009 Matchbook Cabernet from Lake County. This wine has a richness and character that you only fine in wines two to three times its price. This bottling is mostly Cabernet with some Petit Verdot and Syrah. and exhibits the classic aromas and flavors of blackberry and cassis, with hints of black pepper and spice. The Petite Verdot adds depth and structure, while the Syrah adds rich blackberry and fruit flavors. $13.91

Also, as a reminder, we currently have less than 20 seats left available for our Evening With Rombauer at the Petroleum Club later this month.  If you are interested, check out the info below for more details.