Calera 2012 Pinot Noir Central Coast and Kenneth Volk Vineyards 2012 Albarino 

Calera 2012 Pinot Noir Central Coast

• CALERA 2012 PINOT NOIR CENTRAL COAST:

I recently had the opportunity to taste the latest value-priced pinot from this respected winery and it’s excellent. Vintner Josh Jensen is one of the Central Coast’s most notable winemakers. The pinot is very pretty with tangy red fruit flavors of cherry, strawberry, and plums with sweet notes of blackberry and spice. It’s a fine wine for enjoying on its own but best at the table, paired with salmon, ahi, a good steak, or a great burger. Available at Tastes of the Valleys Pismo Beach, this well-crafted wine is priced only $24.99.
 
Kenneth Volk Vineyards 2012 Albarino

• KENNETH VOLK VINEYARDS 2012 ALBARINO :

An excellent white from SLO County’s highly respected Ken Volk, Wild Horse founder and Cal Poly advocate, who is now based in Santa Maria Valley. This pretty white has fabulous aromatics of sweet stone fruits and citrus with floral notes and nuances of honey. As easy drinking on its own as it is with food, it pairs beautifully with shellfish paella, simple chicken dishes, or pasta with fresh vegetables. But I found it quite satisfying on its own. Available at Tastes of the Valleys Pismo Beach, this very special Spanish varietal is priced only $20 retail.