David “The Wine Guy” is a good friend of ours, we have known him for years. It is also a given that drinking & driving do not mix; ever. But, when friends get together and share stories about great cars and their passion for them, a great wine can somehow become appropos. David Bunnell  also happens to be the New Car Sales Manager at Sterling BMW in Newport Beach. He is a great car guy and he knows a thing or two about wine…….in the appropriate place and at the appropriate time.

After having been given very short notice to write about wine, I find myself wondering where to begin. There is so much to write about, not to mention it is one of my favorite topics of conversation. Automobiles are one of my other favorites. I do know, that the more I know about wine, the more I need to know and this could be said about the high end of the luxury car market i.e. BMW’s, Mercedes, etc…as well.

Just like fine automobiles demand a certain audience, so it goes with fine wine. You truly do get what you pay for in a BMW and so it is with every fine wine. When I have paid top dollar or a premium price, my experience has almost always been a reaction of; yes I experienced a fine wine and although I paid for it, I have received value in return. The value comes in many ways: Sometimes it’s with a friend that heightens the experience, or maybe an event that takes the experience to a whole new level. I haven’t even mentioned food, but food can in many ways make the tasting experience fly; if you know what to pair with the particular wine you have chosen. I am not so naive to say that all wine is equal, because it isn’t; any more then all automobiles are equal. There is always a reason that some wines demand a higher price and others don’t. An example being; the best designers, engineers and huge dollar investment that go into building the “Ultimate Driving Machine” before a profit is even realized. The same can be said for the “Best in Class” when it comes to wine. There are many years that go into producing wine before it ever becomes available to the consumer, hence the saying “we will serve no fine wine before it’s time”.  So, we need more time and time is expensive! There seems to be no limit on wine knowledge. I am constantly learning about wine, it seems infinite. If you ever get curious go to Google and type in the word wine. You will see there are 94 pages of wine related topics, websites etc and counting! So, to keep it simple I will write about domestic wines and specifically wines from beautiful Napa California.

This month’s favorite winery is Patz & Hall. After visiting Patz & Hall, I discovered not only great value, but an excellent Pinot Noir and a truly fabulous Chardonnay. You will not be disappointed with either of these two wines. Since we are getting very close to the traditional Thanksgiving feast, I recommend you pick up their pinot Noir ASAP because you won’t want to miss it, not to mention they sold out last year. Their Pinot Noir was featured on the cover of Wine Spectator as being in the top 3 picks for Pinot.

My pick is: 2005 Hyde by patz & Hall

“2005 - Hyde has justifiably become one of the superstar vineyards in Carneros. Small berry size concentrates intensity and vineyard character, essential to the winemaker’s quest to bring forth the elusive “terroir” of the site. The 2005 Hyde Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir showcases aromas of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and woodsy forest floor. Expansive structure, coupled with silky tannins on the palate, is accented by highly extracted blueberry, fig, mocha and spice. With its array of aromas and flavors, this elegant wine displays excellent structure and complexity. The elongated finish is complimented by flavors of pomegranate and cardamom.”
$60.00 a Great VALUE!

 David