The Wine Institute of California has announced the Benchmark Wines for 2010 after much deliberation from the tasting panel, who tasted over 100 wines before finally arriving at 14 of the best California has to offer.

The Benchmark Wines initiative started seven years ago, to help to raise perceptions of California Wines and show the abundance of fantastic offerings from the region. Each year a panel of judges is assembled to blind taste wines grouped by price range, and this year’s choices show that great wine is available at all prices from California.

The reds have proved popular this year, with a Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and a couple of Old Vine Zinfandels making their way on to the list. The Redwood Creek Merlot 2008 in the £7-£10 category is a dark choice, full of ripe cherry and blackberry fruit flavours, perfect for barbecued meats with its firm and spicy richness.  The Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, at £9.99, is the number one selling Zinfandel in the world and offers jammy berry flavours and exotic notes from the Delicato Family’s 35-80 year old vines.

Also making it on to the list is the Loredona Pinot Noir 2008, retailing at £9.99. This wine is great for cooler evenings, with the taste of ripe strawberries, red cherries and a hint of cloves, perfect for matching with a wide range of dishes. Representing Cabernet Sauvignon on the list is the Robert Mondavi Winery Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2008. Robert Mondavi has been hailed as the father of Californian Winemaking and this wine doesn’t disappoint. With ripe cherry and fruity flavours supported by oaky undertones, this wine is a delicious choice.  The Quady Winery Elysium Black Muscat 2008, at £9.99 is a rich, sweet dessert wine, a  full flavoured choice for wine lovers with the aroma of roses, and abundance of forest fruits on the palate.

Sitting  at the higher end of the price spectrum, the Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel 2007 (£12.99) boasts aromas of spice and mocha, with intense flavours of jammy plum, chocolate, and vanilla, whilst the Hahn Estates Syrah 2007, at £10.99, is a deep purple mix of pepper, smokiness and blackberry jam with smooth and supple tannins on the finish.

Ménage à Trois (£8.99) is an intriguing blend of white grape varieties, firm, with wonderful balance.  Amongst the white varietals, California Chardonnays and Pinot Grigios have always proved popular, so it’s not surprising that they have also made the cut this year.     For California Chardonnay, the Beringer Founders’ Estate Chardonnay 2007 incorporates coastal fruit and oak, making it enjoyable and food friendly.

The Loredona Pinot Grigio 2009 (£8.99) is crafted in a cool maritime climate, allowing the grapes to develop vibrant acidity and rich complexity, whilst the Clay Station Viognier 2009 (£9.99) incorporates rich aromas of apricots and orange blossoms and peach and guava flavours for a truly fruity palate.

Both the Bogle Chenin Blanc 2008 (£10.65), and Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay (£12.99), are great wines for those looking for a more sophisticated offering. The Bogle Chenin Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine, and the Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is bursting with tropical flavours such as mango, papaya and pineapple.

As well as the abundance of red and white wine offerings on the list for 2010, the Barefoot White Zinfandel from Gallo is a true crowd-pleaser. Approachable and easy-drinking with ripe peach, nectarine and pineapple characters and hints of strawberry, this wine is perfect for summer evenings.

For more information please visit: www.discovercaliforniawine.com