This month’s Wine Picks are brought to us by Ken Hoggins, founder of one of the internet’s most comprehensive wine review sites,  www.KensWineGuide.com.  This month we will give you some wines to enjoy for Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June.  Treat mom and dad to one of these special wines on their special days.  Click on each to read the full reviews. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Whites:

2008 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc (Western Cape, South Africa)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=4269
Price: $14

I have previously stated that I think that Mulderbosch makes one of the best Chenin Blancs coming out of South Africa.  I stand behind my claim and the 2008 vintage of this wine.  Its citrus flavors make it very refreshing.  Serve this versatile white wine with broiled scallops or sole.

2007 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Chardonnay "Estate" (Alexander Valley, CA)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=4270
Price: $24

This wine was our favorite at this year’s Worcester Wine and Food Festival.  It is full bodied, rich, and creamy, with tasty lemon custard and ripe pear flavors with some infused light oak.  It is delicious and a second glass is a must.  Pair this beauty with scallops wrapped in bacon.

2007 Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling "Eroica" (Columbia Valley, WA)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=3672
Price: $25

This Riesling is consistently a terrific wine, and the 2007 is no exception.  It is light bodied, with wonderfully balanced fruit and acidity.  It is semi-dry and very refreshing.

The Reds:

2006 Concha y Toro (65% Cabernet Sauvignon & 35% Syrah) "Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada" (Maipo Valley, Chile)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=4254
Price: $12

This wine could be the best bargain red wine we found at the 2009 Boston Wine Expo.  It is very easy to drink with its juicy black raspberry and spicy blueberry flavors. We agreed that it’s a lot of wine for the money.

2006 Murphy Goode Zinfandel "Liars Dice" (Sonoma County, CA)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=4312
Price: $21

This Zin from Murphy Goode is showing quite well right now and it was one of my favorite entry level options this year.  It opens with a big fruit forward bouquet of black raspberry and black currant.  That continues on the flavor profile.  It is very food friendly and would pair quite nicely with a gourmet burger.

2005 Merriam Vineyards Cabernet Franc "Jones Vineyard" (Dry Creek Valley, CA)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=4279
Price: $45

This wine is consistently one of the best Cabernet Franc’s coming out of California and was one of my favorite wines at this year’s Boston Wine Expo.  It displays very tasty black raspberry flavors.  Pick up a bottle soon for a great match with prime rib.