The best wines at Tampa Bay’s Bern’s Wine Fest

I certainly didn’t try them all but here are my faves from the sold-out, 13th Annual Bern’s Winefest VIP/Grand Tasting on Sunday, April 18th. I tasted about 70 wines to come up with this list. All in a day’s work…

Wines available at Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits, while supplies last.

– Moet et Chandon 2003 Grand Vintage Brut ($79.95). It kicked the 2000 Dom Perignon’s ass ($149.95).

– Abadia Retuerta 2007 Rivola ($14.95). Great alone or with food.

– 1989 Porto Cruz Port ($34.95). Took a bottle of that home with me.

– Bogle 2006 Phantom ($20.95). Bogle always a good value.

– Treana 2007 Red ($48.95). Winemaker Austin Hope is simply fabulous.

– Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Eroica Riesling ($24.95). Consistent, year after year.

– Dare by Viader 2008 Rosé. Unfortunately not available in Florida (winery only). Tease! But tasty.

– Long Meadow Ranch 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95). Had this at the Monday night wine dinner. Steely and deelish.

– Long Meadow Ranch 2006 Ranch House Red ($17.95). Truly gorgeous and the best value at the Monday night dinner.

– Bethel Heights 2007 Chardonnay ($26.95). Worth more $$.

– Fontanafredda 2008 Briccotondo Barbara ($12.95). Put this fabu, affordable red on a wine list I wrote recently.

– Massone 2008 Gavi Masera ($13.95). Nothing screams summer like white, refreshing Gavi.

– Cantina del Taburno 2005 Fidelis ($14.95). Tried this Italian aglianico with the Rioja Braised Rabbit and almost peed my pants.

– Laurenz V Grüner 2008 Veltliner “Singing” ($13.95). Unique, even for a grüner.

– Domaine de Reuilly Les Pierres Plates Blanc ($18.95). French Sauv Blanc at its finest. And cheapest.

– Lucien Crochet Sancerre ($26.95). Stony minerality meets full frontal fruit  in this French sauv blanc.

– Ferraton 2008 Cotes du Rhone Plan de Dieu ($14.95). Great value from this grenache/syrah blend.

– Monpertuis 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Classique ($46.95). Classic styling, dark fruit.

– Perrin 2007 Côtes du Rhône Vinsobres ($20.95). Full-bodied and hearty.

– Ramonet 2007 Chassagne Montrachet “Clos de la Boudriotte” ($69.95). Worth. Every. Penny.

– Grivot 2006 Nuits St. Georges “Les Boudots” ($89.95). Elegant French pinot noir defined.