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Learn About Wine's Ian Blackburn's Top 10s of 2006
Ian Blackburn founded LearnAboutWine in 1995. LearnAboutWine has a list of unique classes, events and tours that remain on the cutting edge of the industry and Ian was gracious enough to give LAist some of his top 10s for 2006 including his favorites restaurants, regions and bottles of wine and also wine stores. For more information about Learn About Wine or any of their classes or programs, email Ian here.
10 Best Restaurants to Recommend in LA:
1. Cut
2. Grace
3. Hatfield's
4. Josie
5. Mastros
6. Melisse
7. Mozza
8. R23
9. Sona
10. Spago
TOP 10 WINES I BOUGHT THIS YEAR (in order top to bottom - by volume - how much I bought):
$= Value @ 10-$20 $$=20+ $$$=50+
1. Spanish Reds 2003 Fav: Abida Retuerta "Rivola" 2003-$ or LAN 2003-$$
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2. Santa Barbara Pinot Noir Fav: MWC 2005-$, Foley 2005-$$, Seasmoke 2004-$$$
3. Argentinian Malbec Fav: Catena Malbec 2004, Mendoza-$
4. California Chardonnay 2004 Fav: Aubert-$$$, Hess Collection-$, Melville-$
5. Bordeaux 2003-2004 Fav: Calon Segur-$$ for the cellar and Chateau Pipeau-$ for the glass
6. Spanish Riojas Fav: Muga Reserva 1996-$$ or Roda II 2001-$$
7. Champagne Fav: Heidseck-MV-$, 1996-Any-$$$, Pierre Peters-1999-$$$
8. Dry Chenin Blancs Fav: South African-$ or Loire Valley France-$$
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9. Piedmont 2001 - big reds Fav: Giacosa-$$$, La Spinetta-$$, Chiarlo-$$
10. Paso Robles Red Blends Fav: L'Ventura "Optimus" 2003-$$
Top Ten Retail Stores for 2006:
Alphabetical***
1. Woodland Hills Wine Company
2. Wine House, West - LA
3. Wine Exchange, Orange
4. Wine Club, Santa Ana
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5. Wally's Wine and Spirits, Westwood
6. Twenty-Twenty, West - LA
7. Silverlake Wine, Silverlake
8. Red Carpet Wine, Burbank
9. LA Wine Company, Mar Vista
10. Beverage Warehouse, Mar Vista
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
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