In attending and tasting at some 150 occasions at wine bars and shops, resorts, restaurants, wineries and wine events statewide, plus new releases I have personally reviewed, I have assembled a top 10 of all the wines I have had the pleasure of experiencing.

I do this twice a year, one at this time and again at the end of the year, combining all the tastings.

I apply the standards crafted by the American Wine Society, which scores by: appearance, aroma and bouquet, taste and texture, aftertaste and overall impression.

Applying these rules, I have awarded the following wines top 10 status.

The list is set up as alphabetical and not by rank. I rated them all equally impressive.

Five are from California, one from Washington, one from Australia, one from Italy (actually Sicily) and one from France.

Four are blends, which I personally favor for the ultimate personal artistic creation from the winemaker.

Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon: Walla Walla, WA; 2005; $25. Big fruit-filled taste, shades of chocolate and pepper. Candy-apple bouquet. Mix of Cab 76 percent, Merlot 14 percent, Syrah 9 percent and Malbec 1 percent.

Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir: Monterey, CA; 2005; $37. Reflecting the altitude and cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, this soft, velvety Pinot has a lush berry mouthfeel. Pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, even some lighter meats. 10 months in French oak.

D’arenberg "the Dead Arm" Shiraz: McLaren Vale, Australia; 2005; $50. Comes from ancient vines and aged 22 months in oak. Fiery and intensive from concentrated small berry production, low yields. Could be cellared to soften the edges.

Falkner Amante "Super Tuscan" Blend: Temecula, CA; 2004; $39.95. Italian influence with Sangiovese, Merlot, Cab, and Cab Franc. Pungent aroma, elegant cherry and a hint of pepper at the finish. Signature wine for Falkner.

Jean Luc Colombo Les Bartavelles: Chateauneuf du Pape, France; 2005; $35. Top taste at the recent French wine and cuisine showcase at the posh Westgate Hotel in San Diego, this over-the-top 2005 vintage has 1/3 Grenache, 1/3 Syrah and 1/3 Mourvedre from 50-year-old vines. 18 months in oak. Licorice elements scented with bold fruit.

Justin Isosceles: Paso Robles, CA; 2005; $65. Luscious, lingering taste of boysenberry, leather and mocha from this blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] Merlot. 24 months French oak barrel aged. Still very young. Can be cellared many years if you can wait; I can’t. The premier wine in Paso.

Kendell-Jackson Grand Reserve Estate Merlot: Napa/Sonoma; 2005; $26. Best of breed at "KJ" with sourcing from Napa and Sonoma vineyards. Late harvest helped. Smooth, refined tannins. True Merlot!

Orfila Heritage Syrah: San Pasqual Valley, CA; 2005; $28. Limited production, first reserve for Orfila, from Napa clones. Hand harvested and fermented from one of California’s pioneer Syrah-makers, since 1992. Sophisticated and smooth – next level of Syrah.

Renoto Feudi Maccari Nero D’Avola: Sicily, Italy; 2006; $10. Top value wine on the list. Small amount of Merlot to smooth out taste. From the best location Noto area of Sicily: dry, hot and benefits from southeast coast breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Volcanic soil a plus. Acidic backbone.

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Symmetry Meritage: Sonoma, CA; 2005; $60. Acclaimed long-time winner from 30-year winemaker Rick Sayre, who blends Cab, Merlot and other traditional Bordeaux grapes in the finest French oak for up to 24 months. Blackberries and plum tastes are dominant with hints of sweet spices and chocolate.

Frank Mangio is a wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. His library of columns may be viewed at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.

The local sip

• July 11 – 4 to 7:30 p.m. – Wine Street in Carlsbad "Under the Tuscan Sun" event. Includes Chianti, Bolgheri, Montepulciano and more. $15 per person. (760) 431-8455

• July 14 – 6 p.m. – Firefly owner/chef Jim Barrasso doing a cooking class featuring wine pairings at Kitchen Witch in Encinitas. $55. (760) 635-1066

• July 15 – 6:30 p.m. – Firefly "Celebration of Lobster" dinner. (760) 635-1066

• July 16 – Cougar Vineyard and Winery’s first wine dinner in Temecula at Palumbo’s Ristorante. $75 per person. (951) 491-0825

• July 19 – 6:30 to 10 p.m. – Stuart Cellars (Temecula) Futures Barrel Tasting. Purchase wine early and enjoy wine from the barrel. Paired dinner and entertainment. $75 per person. (951) 676-6414

• July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20 – 5 to 7 p.m. – Wine and "A Bite" Art Walk in downtown Fallbrook. Food from four Fallbrook restaurants and wine from award-winning Orfila Winery. $20 per person. (877) 451-3282.