Price: $10.99 Maker: Jekel Varietal: Riesling Region: California

90

This is a wonderful Riesling with a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity that develops into smooth off-dry wine. The nose of the wine grabs you with aromas of honey and apple and leads you into a well balanced wine with flavors of green apple, pineapple and light citrus flavors. It has been a long time since we found a riesling with this level of balance and with a retail price of $11 a bottle it's a great buy. -KM

Price: $12.00 Maker: PromisQous Varietal: Red Blends Region: California

90

This is a perfect example of why we do blind tastings, the PromisQous Red wine is a delightful blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and a small amount of other red grapes from California. We are rarely impressed with wines that have a catchy name but we were thrilled with this wine that sells at local Target stores for $12 a bottle. The wine is packed with flavors of black cherry, blackberries and strawberry jam with a long smooth finish. It is perfect for any occasion and is an instant conversation starter at any party. Pick up a bottle the next time you are shopping at Target, you will be happy you did.

Price: $14.99 Maker: Rosenblum Cellars Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

90

Beautiful straw-yellow color. Full of apple, lemon and subtle vanilla aromas. A medium-bodied wine leads to a flavorful finish with balanced, tasty citrus and tropical fruit and lively acidity. The great balance of flavor and acidity set this wine up for a broad range of food and wine pairings with seafood dishes topping the list.

Price: $25.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

89

Off dry with enough acidity to keep the palate clean and crisp; this is a full bodied wine with strong lemon flavors and pear under tones. The wine is perfectly balanced with the fermentation in French Oak barrels coming through in the color of the wine without over powering the taste.

Price: $22.00 Maker: Cosentino Varietal: Cabernet Franc Region: California

89

The Cabernet Franc grape use to be limited to red blends but, we are starting to see more and more Cabernet Franc wines on the market and this one is a great example of the varietal. The nose is deep and fruit forward with a hint of vanilla. Full bodied with deep black fruit, red cherry with just a little spice and nice long finish. The Franc and other varietals from this label can be found at BevMo.

Price: $23.00 Maker: St. Supery Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

89

A classic California Sauvignon Blanc that opens up with aromas of pear, grapefruit and citrus with a wonderful balance of crisp acidity. The flavors of lime, grapefruit green grass and lemon have a finish that leaves you ready for your next sip.

Price: $28.99 Maker: Picket Fence Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

89

This is a new brand on the market and definitely worth the money. The wine has a perfect balance of fruit and spice with classic Pinot color. Cherry flavors are dominant with a little raspberry and vanilla; the wine dances across your tongue with a perfect finish.

Price: $25.00 Maker: Buena Vista Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

89

The Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir brings delightful aromas of cherry and clove. On the palate cherry is the dominate flavor followed by blackberry, plum and strawberries. The wine is perfectly balanced with a long finish.

This is an excellent purchase for any Pinot Noir fan.

Price: $20.99 Maker: Simi Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

89

A nice soft, easy to drink Zinfandel that's lighter then usual. It has well balanced tannins with flavors of blackberries, black cherry and nice hint of oak. -VFE

Price: $10.00 Maker: Ironstone Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

89

The 2007 Ironstone Chardonnay has delightful aromas of pear and citrus. The wine is dry and crisp with flavors of lemon, pineapple and a little vanilla from the well balanced oak aging. At just $10 a bottle this wine is a great a diamond in the ruff!