Price: $8.99 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Riesling Region: California

87

This is an off-dry Riesling; most people will buy this expecting a sweet wine, making this a perfect example of the range of the Riesling grape. The wine itself is very good. Your first sip will remind you a little of a sparkling wine but the flavors come out after a minute and present peaches, pears and a little citrus. -KM

Price: $10.00 Maker: Ironstone Varietal: Cabernet Franc Region: California

87

The 2007 Ironstone Cab Franc is a great wine with pronounced vegetal aromas with bell peppers and green beans leading the way. Nicely balanced, with plum, black olive and a hint of raisin finish this off-dry wine. -K.M.

Price: $9.99 Maker: Rosemount Varietal: Riesling Region: Australia

86

This is a Dry Riesling with distinct petro fuel aromas on the nose. This will scare many consumers off at first but this smell is common with Rieslings and can be a sign of good wine. And in this case it is an indicator of a good wine; the body brings citrus flavors with grapefruit undertones.

Price: $7.99 Maker: Barefoot Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

86

This is an off-dry Zinfandel from Barefoot Cellars. The nose of the wine has a strawberry candy aroma that leads into a full bodied wine with cherry and strawberry flavors that reminds us of pie fillings. -VFE

Price: $7.99 Maker: Barefoot Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

85

We would pass on this wine but the price point might attract a few consumers. The wine has an overpowering lemon taste with a touch of peach. -KM

Price: $2.99 Maker: Charles Shaw Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

85

This is the infamous "2 buck Chuck" that is only available at Trader Joe's. It is not your usual Sauvignon Blanc. The color is a straw-yellow with an aroma on the nose of burnt toast and citrus undertones leading us to believe this has seen some oak. The wine has light citrus flavors with a short finish. If you are looking for a good classic Sauvignon Blanc you will be disappointed but for the novice wine drinker that usually drinks California Chardonnay this will probably be right up your alley. -VFE

Price: $9.99 Maker: Bolla Varietal: Pinot Grigio Region: Italy

85

This is a light bodied wine with crisp fruit flavors and light aromas of pear and lemon. It is a nice wine that can easily be enjoyed while relaxing or for a special occasion. The wine is refreshing and will pair nicely with crab, scallops and lobster.

Price: $6.99 Maker: Barefoot Varietal: Pinot Grigio Region: California

85

The clean aroma from this wine is fruity with hints of citrus. It is dry and crisp with a medium finish and pleasant showing of pears, melons, and lemon. For less then $10 a bottle it’s a nice weekday option. -JM

Price: $9.99 Maker: Red Truck Varietal: Red Blends Region: California

84

This is an interesting blend of 45% Syrah 29% Petite Sirah 20% Cabernet Franc 6% Malbec and a touch of Mourvedre. The wine has a medium body with a mild cherry flavor with a little strawberry and a hint of red licorice on the nose.

Price: $7.99 Maker: Columbia Crest Varietal: Shiraz / Syrah Region: Washington

84

The Two Vines Shiraz provides an ample amount of dark cherry and plum aromas with a nice balance of spice and oak which sets the mood for a relaxing evening.
This Shiraz would go great with a spicy red sauce pasta dish or would boost the mouth watering favors of a New York steak. -JD