Price: $15.00 Maker: Rodney Strong Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

88

Rodney Strong has released another excellent Chardonnay with their 2007 vintage. The wine has subtle aromas of lemon apple aromas. The body is nicely balanced with enough acidity to keep the wine crisp and your palate fresh. The barrel fermenting comes through on the palate with lemon, apple and pear flavors with just enough vanilla at the end. With a list price of $15 a bottle this wine is a great buy.

Price: $14.00 Maker: Kendall Jackson Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

88

Apples, lemon and vanilla are evident in this fresh Chardonnay from Kendall Jackson. 90% of the wine was barrel fermented and shows a suprisingly perfect balance of oak with a nice long buttery finish. With a retail price of $14 a bottle this is a great buy.

Price: $14.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

88

A nice clean Chardonnay wth plenty of oak character that highlights the pineapple and white peach flavors. If you haven't tried this wine yet, pick up a bottle on your next trip to the store.-KM

Price: $14.99 Maker: Estancia Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

88

A straight forward clean Pinot with an aroma of strawberry and modest flavors red cherry, raspberry and strawberry; you will find the flavors do a nice job staying on the palate through the finish. At $15 a bottle this is a great value and worth a try.

Price: $11.00 Maker: Hess Collection Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

88

The Hess Chardonnay is a nice wine at a great price point, lemon and green apple flavors lead the way with a nice vanilla cream finish. Refreshing acidity and perfectly oaked this wine is a must try for Chardonnay drinkers. -J.M.

Price: $14.99 Maker: Jekel Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88

This wine has an appealing aroma of cherry and plum welcoming you to taste. The first sip matches the delectable scent with flavors of black cherry and plum that roll over the tongue. It has a smooth, velvety tea flavored finish that makes you want to take another sip. This wine would pair well with a pepper crusted filet or ravioli in a marinara sauce. -JM

Price: $18.99 Maker: Francis Coppola Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88

This wine has a rich plum color, opening to a mature fruity smell. As you take the first sip the velvety texture wraps your tongue in cherry and plum flavors with a hint of chocolate. It is decadent and pairs well with a peppered steak or duck. This is a great find for under $20 a bottle.

Price: $12.00 Maker: Purple Cowboy Varietal: Red Blends Region: California

88

The Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red is a blend of blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The aroma brings memories of fresh ripe blackberries. The wine covers the tongue with a velvety layer of black cherry and strawberry jam. The tannins are subtle and very well balanced. The wine can be found in your local Target store and would pair well with a grilled steak with “cowboy” beans. -VFE

Price: $14.99 Maker: Robert Oatley Varietal: Chardonnay Region: Australia

88

A nice light and crisp Chardonnay from Robert Oatley with balanced flavors of lemon juicy pineapple and a little buttered toast on the finish. -VFE

Price: $18.00 Maker: Robert Oatley Varietal: Pinot Grigio Region: Australia

88

This is a very nice white wine. It’s totally dry, and the citrus balanced with crisp refreshing acidity. This great balance makes this an excellent wine for foods, crab legs, sautéed shrimp and fish with touch of lemon will be great with this wine. -VFE