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: $10.00 Maker: Tin Roof Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88 90

This is a bold Merlot with deep black cherry, plum and blackberry flavors. The body of the wine is full and smooth with a long finish that will pair well with grilled steaks, chicken and tomato based pastas. With a retail price of $10 this wine is a steal.

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: $6.99 Maker: Barefoot Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

88

Perfect summer wine! This wine has a sweet, fruity smell of apples and melon with a slight vegetal aroma. The flavor fills your mouth with refreshing taste of lemon, lime, honeydew and a little green pepper. It is off dry on the palette with a medium finish. Definitely a great accompaniment to a white fish with a light butter sauce.

Price: $23.00 Maker: Plungerhead Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

88

The Old Vine Zinfandel is a deep purple color with dark fruit aromas. It’s a nice Zinfandel with light flavors of black cherry, plums, pepper and a little strawberry. The lighter flavors are a nice change from the fruit bombs that are often produced in this area. It opens up nicely but even after some time to breathe the wine is still hot on the finish. -KM

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: $22.00 Maker: Rodney Strong Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

87

Shows plenty of the classic Pinot characteristics and structure you expect from Rodney Strong. You will find light flavors of red cherry, strawberry and a subtle tea flavor ingrained with an oaky finish.