Price: $17.99 Maker: Chateau Ste Michelle Varietal: Merlot Region: Washington

87

Elegant and a nicely balanced, the Indian Well Merlot is a serious wine with ripe berry and rich oak flavors tied to a firm spicy texture will make a wine lover out of almost anyone.

Simple yet sophisticated this Merlot will delight any steak or red pasta dish and is best served with friends. -JD

Price: $19.99 Maker: John Anthony Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

87

We were a little surprised after reviewing this wine to discover it has a long history of 90 plus ratings in other publications. It's a good Sauvignon Blanc but does not cross the 90 point threshold in our opinion. The nose is full of citrus with grapefruit leading the way. The body of the wine is full with a palate of fruits and a clean finish. Overall it's a good wine that most people will enjoy.

Price: $17.99 Maker: Chateau Ste Michelle Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: Washington

87

Full and well rounded the Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon will make a major impression of dark fresh plums, rich fruit aromas and a texture of smooth fine silk.

The bouquet of this Cab mingled with a juicy New York steak and a Caesar salad make for a perfect pairing. -JD

Price: $15.00 Maker: Yangarra Estate Vineyard Varietal: Chardonnay Region: Australia

87

Fresh and clean finish with the citrus flavors you expect from a Chardonnay. This wine is produced using tank fermentation, so if you are looking for a classic California chardonnay with oaky flavors this one is probably a pass for you.

Price: $15.00 Maker: Simi Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

87

The Simi Sauvignon Blanc is light yellow with fruity aromas of lemon and lime. On the palate, dry, citrus flavors are balanced with tart acidity that keeps your mouth clean and refreshed. Twenty percent of the wine spent 10 months in New American oak barrels with the other 80% spending 10 months in used French Oak. -VFE

Price: $18.00 Maker: Simi Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

87

The Simi Chardonnay spent 6 months aging in oak barrels and displays a nice clear straw yellow color. The nose of the wine is weak with hints of citrus, on the palate the wine shines with lemon and pear flavors and a nice hint of vanilla on the finish.

Price: $20.00 Maker: Edmeades Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

87

The Mendocino County Zinfandel from Edmeades has a strong black pepper undertone that screams for a grilled steak. Aromas of dark fruits, blackberry and black cherry can be found on the nose. There is a wonderful mix of berries and dark fruit flavors with black cherry leading the way. -VFE

Price: $15.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Shiraz / Syrah Region: California

87

A nice, soft and well balanced Syrah that's ready to be enjoyed. The wine has delightful aromas of raspberry and strawberry with a body full of dark fruit flavors. This wine will pair well with steak, BBQ and smoked meats. -K.M.

Price: $18.00 Maker: Kendall Jackson Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

87

A smooth well developed wine with balanced tannins. This full bodied wine presents flavors of cherry and blackberry with a long finish.

Price: $13.99 Maker: Bonterra Vineyards Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

87

The Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay is made with organically grown grapes from their vineyards near the banks of the Russian River. This wine is a whitish-yellow color exhibiting showing the light oak fermentation that comes through in the body of the wine. It's a well balanced wine with enough oak to keep the wine smooth while exhibiting light grapefruit, lemon and apple flavors. Overall it's a good wine that will pair well with a wide range of food. -KM