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: $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: $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: $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: $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

Price: $11.00 Maker: Mirassou Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

87 100

This wine has a dark plum color with the scent of Boysenberry and dark chocolate. The flavors of blueberry and dark chocolate roll over the tongue with a smooth, balanced finish. This would pair well with a grilled filet or hearty red sauce.