Price: $12.99 Maker: Columbia Crest Varietal: Merlot Region: Washington

85

This deep garnet merlot its rich velvet touch provides a well balance of fresh dark fruit, oak and a hint of leather that creates a smooth and easy finish.

For a memory that would last, try the Grand Estate Merlot with a piece of dark rich chocolate and a small marshmallow to make your tongue dance and your toes curl in delight.

Bottled nicely between $10 & $14 the Grand Estates Merlot makes a fantastic table wine for any occasion.

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

85

The wine is well balanced with blackberry and raspberry fruits coming through on the body with cherry undertones and a hint a vanilla on the finish.

Price: $16.00 Maker: XYZin Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

85

The wine is a nice dark red purple color; the nose is a little surprising with hints of clove and mocha. The flavors are subtle for a CA Zinfandel; the body is medium with raspberry, pomegranate and strawberries coming through with a hint of white pepper. If you are looking for a sweet CA fruit bomb you will be disappointed.-K.M.

Price: $14.99 Maker: Bivio Varietal: Chianti Region: Italy

85

This is a nice Chianti with 100% Sangiovese grapes. The wine is from the Chianti region of Italy so unlike some of the other wines we review in this category it carries the Chianti name. The wine itself is light in the nose with a body that carries a hint of raspberry the finish is light to medium. The wine doesn’t have any flavors or flaws that will grab you and take notice. It’s easy to drink and will pair nicely and safely with any Italian dish. -KM

Price: $18.00 Maker: Charles Krug Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

85

The Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc is a clean, white-yellow color letting the world know this wine never touched oak. It presents bold aromas of bell peppers, green grass and grapefruit. The body is dry with light lemon, lime and bell pepper undertones with a crisp finish. -VFE

Price: $11.99 Maker: White Truck Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

85

White Truck went a different direction with their California Chardonnay; the wine is unoaked a feature that is rare for wines made in California. This decision allows the wine to have clean fresh fruit flavors.

The nose of the wine displays aromas of citrus and tropical fruits with lemons and pineapples leading the charge. The body of the wine is light and fresh with lemon, green apples and a drop of tropical fruit flavors. This wine will be a hit with people that don't enjoy the classic strong oak flavors found in many Chardonnays.

Price: $15.00 Maker: Estancia Varietal: Chardonnay Region: California

85

The Estancia Chardonnay has aromas of lemon and apple on the nose. The body of the wine is a refreshing off-dry with light citrus flavors and a drop of oak. Overall the wine is clean and refreshing and will go well with seafood.

Price: $17.00 Maker: Hess Collection Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

85

The 2006 Hess Cabernet Sauvignon is a smooth easy to drink Cab with flavors of cherry and plum. It's a medium bodied wine with a silky finish from the oak aging.

Price: $11.00 Maker: Mirassou Varietal: Riesling Region: California

85

The wine starts with light floral aromas that lead into a refreshing yet sweet Riesling. Honey, apricots, lemon and a hint of orange flavors come quickly to the front of the palate but fade a little faster then we would like leaving us wanting more.

Price: $12.00 Maker: Asunto de Vino Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: Chile

85

This is a nice wine with dark fruit and wet stone on the nose, with flavors of black pepper, tea and a little smoky on the palate. Sturdy tannins with a full body make this wine a great pairing with grilled steak. -KM