Price: $10.99 Maker: Beringer Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

85

This is a nice Cabernet Sauvignon in the $10 range. The nose presents a little spice and licorice anise. The Cab has nice big flavors of cherry, blackberry and black pepper supported by a nice finish with defined tannins.

Price: $2.99 Maker: Charles Shaw Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

85

This is the infamous "2 buck Chuck" that is only available at Trader Joe's. It is not your usual Sauvignon Blanc. The color is a straw-yellow with an aroma on the nose of burnt toast and citrus undertones leading us to believe this has seen some oak. The wine has light citrus flavors with a short finish. If you are looking for a good classic Sauvignon Blanc you will be disappointed but for the novice wine drinker that usually drinks California Chardonnay this will probably be right up your alley. -VFE

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: $30.00 Maker: Edmeades Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

85

The Edmeades Zinfandel from Perli vineyards is one of multiple Zinfandels from this producer that is dedicated to producing Zinfandel. This bottle is blended with 14% Merlot and 9.5% Syrah. The blending of these grapes smoothes the body of wine; letting the flavors of strawberry and black pepper gently roll across your tongue. The wine is very drinkable but missing the jammy flavors most people expect in a California Zinfandel. -VFE

Price: $21.00 Maker: Murphy-Goode Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

85

The flavors in the Murphy Goode Zinfandel are well defined and lush; showing a delightful concoction of black pepper, blueberry, cherry and a touch of spice. The drawback is a body that is a little light and the finish is just too short. -VFE

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: $6.99 Maker: Barefoot Varietal: Pinot Grigio Region: California

85

The clean aroma from this wine is fruity with hints of citrus. It is dry and crisp with a medium finish and pleasant showing of pears, melons, and lemon. For less then $10 a bottle it’s a nice weekday option. -JM