California

Country: US / Variety: Pinot Grigio California Winery: Villa Toscano / California This well-priced, light-bodied Pinot Grigio provides flavors of stone fruit—mostly apricot—with a tiny trace of petrol. It would make a fine apéritif, particularly alongside oysters or shrimp.

Country: US / Sorriso Variety: Primitivo California Winery: Sorelle Winery / Lodi Austere and tannic, this savory Primitivo tastes of black cherry and blackberry, with leather overtones.

Country: US / Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Monogamy / North Coast A good-value Cabernet Sauvignon that’s straightforward in texture, body and structure. Its dark cherry and herbal tones are just right for meaty mid-week dishes, including that old standby, roast chicken.

Country: US / Variety: Chardonnay California Winery: Godspeed / Mount Veeder This is a bold, densely structured wine with vanilla-cream, orange-soda and pineapple-custard flavors. There’s good acidity, but it appeals to the modern style with it’s ripe, straightforward feel.

Country: US / Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Girasole / Mendocino An easygoing, savory wine with penetrating tannins and a pronounced flavor of cranberry. A good go-to pick for a crowd.

Country: US / Variety: Chardonnay California Winery: Frog’s Leap / Napa Valley Ripe and generously oaked on the palate, this Chardonnay has flavors of pineapple jam, buttered toast and buttered popcorn. It’s brightened with crisp acidity.

Country: US / Variety: Petite Sirah California Winery: Bogle / California This is a fine Petite Sirah at this price, good for everyday fare like pizza or barbecue. It’s dark in color, dry, tannic and stuffed with juicy blackberry and currant fruit.

Country: US / Coastal Series Variety: Pinot Grigio California Winery: Arrow Creek / California A good Pinot Grigio if you’re looking for something off-dry. It’s crisp in acidity, with sugary orange, pear and lime flavors. Easy to drink with Vietnamese, Thai, Ethiopian, Indian or other such ethnic fare based on chicken or lamb.

Country: US / Green Acre Hills Sangiacomo Vineyards Variety: Chardonnay California Winery: Ten Acre / Sonoma Coast This is a pretty, easy-going Chardonnay with fine coastal acidity providing a clean counterpoint to the heavy oak. The flavors are of buttered toast, buttered popcorn and orange jam.

Country: US / Premium Limited Edition Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Publix / Spring Mountain District Tart in acidity and tight in tannins, this is a hard, dry Cabernet. It has black currant and dark chocolate flavors, accented with new oak. Not likely to improve, so drink up.

Country: US / 337 Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon California Winery: Noble Vines / Lodi This is a Cab made unabashedly to appeal to a broad range of palates. It’s medium in weight and texture with layers of vanilla and cherry that are persistent enough to stand up to all kinds of food. A perfect burger wine, […]

Country: US / Variety: Chardonnay California Winery: Newton / Napa County A good, straightforward Chardonnay with ripe, tropical fruit and pear flavors. It’s creamy and oaky, but brightened with crisp acidity.