Price: $18.00 Maker: Hanna Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

92

The aroma of the wine is very light with a peach undertone. It brings a wonderful body of peaches, pears, lemon and a little sweetness from pineapples. The sweetness is not over powering and adds just enough to the finish to keep you wanting another taste. The wine retails for $18 but you can usually find it on sale for around $15 a bottle. -KM

Price: $17.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

92 89

This Cab continues to impress and is a favorite at every VinoForDinner.com blind tasting. The aroma of dark cherry and fruit flavors dance across the nose. The full body of the wine follows the aroma of the nose and presents flavors of dark fruits with cherry and blackberry leading the way.

With a list price of $17 this is a wine you can not pass up. It will go great with grilled meats and Italian dishes. The price and ability to pair this wine with multiple dishes puts the J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon on the top of our wine lists.

Price: $27.00 Maker: Charles Krug Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

91

The wonderful aroma and full body of this wine shined through during our recent blind tasting. The black cherry nose opens to a beautifully balanced wine full of blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate with a full finish.
You can not go wrong with this wine. Even the pickiest palate will be delighted; it does retail for $27 a bottle but can often be found on sale at your local super market and Costco. -VFE

Price: $18.00 Maker: Rosenblum Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

91

Rosenblum makes multiple Zinfandels every year highlighting different styles and regions. This is a great Zinfandel for less then $20. The nose carries a vanilla aroma with a little pepper and earthy under tones. The body of the wine is full with flavors of black cherry, cloves and a nice hint of spice. When shopping for this wine make sure you grab the right bottle Rosenblum currently has over 10 Zinfandels varying in price starting in the teens to over $50. -K.M.

Price: $16.99 Maker: Steelhead Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

90

This is a great Zinfandel that retails for less then $20 a bottle. The nose brings a full bouquet of flavors; the body is full and smooth across the palate with flavors of dark cherry and blackberry.

Steelhead wines have made a commitment to restoring the Steelhead Salmon habitat on their vineyard and are the official wine of Trout Unlimited. A portion of every sale is donated to Trout Unlimited. -K.M.

Price: $26.99 Maker: Robert Mondavi Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

90

This is a great Pinot Noir. The nose is clean with cherry and pepper. The body follows up with red cherries light tannins and just a hint of oak. The wine is smooth and hides its youth well.

Price: $15.00 Maker: Estancia Varietal: Pinot Grigio Region: California

90 80

This is a wonderful Pinot Grigio with aromas of pear and lemon that are followed by a perfectly balanced body with apple, pear and citurs flavors. The finish has just enough acidity to keep your palate clean and ready for a great meal or enjoy the wine by itself.

Price: $11.50 Maker: Murphy-Goode Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

90

The Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc or "The Fume" as they call it is delightful showing for 2007. It is fresh and crisp with flavors of pear, pineapple and a touch of lemon on the finish. The wine is well balanced with enough acidity to pair well with a wide range of foods but our taste buds were screaming for seafood! With a retail price of 11.50 this wine is a steal!

Price: $8.00 Maker: Ironstone Varietal: Rose Region: California

90

The Ironstone Xpression is an impressive Rose for less then $10 a bottle. The nose of the wine has a light floral aroma that leads into a refreshing off-dry medium body with fresh strawberry and watermelon flavors. This is a varietal that has very few good options in our opinion and at just $8 a bottle this is a steal.

Price: $9.99 Maker: Bogle Varietal: Shiraz / Syrah Region: California

90

The Bogle Petite Sirah is an excellent wine this year, the nose is filled with aromas of blackberry and honey roasted peanuts. The wine is a deep purple color with massive flavors of blackberry, black cherry and black currant that transition perfectly across the palate into perfect finish. This is a wine that can be enjoyed while relaxing at home or paired with a special dinner out.