CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey County

Scheid Vineyards
2007 Grenache; $21
13/20 — This bright, fruity Grenache offers ripe raspberry and blackberry flavors that mingle with delicate spice hints. Enjoy with a roast beef sandwich.

Scheid Vineyards
2008 Syrah Rosé; $16
12.5/20 — A touch of Gewürztraminer and Muscat Canelli enhances this Syrah-derived dry pink wine, which exhibits  lavender, strawberry and citrus scents and smooth strawberry and cherry flavors.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Pessagno
2007 Lucia Highlands Vineyard Pinot Noir; $28
13.5/20 — This dark, concentrated Pinot Noir exhibits up-front cherry, raspberry and black currant aromas and flavors, with earthy violet and bark notes mingled with tart acidity.

Puma Road
2007 Black Mountain Vineyards Pinot Noir; $40
15/20 — Only available at the winery, this fresh and fruity Pinot Noir exhibits brown spice and cherry flavors. Pairs well with white meats or vegetables.

NAPA VALLEY

Chappellet
2007 Chardonnay; $32
15.5/20 — A lush and layered Chardonnay characterized by pineapple, lime, nectarine, floral and toast aromas that reverberate on its creamy, fruity palate.

Darioush
2006 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; $80
14.5/20 — Touches of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec enhance this Cab, which shows off black currant, blueberry and cacao fragrances with a supple palate, fine tannins and juicy blackberry, cherry, espresso and baking spice flavors.

Darioush
2007 Signature Chardonnay; $43
13.5/20 — Pear, orange blossom and macadamia nut aromatics give way to this Chardonnay’s Fuji apple, white apple and toffee flavors, bright acidity and lingering grapefruit and crème brûlée finish.

NORTH COAST

Mendocino

Navarro Vineyards
2008 Edelzwicker; $13
14/20 — Affordable but well balanced, faintly sweet yet fresh, this traditional Alsatian white blend is the sort of aromatic low-alcohol wine that pairs well with a picnic or a big holiday feast.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Acacia
2006 A by Acacia Chardonnay; $10
13/20 — Exuding toast and pear fragrances, this Chardonnay exhibits apple, citrus, pineapple and tropical fruit flavors with spice and vanilla oak hints. Pairs well with pasta and shellfish.

Big House
2007 Big House Red Wine; $9
12/20 — A blend of sixteen different varietals, this dry red wine offers wild cherry, tobacco and pepper aromas, giving way to a cherry, plum and candied apple-laden palate.

Peter Vella Vineyards
Chardonnay of California; $16 (5 L)
9.5/20 — Dark in color, this boxed Chardonnay features green apple, pear and oak flavors with a clean finish.

Peter Vella Vineyards
White Zinfandel of California; $16 (5 L)
9.5/20 — Fresh strawberry and watermelon flavors define this light and crisp White Zin. Best for sangria or blended drinks.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Kamiak
2008 Windust White; $10
12/20 — A dry Sauvignon Blanc (with 10 percent Chardonnay) exhibiting apricot, nectarine and cinnamon scents with slightly sweet cherry, maple and mint flavors.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Pink Flamingo
2007 Rosé; $5
12.5/20 — Made completely from Shiraz, this dry, pink-hued vino features fresh red fruit scents with cherry and strawberry flavors. Pairs well with Caesar salads and chicken wraps.

SPAIN

RIOJA

Rivarey
2006 Tempranillo; $7
12/20 — Silky raspberry, strawberry and cherry flavors with vanilla hints define this Spanish Tempranillo, which was aged for a year in American oak barrels.

COASTAL REGION

Môreson
2005 Magia; $72
14/20 — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot comprise this Bordeaux-style red blend, which exhibits a smooth palate of earth, mushroom, blueberry, oak vanilla, cinnamon and licorice flavors.

PAARL

Franschhoek Valley

Môreson
2008 Sauvignon Blanc; $8
13/20 — Tropical fruit aromas continue on this Sauvignon Blanc’s palate of zesty green pepper and garden herb flavors. Pairs well with salads and seafood.

STELLENBOSCH

Ernie Els
2005 Red Blend; $37
15/20 — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec meld together in this red Bordeaux-style blend, which features plum, cherry, blackberry, fruitcake and oak spice scents, a silky palate and a sweet tannin aftertaste.

WESTERN CAPE

Anthonij Rupert
2005 Syrah; $65
14/20 — Concentrated with smooth tannins and a lingering aftertaste, this full-bodied Syrah features rich dark fruit, chocolate, mocha, violet, and ground pepper flavors.

Guardian Peak
2006 SMG; $22
14.5/20 — A medium-bodied red blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache, exhibiting pepper, mineral, floral and earth aromas with smooth black cherry, cinnamon spice and mocha flavors and a firm finish.

ARGENTINA

MENDOZA

Recoleta
2007 Malbec/Bonarda; $2
13/20 — Comprising 60 percent Malbec and 40 percent Bonarda, this full-bodied red blend offers smooth blackberry and raspberry flavors with spicy hints.

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