1. A by Acacia Chardonnay A nice reasonably priced Chardonnay Napa Valley's Carneros wine region. Color: In the glass, a pale lemon-yellow color with a bright, clear core going out into a faint citrine-colored rim definition with medium viscosity. Nose and Palate: It has a crisp fruit aroma of pear and green apples. On tasting, it felt initially sweet to the tongue. That was followed by a dryer follow-through, and a finish of warm toast. This wine offers aromas of apple, mango, fig and guava. The medium to full-bodied palate maintains impressive balance and flavor concentration, so it will hold its own with rich foods. The flavors of tropical and ripe stone fruits complement its acidity, and the finish is rich and long. Alcohol: 13.8% Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley This Chardonnay is perfect for summer afternoons spent with friends out on the patio. Enjoy it with seafood salads, tarragon chicken and coconut shrimp

2. Sobon Sauvignon Blanc Those who favor California interpretations of this varietal will not be disappointed in this effort. As with many "oaked" white wines allowing it to breathe a bit before consuming improves its overall character. Color: Silver-gold in color. Nose and Palate: This wine has aromas of tropical fruit and spice. Other than an initially brief and pleasant citrus tartness on the tip of the tongue, there isn't much fruit flavor on the palate; rather, it is more of a slightly smoky, earthy character with a crisp acidity that increases a bit into the finish, which itself it lengthy with considerable depth. Alcohol: 13.0% Appellation: Amador County, Sierra Foothills It's nicely complex, and would pair well with most meals that include roasted meats or vegetables.

3. Liberté Cabernet Sauvignon One tip the vintner gives on the bottle is to decant the wine 15 to 30 minutes before drinking, this usually indicates the wine has a full complement of tannins and oak barrel influence. Color: An opaque black cherry red with a strawberry rim. Nose and Palate: The nose is blackberry, strawberry, cedar, cocoa powder and menthol. Full bodied and silky on the palate, it starts with chocolate covered cherries, oak vanilla, cassis and licorice. The mid palate shows firm tannins, they are definitely there, but they do not bite, along with blueberries in cream and a slight touch of oak spice. There is also a nice dry sensation that hits on the mid palate. The finish is fairly strong and fairly long. Alcohol: 14.1% Appellation: Paso Robles, Central Coast This wine does everything you want a California Cabernet to do, stand up to a perfectly grill aged steak, be a very satisfying glass of wine after a hard day of work, and be a bottle you will want to share with good friends.

4. Coastline Merlot Paso Robles This wine is a pleasure it’s classic, friendly, easy to drink, and can accompany the complete meal. Color: Rich red. Dark to the rim. Nose and Palate: Ripe cherry, plum flavors and chocolate aromas and flavors with a silky fruity medium body and long, juicy, fine tannin lingering finish. The great depth and complexity of this wine is elegantly structured with a fine balance and lengthy finish. Alcohol: 13.0% Appellation: Paso Robles, Central Coast A great sipper or pizza wine.

5. Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel Heritage A blend of 89% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah. Color: Deep ruby red. Nose and Palate: Full-bodied with lots of berry fruit, spice, pepper, earth and herb characteristics, this is a Rhone Valley-like, gutsy, exuberant Zinfandel to enjoy over the next several years. This is well-made Zinfandel with a spicy edge. There are some subtle oak shadings that help to around out the soft finish. Alcohol: 14.7% Appellation: Sonoma County This wine is very versatile, allowing it to be paired with a wide range of foods.