| Category | Name | Rating | | Notes |
| Syrah | Barton & Guestier Syrah | | | For the price, you can't beat this syrah, especially if you're buying for a crowd. A little spicy, a little smoky and overflowing with plum fruit flavors, it offers good syrah character at a fraction of the price of most bottlings. |
| Cabernet Sauvig | Canyon Road Winery Cabernet Sauvignon | | | If you're a cabernet fan, make this your house wine. Concentrated and full of expensive cabernet character at a bargain price, it starts with a whiff of bell pepper and ripe berries then ends with a tannic kick. Uncork with steak. |
| Chardonnay | Carmen Chardonnay 'Nativa' | | | Made by fermenting the wine with native yeasts that occur naturally on the grape skins, this complex, slightly wild chardonnay will impress even the snobbiest white wine drinker. Buttery yet crisp, it reminds me of apple pie made with tart Granny Smiths. |
| Rose | Domaine de Curebéasse Rose 'Angelico' | | | Pale salmon in color (like most top roses of France) this dry, elegant wine overflows with tangy nectarine notes with a long spicy finish. |
| Rose | Handley Cellars Pinot Noir Rose | | | A wake-me-up rose with mouth-puckering acidity and intense flavors of cranberries and strawberries. Dry and racy, it cuts the heat of piquant fare. |
| Cabernet Franc | Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc | | | As the largest grower of cabernet franc in the United States, Ironstone knows what to do — make delicious and smooth red wine. Floral aromas combine with juicy blueberry flavors and soft tannins in this alternative to merlot or cabernet sauvignon. |
| Cabernet Sauvig | Kendall-Jackson 'Collage' Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz | | | Herbal notes pair up with black cherry, light tannins and good acidity in this quaffable, yet fairly complex red. Try with hamburgers or turkey burgers topped with the tanginess of ketchup. |
| Red blend | La Vieille Ferme Rouge | | | One of my favorite summertime reds, La Vieille Ferme is a medium-bodied, spicy blend of syrah, cinsault, mourvèdre and grenache. Loads of berry fruit and touches of earthiness complement hearty foods such as grilled Portobello mushrooms. |
| Rose | Marques de Cáceres Rose | | | I buy this dry, full-bodied rose by the case because it is so delicious and versatile. Aromas of watermelon and bing cherries are backed up by vibrant acidity and a creamy texture. It's terrific with everything from spicy barbecue ribs to chicken. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Mason Cellars Sauvignon Blanc | | | If you like sassy sauvignon blanc that's not afraid to pull punches, uncork this wine. Full of fresh herbal aromas with green apple and grapefruit flavors, it screams for grilled scallops or fresh oysters served poolside. |
| Chardonnay | Reynolds Vineyards Chardonnay | | | The inaugural release of this one is different because it's from the cool-climate region of Orange. Crisp and fresh with purity of fruit that's unseen in many chardonnays outside of Chablis. |
| Chardonnay | Sebastiani Chardonnay | | | Tastes like it costs twice the price. Complex and balanced with a medium-full texture, toasty oak and juicy tropical fruit flavors, it's an ideal choice for chicken capped with a dollop of mango salsa. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Valentin Bianchi Sauvignon Blanc | | | If you don't know this Argentine producer (who also makes a killer malbec), you should. Their full-bodied version of sauvignon blanc scores with hints of cinnamon spice, melon and fresh herbs. |