| Category | Name | Rating | | Notes |
| Red blend | Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Chile Carmenere 'Reserva' | | | Carmenere (carmen-air), Chile's signature red grape variety, is gaining in popularity. This version is a standout: It captures the subtle green peppercorn and allspice character of carmenere, combined it with deep, ripe fruit and supple tannins. |
| White blend | Bonny Doon 'Pacific Rim' Riesling | | | Fun in a bottle. Crazy labels, orange corks and an entire section on Bonny Doon's Web site named 'The Riesling Asylum.' Grab this dry and fruity, light-bodied wine and uncork it with anything raw (sushi, that is). |
| White blend | Chateau du Cleray Muscadet Sevre et Maine | | | How many wines remind you of chiffon? This wine is sheer and delicate, but with beguiling fruit intensity. A dash of sweetness is balanced by tangy flavors of lemon zest and tangerine. |
| White blend | Elsa Semillon/Chardonnay | | | It sports apricot and honey aromas paired up with a medium-full body and soft oak. (Elsa is a brand made by one of my favorite Argentinean producers, Valentin Bianchi.) |
| Red blend | Familia Rutini Wines 'Trumpeter' Malbec | | | The beauty of malbec is its racy acidity, which makes it uniquely food-friendly. This one is a designer-quality wine at a discount price. Complex and layered with concentrated black licorice aromas, blueberry flavors and medium-full body. |
| Red blend | Laurel Glen Vineyard 'Reds' | | | The label says, 'A wine for the people' and this blend of zinfandel, petite syrah, carignane, barbera and grenache is a crowd-pleaser. Earthy aromas, soft tannins and juicy fruit will inspire you to say 'bring on the burgers.' |
| Red blend | Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages | | | This light-bodied red is explosively fruity; drinking it is like popping a freshly picked grape into your mouth. With bright cherry flavors, soft tannins and a kick of pepper, it's so easy to sip. |
| White blend | Sokol Blosser Pinot Gris | | | A classic Oregon pinot gris full of concentrated peach, pear and spice notes, combined with a creamy texture and refreshing snap of acidity. This wine stands up to everything from full-bodied fish to piquant stir-fry. |
| Red blend | Tenuta di Capezzana 'Conti Contini' Sangiovese | | | Old world meets new world in this not-too-serious sangiovese. Wild berry aromas jump from the glass and are highlighted by crisp acidity, a touch of dustiness and fresh herbs. A good choice for a Friday night pizza party. |