| Category | Name | Rating | | Notes |
| Cabernet Sauvig | Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) Cabernet Sauvignon 'Rutherford' | | | If you want to start a cellar and don't want to spend a fortune, stock up on the BV Rutherford. It's a classic Napa cab with blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and spice notes and strong, but smooth tannins. |
| Merlot | Buena Vista Merlot | | | Rarely do I find inexpensive merlots with much personality, but this one is a real deal. Dusty, licorice aromas, cherry fruit flavors and supple tannins combine in an easy-drinking merlot. |
| Chardonnay | Davis Family Vineyards Chardonnay 'Dutton Ranch' | | | The fruit comes from one of California's top vineyards -- Dutton Ranch. Pineapple and tropical fruit flavors are layered with hints of spiciness from barrel fermentation and a backbone of acidity that screams Russian River. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc | | | Owner David Stare of Dry Creek brought the now-famous grassy, grapefruit style of sauvignon blanc to our shores in the early 1970's. His version is always full of fresh herbs, ripe citrus fruit and a creamy, lush texture from aging in small oak barrels. |
| Cabernet Sauvig | Echelon Cabernet Sauvignon | | | I usually recommend Echelon for affordable pinot noir, but was impressed by the quality of this cab. Berry and spice coupled with vibrant acidity and light tannins make it an ideal choice for causal sipping. |
| Chardonnay | Fetzer Chardonnay 'Five Rivers Ranch' | | | A new brand from Fetzer hailing from their property in cool-climate Monterey. Rich pear and apple flavors are supported by a touch of oak and good tinge of acidity, which makes it a very food-friendly chardonnay. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Firestone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc | | | Firestone's oak-free, light and bright sauvignon blanc captures the best qualities of the grape. The flavors of lemons and juicy melons pair well with white fish topped by a dollop of fruit chutney. |
| Cabernet Sauvig | Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon | | | It doesn't hit you over the head with oak and tannins, instead seduces you with smoothness, elegance and class. |
| Merlot | Nickel & Nickel Merlot 'Suscol Ranch' | | | Gorgeously rich with Pomerol-like plushness, this concentrated merlot is balanced enough to drink now but will improve for years to come. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Rochioli Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc | | | Rochioli (ro-KEY-oh-lee) is known for killer pinot noir but their sauvignon blanc ranks as one of California's best. This medium-bodied wine is crisp and tangy and sports a purity of flavors that range from lemongrass to passion fruit. |
| Chardonnay | Shafer Chardonnay 'Red Shoulder Ranch' | | | It's layered and complex with loads of spice, tropical notes and integrated oak. Great care is taken to keep the purity of the Carneros fruit flavors intact. The result is chardonnay with power and finesse. |
| Merlot | Sterling Vineyards Merlot | | | Medium bodied and elegant with smooth tannins, cherry and chocolate notes and great acidity, Sterling's merlot is a Napa Valley staple. Uncork it with pork roast in dried cherry sauce. |