2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, $20

What a lip smacker, intensely dry Sauvignon Blanc. Very clean with lots of acidity, the palate opens up with juicy pear, honeydew, lime and a hint of smokey oak. With all this big tropical fruit it does have a level of sweetness, but i like that. Elegant balance and a lively, fresh long finish. Drink now

2006 Whistle Stop Red Columbia Valley $10

This is a well made wine for a budget price, I like red blends and this does not disappoint. Black cherries highlighted with clove and earth, throw in a little leather. Tannins are soften up with subtle vanilla and a little roasted coffee on a smooth finish. Drink now thru 2011

Stonehedge 2004 Petite Sirah (Mendocino); $19

Inky black in color with a refined nose of white pepper and blackberries. This bold effort at Petite Sirah offers a silky mouth feel with black cherries, dark chocolate and anise. This is a big wine for such a small grape, that’s completely dry, with a fruity intensity that lasts through the finish. Drink now thru 2012

Riesling, Santa Lucia Highlands, $18
Riesling is considered one of the most versatile grapes, not only because of flavors and complexity, but paring with food. I love this wine, perfectly executed, this guy knows how to make great wine. A nose of creamy lemons and lavender with a mineral edge to it. On the palate, rich, racy acids are perfectly balanced with white peaches, granny smith apples and pineapple. Bone dry finish adds to this alluring Riesling, drink now thru 2015, get this while you can only 419 cases made.

2006 Verve Sauvignon Blanc (Paso Robles); $12

This intense effort to bridge between California and New Zealand hits the mark. Clean, ripe and focused, with a waffey fruit filled nose of lime and grapefruit. Zippy on the palate with pretty lemongrass, melon and passion fruit, with mineral notes. Well structured acids balance this wine and leeds to a clean, refreshing finish. Drink now.

Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley, $15

This wine is very seductive, with a flowery nose offset by black cherry. Meaty and earthy with heavy notes of bitter chocolate, caramel, and vanilla flavors stemming from new oak. Very nice Pinot Noir from Chile but very different from typical California of Oregon styles. Drink now.

Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, $13

Another lip smacker from Villa Maria, I love Sauv Blanc’s from Marlborough. The nose is balanced with fresh citrus flavors popping out of glass with a herbaceous undertone. Medium-bodied on the palate with fresh, lime zest, lemon peel and other tropical fruit flavors. This wine is intensely focused with sharp acidity and a lingering crisp finish. Drink now thru 2010.

Santa Carolina 2006 Reserva Merlot (Colchagua Valley); $10

I think Merlot is one of the most under-appreciated and maligned grapes. Cedar, chocolate and big blueberry stand up to the prominent toasty oak rather nicely. Full bodied on the palate with undertones of espresso, blackberry and other ripe fruit. Finishes off with toffee, smoke and green herbs, offering a surprising complexity for a wine of this price.

2006 Tempranillo Viño de la Tierra de Extremadura Pintoresco, Spain $9

Very tasty for the price and such an easy drinking, light bodied table wine. Red cherry and plum fruit, with smoke and char accents flood the palate of this juicy red wine. The nose has a heavy earth component, with a light, lean finish.

Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $20

This vintage is one of the best Chardonnays from Simi in several years. Brimming with lush flavors of mangoes, papayas, pineapple custard and caramel. Crisp, clean acids with well endowed toasty oak ad’s vanilla and spices. Creamy texture, finesse and elegance finish off this classic Russian River Chard. Drink now, 15,000 cases produced.