($19):  Consumers often avoid Pinot Blanc because they are disappointed by the light weight, often innocuous wine made from that grape.  Well, if you’ve been one of those, you’ll want to grab this one to know what real Pinot Blanc tastes like. … Read more

($24):  The unusual blend here, roughly 30 percent each of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Chardonnay, with Viognier and Muscat Canelli contributing the rest, works well.  Subtle aromatics are intriguing and lead you into a wine with hints of stone fruits and a glossy texture. … Read more

($19):  Viognier is a tough grape to turn into wine.  It needs adequate ripeness to express its floral character, which often is accompanied by high alcohol from higher sugar levels.  Its traditional home is in Condrieu in the Rhône Valley.  Jed Steele has mastered it in Lake County. … Read more

($50):  Cuvaison was one of the early wineries to discover the virtues of Carneros, one of the coolest areas of Napa Valley.  They planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir there 40 years ago and have enormous experience with how those varieties fare there. … Read more

($14):  This well-priced Chardonnay is another excellent value from J. Lohr.  Overt, but not oily or overdone, it weighs in at a modest 13.5 percent-stated alcohol, which helps explain its balance.  Fruity and toasty flavors predominate and make it a crowd-pleasing choice for broiled fish.… Read more

($14):  J. Lohr has managed to combine a pleasing pungency tempered by a subtle sweetness in this Sauvignon Blanc.  Nicely priced, it could do double duty as a stand-alone aperitif or as an accompaniment to a roast chicken.  A fine value.… Read more

($85):  I suppose you could call Spottswoode’s Lyndenhurst their second wine.  The grapes used to make it come from their vineyards, presumably those that don’t make the cut for their flagship Spottswoode Cabernet, along with purchased fruit.  The incredible quality of this wine shows just how fabulous a producer Spottswoode is. … Read more

($28):  This Cabernet shows the diversity of wines coming from Dry Creek Vineyard.  Compared to their 2013 Meritage (also reviewed this week), this Cabernet Sauvignon has more of everything — more alcohol (14.5% stated), more power, more concentration and more fruit dominant flavors. … Read more

($30):  This is classic example of how less is often more.  Weighing in at a modest 13.5% stated alcohol, this blend of Bordeaux grapes displays a panoply of black fruit and savory flavors.  There’s a hint of cassis-like notes and an olive-like nuance among others. … Read more

($17):  Those looking for “killer” Zinfandel should look elsewhere, which probably explains why I like this wine.  It’s a balance of black fruit flavors, spice and a touch of herbal notes wrapped in soft plush tannins.  Not flamboyant, it’s a good choice for burgers, barbeque or a pepperoni pizza.… Read more

($34):  This mid-weight wine is a delight, delivering charming red berry fruit-like flavors intermingled with earthy herbal notes.  A blend of Grenache (95%) and Syrah, it positively dances on the palate.  Tannins are mild, but provide plenty of structure and the bright acidity keeps it fresh and lively. … Read more

($32):  Long known for their non-traditional blends of red grapes, Paraduxx has released a white wine made from a non-traditional blend of white grapes:  Rhône varieties, Viognier (65%), Roussanne and Marsanne (7%), with Chardonnay (28%).  Floral and fruity, this mid-weight wine would be a pleasing stand-alone aperitif. … Read more

($100):  Nickel & Nickel’s State Ranch Cabernet, from a vineyard just down the road from Oakville in Yountville, is similarly ripe and intense as their Sullenger.  But it’s rounder and more supple than the its brother from Oakville.   A combination of dark black fruit and mineral-like nuances makes for an appealing ying and yang of sweet and savory flavors. … Read more

($28):  The winery’s press release describes this wine as “a non-traditional blend.”  That’s an understatement.  With Zinfandel (44%), Merlot (29%), Malbec (15%), Petit Verdot (7%), rounded out with Riesling, it is like no blend I’ve encountered.  But that’s one of the things that great about New World wine — people are not afraid to experiment. … Read more

($100):  What I love about the Nickel & Nickel Cabernets is how they are all different.  Despite the same winemaking team using the same grape variety, the wines offer different flavor profiles, which supports the concept of terroir — that somehow the soil, climate, and exposure in the vineyard determines the character of the wine. … Read more

($80):  Paraduxx is Duckhorn’s winery and label best known for non-traditional blends of California grapes, such as Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.  With the 2014 vintage, they have introduced some “foreign” grapes into the mix.  For this one, they borrow a South Australian concept of blending Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Syrah. … Read more

($30):  Clos du Val’s Sauvignon Blanc focuses on the racy, grapefruit-y character the grape often imparts.  Bright and lively, it’s not an “in your face” kind of Sauvignon Blanc.  Indeed, its restraint is appealing and shows the more serious side of the varietal.… Read more

($36):  It’s no secret that Spottswoode makes sensational Cabernet Sauvignon.  This excellent and stylish Sauvignon Blanc shows they are not a one-horse show.  The wine also reminds us to trust the producer rather than relying solely on the AVA (appellation).  Since 85 percent of the grapes did not come from one area (Sonoma County 60 percent with the remainder from Napa County), they were obligated to use the broader — and less prestigious — appellation, California. … Read more

($158):  Consumers can count on Far Niente, a leader in Napa Valley Cabernet, to produce a bold, yet refined, Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 2015, fruitier than usual while still combining savory and dark earthy flavors, fits that mold.  Fine tannins impart a supple texture that allows for immediate enjoyment. … Read more

($90):  This generous Cabernet Sauvignon is more evidence — not that it was needed — that Grgich Hills is a fabulously talented producer and that Napa Valley is a great place for Cabernet.  The 2013 Grgich Hills’ Cabernet is muscular, but more impressively, it has finesse. … Read more

($185):  Spottswoode, one of the oldest producers of the “modern” Napa Valley era, was founded in 1972.  They started bottling and selling under their own label a decade later.  Far ahead of their time, they have been farming organically since 1985 and was certified organic in 1992, according to their website. … Read more

($55):  I have always admired the wines from Jordan — and still do.  They never succumbed to fad of boisterous “big” California Cabernets.  They have held to their original philosophy of making restrained and elegant wines that deliver incredible flavor and finesse. … Read more

($60):  Although Merry Edwards is known best for her sensational Pinot Noir, she also produces exceptional Chardonnay.  That should come as no surprise given her history.  In the mid 1980s one of her ventures, Merry Vintners, was dedicated solely to Chardonnay production, according to her website.… Read more

($50):  Here is a full-bodied, “roasty-toasty” California Chardonnay that will appeal to those who love that style.  Plenty ripe, weighing in at a stated 14.5 percent alcohol, this big bold wine has bracing, palate-awakening acidity.  Oak influences and a seductive creaminess amplify its richness.… Read more