Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Chardonnay 2024 ($30).  Once again, this reasonably priced chardonnay out delivers. Delicious apple flavors, luscious mouthfeel and accented by citrus notes.  

Bloodlines California Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 ($40).  Fans of Orin Swift wines (Abstract, Papillon, 8 Years in the Desert, et al) will enjoy this newest Dave Phinney invention. Under the broad “California” appellation, it follows a familiar recipe: forward fruit redolent of blackberries and black currants with a dash of black pepper and reasonable tannins to keep it food friendly. 

Carmen Delanz Carmenere D.O. Apalta Colchagua Valley 2022 ($30). A very expressive red wine with opulent notes of cherries and berries. Very elegant. A crowd pleaser.                                   

La Casaccia Franceschi Brunello di Montalcino Il Poggione 2019 ($75-100). If you want to know what all the fuss is about brunello di montalcino, try this wine. A true classic with dried cherries and plum notes. A slight aged note, but this wine will develop for ages.  

Azienda Agricola Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2021 ($65-75). A very complex wine with deep rich and concentrated plum and cherry notes with a hint of fresh berries. A real classic of the genre. 

Davis Estates Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2023 ($115). Generous aromatics of violets and raspberries with a spike of herbs. Blackberry and cherry flavors dominate a soft but durable palate accented by olives and tobacco.  

Davis Estates Zephyr 2022 ($135). This is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (53 percent), cabernet franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot. Classic Bordeaux-like character with a dark color, herbal and dark fruit aromas, raspberry and black cherry flavors with a hint of dark chocolate. Very concentrated but enjoyable without further aging. 

Davis Estates Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($155). One of the legendary sites for Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon, Rutherford produces wines dark in color and earthy in character. We liked the concentrated flavors of black cherries and blackberries. Hint of licorice and mocha. 

Cambria Txiki 2025 ($22). Looking for a light-bodied wine with low alcohol? This chardonnay at 10.5 percent alcohol might be your answer this summer. Pronounced ch-ee-k-ee, the wine is inspired by the effervescent wine of Spain’s Basque coast. It’s lively with just a touch of spritz and easy, clean white peach flavors. Don’t expect the same personality of your regular chardonnay, but it is a refreshing sipper that won’t get you in trouble. 

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