High Value California

Classy California Cuvées For A Song - Robert Parker

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Beringer 2005 Alluvium Blanc Knight's Valley
90 points
Beringer 2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley
86 points
These two whites from this huge operation are far superior to what their $16 prices might suggest. The Alluvium Blanc, a crisp blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon, is filled with fig and grapefruit characteristics. It is Beringer's take on a dry white Bordeaux. The Napa chardonnay offers plenty of honeysuckle, pear, and tropical fruit notes.

Edmeades 2004 Mendocino Zinfandel
87 points
Edmeades 2005 Mendocino Zinfandel
89 points
This producer, working in the northern Mendocino frontier, has long created zinfandels of great character. While the single-vineyard zins are expensive, the basic cuvée, at $18, is always a strong effort that reveals plenty of this varietal's black pepper, sweet- and-sour cherry, and herbal notes.

Gallo Family Vineyards 2004 Chardonnay Sonoma Reserve
90 points
Gallo Family Vineyards 2005 Pinot Gris Sonoma Reserve
88 points
The Gallo winemaking empire is putting out better and better wines, and these are among the best values in the lineup. The gorgeous 2005 pinot gris, at $13, is a food-friendly crisp and fruity white. The refreshing 2004 chardonnay, also $13, reveals classic aromas of lemon butter, white peaches, and honeysuckle with little evidence of oak.

Kendall-Jackson 2005 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay Jackson Estates
89 points
At $12, this may be the best value in American chardonnay. Moreover, you will have no trouble finding it. K-J produces hundreds of thousands of cases of this wonderful cuvée, which emphasizes fruit instead of wood.

Marietta Non-Vintage Old Vine Red Lot No. 41
89 points
You need not pay attention to the lot number. I have tasted every one since the early teens, and the wine's uniformity is always something to behold. This $10 offering has plenty of pepper, earth, and spice. Enjoy it with barbecue foods and pizza. It is puzzling why few California wineries try to emulate this great success story.

Château St. Jean 2005 Fumé Blanc Sonoma
85 points
Chateau St. Jean 2005 Pinot Blanc Alexander Valley
88 points
Where else can you find a beautiful, smoky, crisp, melony, dry white for $13? The fumé blanc is a perfect match for seafood and poultry. If you enjoy the taste of orange marmalade or fresh, ripe apples, check out the 2005 pinot blanc, which sells for $18.

Trentadue 2005 Old Patch Red Sonoma
87 points

Medium-bodied and fruity, at $14 it is an ideal bistro wine. This California version of a Côtes du Rhône reveals scents of strawberries, cherries, earth, and pepper. The name refers to a patch of old vines planted with different grapes as opposed to a single varietal.