ALSO RECOMMENDED
2016 Bogle Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
Overall score: 18.8 (8.8 for quality, 10 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with two scores of 9. “Fruity and floral. Green apples and lemon-lime.” My score: 8.8. “Citrus notes. Fresh-cut grass.” The grapes were grown in Monterey, Russian River Valley and Clarksburg, where Bogle is based. The juice was cold fermented in 100 percent stainless-steel tanks. Alcohol: 13.5 percent. $7.97 at Spec’s
2013 Alexander Valley Vineyards Sin Zin
Overall score: 18.9 (8.9 for quality, 10 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with a high score of 9.3. “Spicy, peppery on the finish.” My score: 8.9. “Big fruit flavors. Easy drinking.” The 36th vintage of this popular zinfandel, it’s made from both valley floor and hillside fruit. There’s a tiny bit of petit sirah in the blend. That summer’s lack of rain helped concentrate the fruit flavors. Alcohol: 14.7 percent. $13.89 at Spec’s
2015 Groth Vineyards Hillview Chardonnay
Overall score: 18.5 (9 for quality, 9.5 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with four scores of 9 or higher. “Nicely aromatic. Simple, clean flavors.” My score: 9.1. “Crisp and elegant. Excellent minerality.” The well-respected Oakville winery’s grapes were sustainably grown, then whole-cluster pressed. The juice went through a long, cool fermentation with sur lie aging. Alcohol: 14.5 percent. $28.99 from wine.com
2014 Pellegrini Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Overall score: 17.9 (8.9 for quality, 9 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with three scores of 9 or higher. “Delicate and well balanced.” My score: 9. “Cherry, fig and caramel flavors. Nice acidity.” The hand-harvested grapes come from vineyards in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Barrel aging took place over 15 months. Alcohol: 14.3 percent. $31.99 from wine.com