This unoaked Chardonnay from Australia overcomes its cumbersome moniker and delivers refreshing, pure, affordable pleasure. It’s versatile, too — easy to like on its own, but with enough substance to pair with food. Enjoy! Plantagenet 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay Western Australia Omrah ($15). Crisp green pear and light, smooth melon character are accented with generous zip of aromatic citrus acidity, with [...]

Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley in 1895. Since then, four generations of the Seghesio family have tended over 400 acres of vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. The winery’s range of Zinfandel bottlings offer remarkable terroir-based differences – and honestly, they’re all good. I think the “entry [...]

Here’s an easy way to elevate a quick lamb chop dinner — though this coffee/fresh herb rub is also quite tasty on beef, too! Recipes: Meat: Coffee-Crusted Lamb Chops You can also use this dry rub for an entire rack of lamb, or on your favorite cut of beef. Serves 2. Quantities are easily multiplied for [...]

Summer’s not over yet — this intense white is perfect for the last weeks of the season! More substantial than just a “patio wine” but still juicy and refreshing. Enjoy! Robert Mondavi 2008 Fume Blanc Napa Valley ($20). Concentrated and crisp, offering a core of juicy peach accented with aromatic lemon zest, fresh herbal notes [...]

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times here, I’ve lately been tasting through a slew of under-$20 California Merlots. And as I’ve also said, it hasn’t been pretty… But I did manage to unearth a handful that I genuinely enjoyed — nothing cough-syrupy about these: Kendall-Jackson 2007 Merlot Sonoma County Vintner’s Reserve ($19). Very nice, actually, with [...]

Here’s an absolutely gorgeous red that would pair beautifully with just about anything you might care to grill during the last few weeks of summer — but I would also highly recommend stocking up for autumnal braises, stews and roasts. (Or at least buy one for a holiday feast.) Chateau Mont-Redon 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($35). Deep [...]

The $20-line seems to be an important one in the world of California Merlot. Cross under it, and the odds are stacked against you. But venture above it, and you significantly up your chances of getting pretty, smooth, nuanced flavors. Like this bright, rich Napa Valley number: Freemark Abbey 2007 Merlot Napa Valley ($25). Intense, bright, flavorful blackberry, [...]