These are wines that don’t sacrifice quality for affordability ($20 or less retail), and you should be able to one appropriate for any occasion.
Summer whites
Light, aromatic
• 2008 Covey Run Quail Series Gewurztraminer ($9)
• 2009 Columbia Cellarmaster’s Riesling ($12)
Refreshing Rhone-style blend
• 2008 Beckmen Le Bec Blanc ($18)
Crisp, dry (sauvignon blanc)
• 2009 Holy Cross Abbey ($19)
• 2008 Matanzas Creek ($19)
• 2008 Pomelo ($10)
• 2009 Silver Birch (3-litre box, $24)
Citrusy, round (Pinot Gris)
• 2009 Acrobat Oregon ($12)
• 2009 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve ($15)
Rich, full-bodied (chardonnay)
• 2008 Rodney Strong Sonoma County ($15)
• 2008 Paul Dolan ($18)
Summer reds
Earthy, soft (pinot noir)
• 2007 Sebastiani Sonoma Coast ($18)
• 2009 Acrobat Oregon ($18)
Spicy, fruity (zinfandel)
• 2006 Ottimino Zinfinity ($17)
• 2007 Christine Andrew Old Vine ($15)
• 2008 Artezin ($18)
• 2008 Dancing Bull ($12)
Lively, intense
• 2008 J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah ($15)
• 2007 Concannon Conservancy Petite Sirah ($15)
Flavorful Rhone-style blends
• 2007 Liberty School Cuvee ($12)
• 2008 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec ($18)
• 2006 Parducci Sustainable Red ($11)
Full-bodied (cabernet sauvignon)
• 2007 Rodney Strong Sonoma County ($19)
• 2007 Murphy-Goode California ($14)