Herbal in cedar, this medium-bodied wine is simply layered, with a thickness of tannin and oak, its mouthfeel substantial yet smooth. Black fruit speaks loudest—a mix of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry jam.

Made from two vineyards in the appellation, this shows black cherry, cedar and tobacco, with a graphite element not far behind. Sticky tannins provide grip and weight, as full-bodied richly ripe blue fruit and plum form a continuum between hits of clove.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers up crushed black and red currants scents with hints of sautéed herbs, tapenade and charcuterie with a touch of anise. Medium-bodied with a firm structure of chewy tannins, it offers a great mid-palate of crunchy fruit and an herbal lift on the finish.

2017 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans Second Team Wines

Eucalyptus, Bay laurel and other herbal aromas dominate the nose of this wine, making way for black tea and cola flavors. Full-bodied and robustly ripe with powerful tannin, it’s ultimately earthy and complex.

Rich and complex, with an array of loamy earth, dark berry, licorice, sage and cedar notes. Fits together nicely, ending with tannins that give the flavors traction and length.

A bold and sassy pinot noir from two blocks at Garys’ Vineyard, most of this wine comes from the top of the hill (a third of it fermented as whole bunches), the remainder from a block at the bottom of the hill. It’s spicy, with high-toned, sweet red fruit and a parsnip-like snap. Decant it for a pasta salad or chicken with tabbouleh.

Dark and spicy, this plush red reflects a warm site in a warm vintage. The flavors are round, grounded by a light dusting of tannins. Some cellar time should bring the wine a bit more gravitas.

Oregon: Pinot Still King Even In Hot 2015 and 2014 Vintages Rose petals, oranges, ivy, nutmeg, mocha and some forest floor. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.

This pitch black colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain is very Bordeaux like in style. It opens with a mild black olive bouquet with hints of vanilla, oak and eucalyptus. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and balanced. The flavor profile is an oak influenced black olive with notes of blackberry and black pepper. The Panel also detected a hint of black currant mixed in as well. The finish is dry and its dusty tannins drift away nicely. The Panel suggested pairing this Cab with a veal chop or lamb burger. Very good+.

Ten Value Wines for the Holidays I've always been struck that California and Oregon pinot grigio lacks the richness, palate weight and viscosity of pinot grigio made in Alsace. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But it is a difference that draws unrealistic and unfair comparisons to the wine's European cousin. New World pinot grigio typically falls somewhere between the lushness of Alsatian pinot grigio and light-bodied, crisp Italian pinot grigio. La Crema's Monterey version is a good example. It has a modicum of richness that is beyond most pinot grigio but is far from lush. This vintage offers a marzipan note, as well as nuance of lemon oil and pear.

Thick tannins gird the powerful fruit in this wine—a mix of red cherry and strawberry that mellows with time in the glass. Toasted oak and baking spice touches provide additional context and pleasure.

Oak figures in nicely, with a kiss of smoke and toast amid green apple, citrus, pear and honeydew notes, making for a complex and cleansing drink.

Opening with beautiful aromatics, this wine has a heady invitation of orange and apple blossom before revealing a sublime texture and rich oak. Pillowy on the palate, it offers Asian pear and apple flavors, with a slight confectionery quality of crème brûlée.

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve gives up red and black cherries and mulberries scents with touches of violets and cinnamon stick plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied, elegantly styled and with great freshness plus silken tannins, it has commendable expression and vibrancy.

Showcasing several vineyards within the appellation, including Alden and Hawkeye, this is a rounded, approachable wine with quiet red and black fruit and leather notes. Balanced acidity gives the full-bodied, ripe fruit a lift.

This dark yellow colored Chardonnay from Kendall Jackson opens with a pear and vanilla oak bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, slightly acidic and juicy. The flavor profile is a vanilla oak influenced Bartlett pear with notes of pineapple. I also detected hints of mild apricot and Chinese five spice. The finish is dry and its flavors linger and lasts for quite a while. This wine is ideal for readers who like a rich-styled Chard. I would pair it with chicken and wild mushroom tortellini with a light cream butter sauce. Very good+.

Coming from Sonoma and Lake Counties, the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Tradition is scented of ripe peaches, pink grapefruit and dried herbs with touches of crushed stones and lemon zest. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers bold citrus and stone fruit flavors and great freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.

Winemaker Kristy Melton blends 92% Syrah and 8% Petite Sirah in this powerfully ripe and fruity red wine. Cherry vanilla, leather, tobacco and meat are supported by generous oak and huge, smoky tannin. The texture is creamy and plush.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Prequel Red Blend, composed of 92% Syrah and 8% Petite Sirah, has an expressive black plums, tar and earthy nose with hints of licorice and underbrush. The palate is seriously savory, earthy and peppery with plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long.

California-based Siduri cellared and bottled this wine that was vinified in Oregon. Still young and compact, it nonetheless shows some good flesh on its bones. The tannins pop out a bit, along with red berries and a streak of coffee. Another year of bottle age would be helpful, or give it plenty of aeration. 89 points. Very good.

There's lots to admire here, showing complexity and depth to the loamy earth, dark berry, anise, cedar and crushed rock flavors. The texture smoothes out, ending with a savory herb aftertaste. 89 points. Very good.

From Santa Barbara County’s first commercial vineyard, this bottling offers a clean line of lemon butter, toast and oak on the nose. A strong burst of acidity kicks off the sip, where warm brioche and fresh lemon-spray flavors ride a chalky texture. 89 points. Very good.

Soft and endearing, the 2016 Murphy-Goode Pinot Grigio strikes as an excellent user-friendly wine. Its ripe fruit and almost cotton candy-like flavors pair it nicely with Cantonese cold-boiled chicken accented with fresh ginger and scallions. 89 points.

An excellent wine for a cocktail moment or a light repast, the 2015 Murphy-Goode California Chardonnay was made to just open and enjoy. The wine's ripe apple and peach aroma lead into an easy-going palate and a juicy finish. 89 points.