The 2010 Chardonnay Monterey, from one of the lesser-known appellations in California, is a terrific value. It reveals gorgeous focus and length at this level, with persistent notes of lemon, spices and minerals that flow through to the finish. The wine was fermented in barrel, with full malolactic fermentation. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014.

The 2010 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is an attractive, plush wine with good varietal character and an equally friendly price point. Lemon, spices and mint are layered into the cream finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.

My least favorite of this trio, the 2009 Chardonnay Russian River is good, but leaner, earthier and not as expressive as its siblings. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. La Crema is an excellent value winery owned by Jess Jackson with an impressive group of winemakers, including Melissa Stackhouse.

Hard, lean and minerally, with mouth-tingling acidity and flavors of stone, herbs and citrus fruits. The finish turns honeyed, with hints of peaches.

Reticent but nuanced nose combines apple, pear and fairly concentrated; not especially complex or concentrated but shows a bit more shape and grip than the 2000 Russian River Valley bottling.

The 2000 Chardonnay exhibits crisp underlying acidity along with notes of honeyed citrus, medium body, subtle wood, and a clean, zesty, tangy finish.

This pale-colored but relatively full-bodied wine has plenty of ripe pear, apple and peach flavors and a soothing mouthfeel. It's a blend of mostly Pinot Noir with smaller amounts of Syrah and Grenache.

Sleek and pretty, with delicate strawberry and spice flavors. Pinot Noir, Syrah and Grenache.

Bright as can be with overtones of cherries and a freshening element of watermelon evident throughout, this spry, squeaky clean, slightly juicy Rosé is so nicely balanced that its trim of sweetness is subordinate to lively fruit. It makes no claims to complexity but is an inviting, immensely likeable offering that will drink equally well with or without food, and it is well worth seeking out, especially when discounted as it often is. 1 star, good value.

KJ has joined the rosé rush predictably, watching from the sidelines to make sure it was real, before being slotted into the friendly Vintner’s Reserve selection. It’s not anywhere near as sweet as you might expect which is as heartening as it is light with fresh cut watermelon, apricots and white flowers. KJ has an almost unlimited amount of coastal fruit to choose from in Santa Barbara, Monterey, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The inaugural pink is mostly pinot noir with some syrah and grenache. It’s all stainless steel fermented to retain maximum freshness. Drink now. 87 points.

Perfect for summer quaffing, this inexpensive Pinot Gris from K-J offers notes of melon, citrus and pear, good balance and a clean, medium-length finish. Very nice for the price.

Apples and pears in the aroma lead to easygoing fruit flavors and a soft broad texture in this medium-bodied fruit-forward wine. Hints of butter and vanilla sneak in on the finish.

Try this as an interesting alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Dry and crisp in acidity, the wine shows elevated flavors of citrus fruits, peaches, pears and flowers. Really cleanses the mouth with briskness.

Good bright medium ruby. Slightly high-toned aromas of cherry, raspberry, mint and baking spices. Juicy and fruit-driven, with moderate flesh and concentration and a saline suggestion of extract. Finishes slightly tart-edged but bright.

An exuberantly fruity, low-tannin Pinot with quite a bit of charm. Bursting with young, jammy wild-berry fruit, it tastes fruity and very spicy. Has those soft, juicy tannins that make it immediately drinkable, especially with spicy, salty foods.

The 1998 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve was a surprise offering. There are 222 cases of this light medium ruby-colored, deliciously fruity Pinot Noir offering scents of plums, blackberries, cherries, and earth. This spicy round, high quality Pinot is largely from several Anderson Valley vineyards…

Firm and spicy, with cola, mustard seed, earth and black cherry flavors, finishing with a touch of bitterness from tannins. A solid effort.

Dense, deep red. Moderately full-bodied. Moderate extract and tannins. Dark fruits, blackberries. Brooding deep fruity nose. Impressively weighty mouthfeel with a little tartness to complement the generous fruity stuffing.

Exhibits all the seductive, voluptuous qualities of Pinot Noir. It possesses a lovely, sweet, black-cherry-scented nose with a whiff of herbs and oak. It is fat, juicy, and succulent, with low acidity and a generous finish.

USA, California, Northern California: Napa & Some Sonoma New Releases Aged in 20% new French oak, the 2016 Pinot Noir Vintner’s Reserve is pale to medium ruby-purple colored and has a beautiful perfume of potpourri, black tea and powdered tea with a core of kirsch and raspberry preserves. Medium-bodied, soft and juicy, it has a lively line of freshness and a savory finish.

Smart Buys 60 go-to wineries for excellence and affordability A supple version, with meaty hints to the dried berry and cherry tart flavors, ending with a spicy finish that has some richness.

Floral, spice and sweet red berry notes make 2015 Pinot Noir Vintner's Reserve an attractive wine to drink now and over the next year or two.

Presents a modest mix of dusty red berry, savory herb and light cedar in a style that's balanced yet short on dimension.

A relatively restrained nose requires some coaxing before it grudgingly reveals a pretty mix of both red and dark pinot fruit aromas that are nuanced by hints of spice and lavender. There is good richness to the mildly grapey flavors that possess a rounded yet punchy mouth feel before culminating in a mildly warm and robust finish that delivers acceptable depth and length if limited refinement.

Made in a seductive style, the 2013 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve comes from their estate vineyards in Monterey and Santa Barbara (about two-thirds from the former and one-third from the latter). This is the largest cuvée of these Pinot Noirs, with 8,750 cases. It shows soft berry, strawberry and cherry fruit, loamy soil undertones and sweet tannin in a medium-bodied, sexy style. Drink it over th next 4-5 years.