Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
California's high-end wines are great for special occasions, but the state is also a reliable source of value, as evident in this week's roundup. There's a little something for everyone with an assortment of grapes from well-known regions. These widely available wines offer impressive quality at affordable prices, making them a great choice for any night of the week.
Three Zinfandels offer different expressions of the grape. Veteran vintner Carol Shelton tapped old vines in Mendocino County to craft a spirited and zesty Zin. Farther south in Sonoma, Alexander Valley Vineyards' bottling shows the graceful side of the variety. The Lodi region in California's Central Valley is a good source for bargains, including the racy blend from Klinker Brick.
Pinot Noir values are harder to come by, since the grape is demanding in the vineyard and cellar. But Parker Station's lively blend, a mix of grapes from top Pinot-growing regions along the Central Coast, won't burn a hole in your pocket.
Chardonnay lovers have several choices here, including a snappy version from Geyser Peak. Or, consider Martin Ray's succulent and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley.
MCPRICE MYERS High On The Hog Central Coast 2016
Lively and generous, with zesty black raspberry, savory dried sage and peppercorn flavors that build richness toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Graciano. Drink now through 2026. 1,902 cases made.
CAROL SHELTON Zinfandel Mendocino County Wild Thing Old Vine 2016
Spirited and zesty, with lively cherry and smoky cracked pepper flavors that frolic on a long finish toward well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2024. 8,220 cases made.
ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS Zinfandel Alexander Valley 2016
Graceful and plush, with elegant yet vibrant cherry, pepper and dusty sage flavors that linger on a bright finish. Drink now through 2024. 2,380 cases made.
MARTIN RAY Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2017
Succulent mango, peach and lime flavors are bright, expressive and refreshing, with a smooth body and a juicy finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.
GEYSER PEAK Chardonnay California 2017
There's good snap to the baked apple and lemon-lime flavors. Fresh and minerally midpalate, with a spicy finish. Drink now. 8,100 cases made.
KLINKER BRICK Brickmason Lodi 2016
Racy, offering lively and well-focused cherry, grilled sage and pepper flavors. Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2023. 3,000 cases made.
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Chardonnay Sonoma County 2017
Ripe fig, quince and apple pastry flavors dominate this plump style. Spicy finish. Drink now. 216,000 cases made.
PARKER STATION Pinot Noir Monterey-San Luis Obispo-Santa Barbara Counties 2017
A lively red, with light- to medium-bodied flavors of dried red fruits, flanked by minerally accents. Drink now. 23,895 cases made.