More often than not, stocking up on wine means looking for great values. If you’re in that market, it’s well worth checking out the offerings from Lake County. Located a bit north of Napa and Sonoma, this region produces high quality wines without the premium prices often seen with its southern neighbors. In real terms that means you can enjoy a lovely bottle for under $20. Here are several that our tasting panel would recommend.

Cross Spring 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 87% Cabernet, 13% Syrah

Region: Lake County

Price: 15-20

Review:

A bouquet of blackberries, cherries, cedar, and dark chocolate rises up from a glass. Flavors of bramble fruit and black cherry meld with suggestions of oak, plum, and vanilla on the palate. A lush, supple red that fans of balanced Cabs will enjoy.

Rating: 89

Cross Spring 2010 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 95% Chardonnay and 5% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Lake County

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromas of pineapple and pear mingle with suggestions of toasty vanilla on the nose. A sip unfurls flavors of tropical fruit, melon, and pear along with hints of vanilla and caramel. A smooth, fairly round white, fans of lush Chardonnays with a nice touch of barrel influence will enjoy this bottle. 1,700 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Dalliance 2010 Red Blend

Grape(s): 32% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo, 13% Barbera, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Grenache

Region: Lake County

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromatics of raspberries, cherries, and blackberries blend with notes of leather, spice, and vanilla on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of cherry, plum, and bramble fruit accented by suggestions of sweet spice, leather, and vanilla. A smooth wine that’s quite friendly, fans of easy-going red blends will enjoy this bottle. 7,035 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Shannon Ridge 2010 Wrangler Red

Grape(s): 44% Zinfandel, 34% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Mourvedre

Region: Lake County

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromatics of cherries, blackberries, and blueberries come together with notes of bacon, vanilla, and all-spice on the nose. Cherry, blackberry, and plum emerge on the palate with accents of smoked meat, sweet spice, and vanilla. A smooth wine, fans of a fruit driven reds, with a slightly hearty character, will enjoy very much.

Rating: 90

Vigilance 2010 Cimarron Blend

Grape(s): 44% Zinfandel, 39% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Lake County

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromas of blackberry and black cherry mingle with hints of leather, sweet spice, and vanilla ron the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blueberries and black cherry along with notes of vanilla and earth. A smooth, approachable wine, fans of dark-fruit and soft tannins will enjoy this bottle. 18,000 cases produced.

Rating: 88