If you’re having a crowd over for the holidays, of course, you’ll want to serve good wine, but there’s no need to spend a small fortune to do so.  Our tasting panel has some recommendations that  promise to make your guests and your wallet happy. Cheers!

Cashmere 2016 Red Wine

Grape(s): 61% Mouredre, 22% Grenache, & 17% Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

An inviting nose of cherries, raspberries, dark chocolate, and smoky accents draws one into a glass. It’s a lush, yet still lively palate, with red berry and plum flavors leading to traces of chocolate, smoke, and spice. Offering supple taninins and a welcoming acidity, it calls for a beef stew.

Rating: 90

Freschello Max Cuvée Rosé

Grape(s): Merlot & Raboso

Region: Italy

Price: 5-10

Tasting Notes:

Lots of strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries come forth on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of lively red berry with a zesty mineral backbone. Quite crisp, with a fresh acidity, it’s an ideal Rose for opening with food and a great bargain.

Rating: 90

Whitehall Lane 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Napa Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

One is hit with aromas of citrus fruits, apples, and minerals on the nose. The palate unfurls with flavors of limes, peaches, and apples playing among nuances of minerals. There’s a friendly roundness that’s balanced by a crisp acidity, making this a wine to pair with your favorite shrimp dish.

Rating: 90

Carmel Road 2016 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County, California

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Plums,strawberries, and cherries weave together among traces of cola, floral earth, and black tea on the nose. Supple tannins carry flavors of cherry, plum, and strawberry into undertones of rose petal, cola, and tea. A welcoming acidity and nice balance make this a solid Pinot for the price.

Rating: 89

Sterling 2015 Meritage Blend

Grape(s): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot

Region: California

Price: 5-10

Tasting Notes:

Lovely aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and raspberries mingle among suggestions of dark chocolate, clove, and caramel on the nose. Round and supple, flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry flow into notes of cocoa and barrel spice. Fairly dry but still offering nice fruit, it’s a bargain at $10.

Rating: 89