Durbanville Hills
2005 Shiraz
This is the kind of wine to inspire you to break out the bbq. Yep, this is one of those Shiraz with that delicious smoky, bacon fat quality. And at $12 a bottle, you can afford to serve it to a crowd.

Field Recordings
2008 Jurassic Park Vineyard Chenin Blanc
An attractive wine for the price, I think it is one of the more interesting whites coming out of California in the under $20 range. Faintly herbaceous with fullness and richness on the palate, what it lacks in acidic bite it makes up for with luscious lemon curd creaminess.

Iron Horse
2008 Estate Chardonnay
This is probably one of the most overlooked of the big-name, California Chardonnays. Beautifully balanced with a pretty combination of Asian pear and tropical fruit and toasty oak on the finish, it is just full-bodied enough for a big meal but delicate enough to for a happy hour choice. And at $27 this is an American bargain.

Sevenhills
2008 Viognier
Viogniers from Washington state like this one are great summer wines. Think crisp acidity and minerality that quench thirst as well as an icy Coke (yes, I love an icy Coke in summer!). A hit of spice on the finish gives it the edge in pairings with Thai food or Chinese takeout.

Wither Hills
2005 Marlborough Pinot Noir
This New Zealand import is a pretty little Pinot for its $20 price. It"s got great, thirst-quenching acidity, bright cherry flavor and the kind of soft tannins that make it a crowd pleaser.