Wine is one of those things that is really an acquired taste. Believe me I used to hate wine, then graduated to whites, thinking the reds were horrible beasts, then found a red tried it and never looked back! That being said I think I have a good pallet now for wine. The only exception being...PORTS! Not a fan whatsoever! Maybe in the future as I always try them when tasting at wineries, but have yet to find that one that makes my taste buds say WOW! (in a good way)
I also adore my local wineries, Placer County, Amador County, El Dorado County, and San Joquin County. Not only are the wines FAB, but the people here are genuinely nice and respectful. I have yet to find any in these areas who were not.
I try to find wines that are low priced, but delicious, I mean don't we all want a good thing for a great price? There are lots of wines out there highly priced that are not good tasting. So basing a wine purely on price will get you no where. It's all about trial and error. That is where I come in! I will do all the tasting for you (so sorry, but someone has to) and you can read my comments and recommendations. Ready? Let's get started.
Local Wineries
2010 Lava Cap Chardonnay
This is a great win! It is on the pricier side at $18/bottle, but it is one that is worth every penny.
It has such aromatic smells of apples, apricot and a hint of oakynes. Once you taste it you will taste green apple tartness, pear, maybe some lime and vanilla.
This wine goes well with roasted chicken, and I have been told Lamb, however I do not eat lamb so you will have to judge that on your own.
2007 McConnell Estates Tempranillo $18 This is one of my favorite light bodied wines. It is very fruity, well rounded wine with hints of molasses. Again, worth every penny.
Mass produced non local wineries
Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is freakishly inexpensive and yet has a great taste! I mean for a 750ml bottle $6, who can resist right?
I will say if you end up having left overs after you open it, it goes bad quickly. In my experience with this one, drink the entire bottle and don't have leftovers, or drink the remaining the next day.
This wine has a jammy flavor with hints of berries and a tartness that resembles currants.