Taylor scored this wine: 94/100

Melissa Stackhouse, a fantastically talented Pinot and Chardonnay winemaker who now works at J Winery, made this RRV Pinot. I’ll be watching to see if La Crema's Pinots remain as tasty without her. This is a light-bodied Pinot Noir from cool climate Monterey that has refreshing, food-friendly acidity with ripe plum, candied cherry, slightly earthy green tea, some oaky tannins and raspberry on the finish. Lovely, lively, elegant. Almost perfect. Around $25. Hopefully I won’t miss you Melissa.

Taylor scored this wine: 88/100

I was pretty stoked when I recently tried Centine 2008 Toscana red, made by Italy’s winery giant, Castello Banfi. With the buying power to source grapes from all over the Tuscany wine region, they blended together Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to craft a pleasant, easy-to-quaff, fruity, light-hearted red wine that sings harmony with food and puts a smile on the face. Shockingly good for the price.

Taylor scored this wine: 88/100

It tastes much like other reds from the hot, arid Lodi Valley: ripe, soft tannins but decently high acidity. Also not as slutty as other reds from Lodi. Full-bodied with raspberry, smoky cedar, black cherry, sweet chocolate and a finish that begs for another sip. Nicely done. $15.

Taylor scored this wine: 88/100

Tastes like a tangerine creamsicle dipped in tart homemade lemonade. $15.

Taylor scored this wine: 86/100

Sour apple squirted with lime and dipped in sweet honey. Slightly earthy but mostly the fruit reigns. The best deal I found. Their Blanc de Blancs is also fantastic. $19.