1 | Wine | Central Coast, $10 to $20, 86 or higher

"Attractive floral, plum and raspberry aromas are elegant and complex, offering a spicy, juicy edge and ending with supple tannins."

"Ripe and zesty, with distinctive aromas of raspberry and smoky cracked pepper that lead to plush, briary flavors of black cherry, anise and sage."

"A rich and jammy style, but with enough structure and balance to keep this vibrant. Aromas of cherry pie and pepper lead to zesty blackberry and licorice flavors."

"The 2010 Chardonnay is one of the top values in California wine. It possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish. Lees stirring gives the wine much of its richness, while aging in steel helps maintain freshness. There is remarkable depth and textural finesse here, never mind a price that is mind-boggling for this level of quality."

"Mount Eden’s 2010 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard wraps around the palate with hints of almonds, honey, fennel and dried pears. The Wolff Vineyard, from a site in Edna Valley, is made in a slightly more forward style than the rest of the Domaine/Mount Eden Chardonnays. Slightly burnished notes add complexity on the finish."

"Vivid ruby-red. Seductive, floral nose displays fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas, along with a hint of white pepper. Fleshy red and dark berry flavors are enlivened by an intriguing orange peel accent. Picks up a suggestion of anise on the juicy, seamless, long finish."

"Calera’s 2011 Pinot Noir Central Coast wafts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and mint. This is a fairly laid-back vintage for the wine, with less of the pure breed of the 2009 and 2010, but frankly that may be an unfair comparison as those wines were superb over achievers. The 2011 is more an inline performer. The tense, saline finish laced with pretty floral and spiced notes is lovely."

"Black raspberry and cherry aromas are lifted by a note of peppery spice. A touch jammy, but the lively red and dark berry flavors display good clarity. A refreshingly bitter note of licorice comes up on the finish, which clings with very good tenacity. This wine is ridiculously easy to drink."

"Cherry, anise, cracked pepper and herbs on the aromatic nose. Juicy, spicy and moderately dense, with good focus to its dark berry, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors. Finishes with good length, silky tannins and palate-numbing notes of black pepper and menthol."

"Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and plum aromas are complemented by notes of licorice and vanilla. Lush and seamless on the palate, offering pliant dark fruit flavors and showing a slight warmth on the back end. Finishes sweet and gently tannic, with a hint of bitter chocolate and good cling."