Dancing Bull winemakers like their white wines “racy,” and here’s a Chardonnay that proves the point. They get their fruit from Monterey County, just inside the Coastal Range from the ocean, and the cool climate shines through in the wine. A little Sauvignon Blanc in the blend sharpens it up, too.

Good balance and structure, with bright fruit tending toward citrus and apple. Notice the nice round note of tropical fruits. Put it alongside some good Mexican food.

Here’s more proof that you can have a big, lush, ripe wine without an over-the-top alcohol level. At 13.5% alcohol, this is a wine you can stick with during dinner. Here’s living proof that Merlot deserves its place as America’s favorite red wine.

Merlot lovers will be right at home with the ripe flavors of dark fruit, blackberry and black cherry, with a bit of spice and a velvety finish that really zings.