Redwood Creek Malbec

Redwood Creek's Malbec is a delightful red wine perfect for the approaching cooler weather. This medium-bodied wine is bursting with the lush flavors of black cherry, blueberry and dark blackberry fruit, with hints of brown spice and maple after notes. Malbec is a California wine with historic roots in Argentina and can stand up to chowing down by the campfire or dining at a well-appointed table. And at about $6.99-$12.99 for a 750-ml or 1.5-liter bottle, the price is nice and smooth as well.

http://www.redwoodcreek.com/

Apothical

    

Here is a rich, luxurious wine that will  reward your senses with a velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish. Apothic Red 2008 California's Winemaker's Blend is a mix of spicy Zinfandel with smooth Merlot and lush, dark Syrah. There were lighter yields as a result of well below normal winter rainfall and an extended April frost that reduced quantities in many regions of California. But these conditions  were followed by an ideally mild summer and fall meaning the lighter yields and small berries resulted in exceptionally high quality of grapes of complex, concentrated flavors and aromas. Wine lover's will just enjoy the inspired taste of a truly delicious and thoughtful wine. 

 $14 for a 750-ml bottle

http://www.apothic.com/wine.html

Handy Wine Buying Guide

Good Better Best by Carolyn Evans Hammond is a handy guide to popular wines. The book is light enough to take with you when wine shopping and includes sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, blends, dessert wines, and many other categories.The references are quick and to the point and will help the novice and more seasoned wine shopper.  The book focuses on bottles priced up to $15.00.

Published by Alpha, a division of Penguin Group. Price: $12.95