Undertones of Citrus, Pepper, and Spice Rule the Season
By Leslie Marin

Been invited to a friend’s house for a barbeque blowout? Hosting a lawn party? Firing up the grill for a few special friends? Here are our recommendations for some great BBQ and summer wines, all for under $20. They’ll be the perfect compliment to your juicy steaks, smoky grilled chicken, Hawaiian shrimp kabobs and more.

Clos LaChance: 2005 Estate Viognier ~ $19
…Hints of sweet white peach and ripe tangerine lead to a soft green apple finish

Wild Horse: 2004 Chardonnay ~ (sneaking in at) $20
…Flavors of pineapple, white lilies, nectarine, sweet oak and crème brulé.

Château De Deighton: 2003 Cuvée Rouge ~ $15
…Blend of Mouvèdre and Grenache suits lighter meats such as pork and lam.

Château De Deighton: 2004 Purple Haze Zinfandel ~ $15
…Blackberry fruit with pepper and smoke flavors

Eberle: 2005 Estate Chardonnay ~ $18
…Citrus aromas and flavors of pineapple, pear and green apple

Eberle: 2004 Zinfandel Steinbeck Vineyard ~ $18
…Savory cherries and plums with a peppery finish are just right for barbecued meats.

Zaca Mesa: 2005 Z Gris ~ $15
…Bright rosé made from Grenache and Cinsaut with flavors of strawberry, melon, tangerine and guava
Sauvignon Republic Cellars: 2005 Sauvignon Blanc ~ $18
…Tropical aromas and green nuances complement chili-spice flavor.

Montecillo: 2000 Reserva ~ $19
…Fruit flavors and a framework of oak compliment grilled or barbecued red meat

Chumeia: 2005 Silver Nectar ~ $10
…The infusion of Torrontes grapes lends fruit and spice characteristics

And some honorable mentions:

White

Eberle 2004 Muscat Canelli; $12

Wild Horse2004 Viognier; $20

Cliff Lede 2004 Sauvignon Blanc; $18

Rosenthal~The Malibu Estate2003 Chardonnay; $17

Rosé

Preston of Dry Creek2003 Vin Gris, Rosé; $15

Chateau Haut Bailly2004 Rosé; $20