Top Wines Under $30

Best Reds $16.00 - $30.00
	2002 Chalone Vineyard Syrah Estate Chalone Syrah/Shiraz; Central Coast;	$29.99
	"Delicious for its core of fleshy roasted plum, wild berry and black cherry, this wine holds its focus while picking up a nice touch of beefy, peppery flavors, only to return to its core of pure Syrah, ending with a nice lift in flavor and ripe, integrated tannins. Drink now through 2009. 2,310 cases made. " -- Wine Spectator (91 points)
	1996 Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme Haut Medoc Bordeaux Blend; Bordeaux;	$27.99
	"Delicious--medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a chocolate, berry, tobacco aftertaste--it hard not to drink now, it's so balanced. This outstanding red is one of the big surprises of the vintage and among its best buys; this estate is a rising star in the Medoc. Best after 2001. " -- Wine Spectator (90 points)
	2005 Chateau Cote de Baleau Saint Emilion Merlot; Bordeaux;	$23.99
	"Aromas of blackberry, licorice and smoke follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Best after 2011. -JS " -- Wine Spectator (89 points)
	2000 Domaine du Colombier Crozes Hermitage Cuvee Gaby Syrah/Shiraz; Rhone;	$29.99
	" Riper, richer aromas of black raspberry, licorice and mocha. Sweeter and denser than the regular cuvee, with a rather fine-grained texture and expressive flavors of crushed dark berries and tree bark. A lovely expression of syrah, with good focus, vinosity and purity. Finishes with sweet tannins." -- Steve Tanzer (89 points)
	2002 Atalon Merlot Napa Valley Merlot; Napa;	$30.00
	"($35) Medium ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, redcurrant, tobacco, licorice and animal fur. Sweet, broad and round, with nicely concentrated flavors of currant and mocha. Shows a slightly reduced, medicinal quality. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins but no hard edges. A blend from numerous sites." -- Steve Tanzer (88 points)
Best Whites $16.00 - $30.00
	2005 Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; New Zealand;	$16.00
	"Bright and juicy, a gentle style with a guava component to the lime and passion fruit flavors, finishing with a pretty floral note. Drink now. 1,200 cases made. " -- Wine Spectator (90 points)
	2004 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Cold Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley Chardonnay; Columbia Valley;	$24.00
	"Lithe, spicy and generous with its pineapple-centered flavors, offering hints of pear and apricot as the finish lingers enticingly. Drink now. 3,600 cases made. " -- Wine Spectator (90 points)
	1994 Shaw & Smith Chardonnay Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay; Other Australia;	$25.50
	"Its attractive aromas are more herbal and mineral-like than usual for Chardonnay, but its richness, complexity and elegance make it worth paying attention to. Hints at tropical fruit and spice flavors on the finish." -- Wine Spectator (89 points)