At PJ Wine we take pride in sifting through 7,000 to 10,000 wines per year so you don't have to. Typically, we taste flights of ten to fifteen poor to average wines at a time to find one or two gems. When planning a party or having friends and family over for a casual get-together, you want reliable and enjoyable wines that are easy-drinking and flexible enough to compliment whatever food you serve. When your guests stop and ask "Wow, what's this wine?," you know you've done your job as host. The following selection of California classics is designed to help make your next party, meal, or informal gathering a big success.

Chardonnay

2004 Cartlidge & Browne Chardonnay (Net) $7.37
"Tropical fruit aromas (pineapple, melons, and mangoes) jump from the glass of the 2004 Chardonnay. There is little evidence of wood in this fruit-driven, clean, pure, tasty Chardonnay. It needs to be consumed during its first 12 months of life. Along with the Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, it is probably one of the two best Chardonnay values in the world." —WA 88

2004 Clos Du Bois Chardonnay (Net) $9.97
This wine was made of fruit sourced from choice vineyards across the California North Coast appellation. Sixty-percent was barrel-fermented in French and American oak before completing a malolactic fermentation to impart a full, creamy mouthfeel. The wine was then aged in barrel on its lees for six months to encourage deeper aromatic complexity and sculpted, fresh fruit characters.

2003 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay (Net) $18.97
"Brilliant yellow-gold, with ripe, fleshy golden apple, pear, citrus and spice flavors that are focused and well-defined, ending with a dash of toasty oak." —WS 88

Cabernet Sauvignon

2002 Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon (Net) $29.97
"The non-estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which is now completely sourced from Calistoga vineyards, provides a fine introduction to the Montelena winemaking style. Normally Bo Barrett includes 10-15% Merlot in the blend, and these wines often age for 10-15 years. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is the sexiest of the three most recent vintages. A soft, deep ruby/purple-tinged offering with loads of black currant fruit as well as hints of damp earth, licorice, and underbrush, this silky-textured, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon will provide delicious drinking over the next 10 plus years." —WA 91

2002 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon (Net) $14.97
This impressive and affordable Cabernet is made from cool Alexander Valley fruit. It features blackberry, herbal and brambly aromas and has ripe, enticing flavors on the palate. There's wonderful, closing acidity on the long finish and soft tannins. A great match with burgers, steak or prime rib.