We asked the Beverage Dynamics national wine panel to taste and rate wines under $ 30 . As always , these reviews include tasting notes , ratings and suggested retail price for a 750-ml . bottle ( unless otherwise noted ).

FIVE STARS

( 94 ) Catena Altamira Paraje 2021 ( Argentina ). A huge mouthful of black current and violets , silky and lush . Give it some time to open and sip it with your favorite grilled meats . ($ 27 )

( 93 ) Ironstone Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). It would be unfair to describe this as their entry-level wine , as it overdelivers for the price . Sourced from the family ' s Thorton Ranch property , it benefits from the Lodi AVA maritime influence : perfect for pinot noir with cool nights and warm days . Addition of 10 % syrah really adds to the complexity , and adds deep-cherry coloring . Classic earthy notes add to a meaty texture . This was perfect with our cedar plank salmon . ($ 14.99 )

( 93 ) Harvester Estrella Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ( CA ). This cabernet hails from one of Paso Robles ’ 11 districts , Estrella . The nose is full of ripe tomato and herbaceous notes . While still a full-bodied wine , this is a more delicate style of Paso Robles cabernet , with

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . balanced tannins and notes of bright red fruit , red currants and crisp cranberries . ($ 29.99 )

( 93 ) Decoy Limited Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). This inaugural release is a grand slam ! Sourcing from prime vineyard sites in Alexander Valley — in addition to their own estate fruit — yields exceptional fruit . Very concentrated flavors in a classic fruit-forward style that ’ s very accessible . A kiss of merlot adds smoothness to the 14-month French oak aging regimen . Black fruits dominate the nose with inky squid colors and hints of white pepper and dark chocolate . Time for that prime rib dinner celebration ($ 29.99 )

( 92 ) Hall Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( CA ). This wine exhibits aromas of lemongrass , balmy grapefruit and lime . Those notes continue onto the palate , but with the addition of lychee and bright tropical fruits . Crisp and refreshing . ($ 19.99 )

( 92 ) Nero Oro Rosso Terre Gold 2021 ( Italy ). A powerful and structured dry wine . The nose beckons you with deep

Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . red fruits , raspberry and cranberry aromas . The palate is full bodied with a concentration of those red fruits with notes of baked cherry pie , green pepper and tomato leaves . ($ 29.99 )

( 92 ) The Calling Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). This chardonnay has a silky weight to its mouthfeel . Rich , savory tones of butter are intertwined with pops of Granny Smith apple that are complemented with a beautiful , lingering finish . ($ 22 )

( 91 ) Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Briords Melon de Bourgogne 2022 ( France ). Extended cold fermentation sur lie with organic grapes from Maines , produces a brisk , fresh wine full of lemony spring flowers . Medium acid and crushed stone provide a perfect mate for grilled white fish with fresh poached pears . Definitely not your run-of-themill muscadet . ($ 22 )

( 91 ) Les Freres Laffitte Le Petit Gascoun Rosé 2022 ( France ). Complex with blueberry , white plum and a hint of vegetal in the background . Lots of bright acidity that will

Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy . do justice to a fresh green salad covered with a warm Camembert . ($ 23 )

( 91 ) 1858 Red Blend ( CA ). A dark maroon color greets you upon pouring this plush wine . Baked black and blue fruits , warm spice and sumptuous but soft tannins and toasted wood on the finish . This is a smooth but structured and approachable wine from the Wagner Family . ($ 24.99 )

( 91 ) Sonoma Loeb Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Made by famed winemaker Philip Titus . Aromas of tropical fruits and crisp melon on the nose . This wine is super food-friendly due to its higher but balanced acidity and a creamy mouthfeel that seamlessly blend the notes of lime and lemon cake on the palate . ($ 29.99 )

( 91 ) Twomey Napa Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( CA ). Pops of melon and grapefruit are the welcome to your palate . This refreshing sauvignon blanc is nicely packaged with acidity and fruit , making it a refreshing and sneakily complex wine . ($ 28 )

( 91 ) J . Lohr Pure Paso 2021 ( CA ). Winemaker Brenden Wood refines his red blend that highlights the real potential of the Paso Robles AVA . Primarily cabernet sourced from their Shotwell vineyard , with the addition of petite sirah ( 31 %) and three other varietals . Stainless-steel fermentation is then followed with oak aging for a total of 18 months . Intense inky coloring , silky smooth with notes of anise , pepper and caramel . Time to fire up the grill for some thick rib-eyes . ($ 24.99 ) www . beveragedynamics . com Summer 2024 • Beverage Dynamics 37