We asked the Cheers 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

( 97) J. Lohr“ Pure Paso” Chardonnay 2024( CA). An unoaked chardonnay crafted entirely in stainless steel, highlighting purity of fruit. Bright and clean, with flavors of lemon zest, almond and white flowers. Fresh, vibrant and beautifully balanced. Outstanding value.($ 14.99)

( 97) Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2026( CA). Made from estate-grown fruit, this sauvignon blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve freshness. A small addition of semillon adds roundness and floral notes to flavors of lemongrass, grapefruit and honeydew. Bright, balanced and an excellent value.($ 28.99)

( 96) Alexander Valley Vineyards Homestead Red Blend 2022( CA). A standout red blend led by zinfandel and merlot, with smaller amounts of mourvèdre, syrah, grenache and cabernet. Each lot is vinified separately and aged 14 months before blending. Deeply colored and complex, with red

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars( 92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship. fruit, oak and vanilla notes. Exceptional value.($ 24.99)

( 96) Alexander Valley Vineyards“ Sin Zin” 2021( CA). A longtime benchmark zinfandel, produced since 1978. Made from 100 % zinfandel, this wine delivers bold, juicy, dark fruit flavors of cherry, cassis and dark chocolate. Aged 16 months in American oak, it shows smooth tannins and balanced acidity.($ 24.99)

( 96) J. Lohr Pure Paso Red 2023( CA). A rich red blend led by cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah, with smaller amounts of malbec and Saint-Macaire. Aged 15 months in American oak, it delivers deep, concentrated flavors of black cherry, anise and cocoa, with a plush texture and excellent structure.($ 27.99)

Four Stars( 86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.

( 96) Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs NV( CA). Almost all chardonnay, with a small percentage pinot blanc included, the wine is a brilliant yellow gold in the glass, with a very fine and long-lasting mousse. The nose and palate share an abundance of clean fruit, with notes of apple and hints of citrus. In the mouth, the balance is immediately evident, from the first sip through to the finish of the last.($ 23)

( 96) Eroica Riesling 2024( WA). A combination of Old World expertise and New World terroir and vinification, Eroica has been a constant example of great riesling for decades. The 2024 version follows the same pattern as past successes. 100 % riesling, aged 100 % in steel, the wine demonstrates the strengths of the riesling variety, with elegant fruit and a very attractive presentation. Delicious now, it has the potential to age and grow in complexity.($ 24)

( 96) Aveleda Solos de Xisto Alvarinho 2024( Portugal). Aveleda produces two“ soil specific” alvarinho bottlings, and the Xisto— grown in schist soil rather than the more common granite— offers greater power with a firmer texture and mouthfeel. The nose and palate reflect the soil influence, giving this wine a distinctive balance and unique profile. Very food-friendly, and worth savoring.($ 22.99)

Three Stars( 80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.

( 95) Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023( OR). From one of the pioneers of the Willamette Valley, this pinot noir expresses Oregon in a bottle. Plenty of lovely red fruit on the nose and palate is supported by balancing structure. A great example of pinot noir from this top appellation.($ 30)

( 95) Björnson Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023( OR). A beautifully balanced wine with elegant fruit shining through alongside good acidity and supporting tannins. Red fruit dominates the nose and palate, with hints of forest floor adding character and complexity.($ 29)

( 95) Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2021( Italy). A classic Chianti classico blend led by 90 % sangiovese, complemented by regional varieties, this wine showcases the hallmarks of the appellation. Attractive red fruit is layered with spicy hints. Delicious now, though it will benefit from additional aging.($ 30)

( 95) Mathilde Chapoutier Selection Côtes de Provence Rosé“ Orsuro” 2024( France). Brilliant salmon pink in the glass, this blend of mostly local grape varieties shows why Provence rosé remains in high demand. Bright stone and citrus fruits on the nose and palate deliver clean, vibrant flavors with a lingering, balanced finish. Exceptionally food-friendly and an outstanding value.($ 15)

( 94) ESTIVAL Sauvignon Blanc 2024( WA). Warm, dry days and cool evenings contribute to bright acidity that

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