California Merlots have really come into their own in recent years. Gone are the wimpy, flabby wines of the past. They've made way for wines like this one. Ruby red in color, it has a peppery, spicy nose with a hint of tobacco. This is a chewy, medium to full-bodied wine that's well worth the price. The rich blackberry, black cherry and plum flavors are enhanced by some nice oak and spices. The flavors come on gently and become more assertive as the wine opens up. Coppola, once again, has a winner with this medium-dry Merlot which has character and complexity.

With grilling season still going strong, this is a great wine to serve with a grilled strip or T-bone steak. It also will pair nicely with a cheese burger topped with blue cheese. (Never tried that? You should.) Full-flavored cheeses, grilled portobello mushrooms and other meaty dishes are other good matches. We also like it with pasta and rich meat sauces.

The pale gold color and aroma apples and not-quite-ripe peaches offer a fine prelude to your first sip of this smooth and creamy wine. Moderately dry wine with fresh apple, melon and peach flavors, this wine has a slight thickness on the tongue that is offset by some nice acidity. It's an excellent match with creamy pasta dishes and cold foods, like seafood and chicken salads. Also, try it with egg dishes and simple chicken preparations.

Those ready to move up from White Zinfandel or looking for a fun, easy-to-drink wine will find this rosy pink wine a real palate pleaser. It smells a bit like watermelon. Raspberries dominate the fruity flavor. Sweet but not too sweet, this is a medium-bodied, smooth wine that will pair very well with spicy/hot foods, like barbecue and anything made with chili sauce. It's also good with grilled fish. Or sip it while enjoying some berries and other fresh fruit.