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West’s Best Wine 2011: Good Values

From the $16 to $25, these bottles offer the best bang for your buck

written by Sara Schneider
1 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Whites: Winner

Navarro 2010 Estate Dry Gewürz-Traminer
Racy citrus with a touch of tropical litchi takes an elegant turn with pretty rose petals. (Anderson Valley, Medocino; $19)

2 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Whites: Runner-up

King Estate 2009 Domaine Pinot Gris
The state's signature white comes here with flashy peach and nectarine and mouth-watering acidity. (Oregon; $25)

3 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Whites: Runner-up

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 "Eroica" Riesling
Zesty lemon-lime, green apple, and pineapple plus a gorgeous honeyed finish. (Columbia Valley; $20)

4 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Reds: Winner

Qupé 2009 Syrah
Rustic, briary berries wrapped with the gamut this grape can offer: white pepper, dried herbs, fresh violets, minerality ... (Central Coast; $17)

5 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Reds: Runner-up

Porter Creek 2009 Old Vine Carignane
Chocolate fudge-coated raspberries and blackberries with hints of allspice on a long finish. (Medocino County; $24)

6 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Reds: Runner-up

Beckmen 2009 "Cuvée le Bec
A Grenache blend with ripe black fruit balanced seamlessly with notes of licorice, white pepper, and firm tannins. (Santa Ynez Valley; $18)