Top 43 wines to buy now

Shopping for a wine-lover's gift? Here are some of our judges' favorite bottles from the Sunset International Wine Competition|Sara Schneider

GOLD MEDALISTS FOR $15 OR LESS

Consider this your best-buy list.

• Bogle 2010 Petite Sirah (California; $11). Spot-on, with brassy blueberries and blackberries, spice, and substantial tannins.
• Chalone 2010 Chardonnay (Monterey County; $13). This has it all: ideally ripe apple, citrus, and green melon; a streak of minerality; and a hint of caramel.
• Fog Head 2010 Highland Series Reserve Chardonnay (Monterey; $15). Tropical fruit and a touch of lemon oil give this bright wine lots of personality with a crispy side.
• Four Vines 2010 “Naked” Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County; $12). A basketful of fresh peaches, with a touch of butteriness and keen balance.
• Hahn 2010 “GSM” Grenache 62%, Syrah 34%, Mourvèdre 4% (Central Coast; $14). Juicy cherry flavors, pepper and spice notes, and solid structure.
• J. Lohr 2010 “South Ridge” Syrah (Paso Robles; $15). Supple and long; juicy boysenberries and cassis kissed by chocolate and vanilla.
• Milbrandt 2011 “Traditions” Pinot Gris (Columbia Valley; $13). Pretty white-blossom nose with pear, stone fruit, and citrus.
• Wente 2010 “Southern Hills” Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay; $15). Effusive cassis aromas, blackberry and blueberry flavors, and a velvety mouth-feel.

BEST BUBBLIES

Food-truck take-home is a fine excuse to pop open a sparkler any night of the week. Below are some of our top performers.

• Berlucchi NV “’61” Brut (Franciacorta DOCG, Italy; $30). Excellent balance with crisp citrus and apple and a hint of baked biscuit.
• Cleto Chiarli NV “Amabile” (Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC, Italy; $12). Dark red and fruity, with the slight tannins and sweetness Lambrusco fans love.
• Freixenet NV “Elyssia” Gran Cuvée Brut (Cava DO, Spain; $20). Sophisticated, rich, and zingy, with yeasty aromas, peach, pear, ginger, and subtle toastiness.
• Gloria Ferrer 2007 Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blancs (Carneros; $28). Toast, brioche, apple, and citrus on an elegant frame, delivered with great verve.
• Laetitia 2007 Méthode Champenoise Brut Rosé (Arroyo Grande Valley; $28). Delicate strawberry, cranberry, citrus, and pleasant yeastiness; focused and crisp.
• Schramsberg 2004 Reserve (North Coast; $110). Heady brioche, toast, and light cocoa aromas; baked apple and cranberry flavors round out the mid-palate, with a brisk, effervescent finish.
• Valdellovo NV Extra Dry “Anno Zero” (Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy; $16). Scents of white peach and melon lead to a full, creamy mouth-feel and a long, refreshing finish.

BEST CABS

They call Cabernet Sauvignon the “king of reds.” These earned the title with top-tier scores.

• Amaro 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley; $30). A pleasing herbal, green olive, and graphite side joins rich cassis.
• Black Stallion 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley; $65). Graceful, fresh, and balanced, with gravelly minerals, blackberries, and understated oak notes.
• Hollywood & Vine 2008 “2480” Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley; $83). Savory smokiness and sweet vanilla frame well-ripened black cherry and currant; rich yet fresh.
• Midsummer 2009 Tomasson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley; $44). An extracted, flashy wine, with deep color, toasty complexity, and freshness.
• Pepper Bridge 2009 Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley; $60). Deep and luscious, with blueberries, black cherries, and lively acidity.
• PerryMoore 2009 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley; $100). Lovely grip, with concentrated black fruit, crushed herbs, and spices.
• Riboli Family 2009 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford; $52). Full-bodied and seamless, with ultra-concentrated black fruit and a palate-cleansing close.
• Sterling 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley; $26). Aromatic and darkly decadent with plum, boysenberry, mocha, and vanilla.