West’s Best Wine 2011: Steals

Gruet Nonvintage Blanc de Noir
Wild strawberries pop with rich, yeasty bubbles. (Lower Rio Grande New Mexico, $15)

Liberty School 2009 Chardonnay
Spicy apple and pear with a touch of pineapple and toasty brûlée balanced with bright acidity. (Central Coast, $12)

Clayhouse 2010 “Adobe Pink”
Strawberry and raspberry spiked with citrus and minerality. (Central Coast, $15)

Project Paso 2009 Red Wine Blend
Plump cherries and strawberries are laced with chocolate in the Grenache blend. (Paso Robles; $14)

Hahn 2009 Syrah
Intriguing herbs, black olives, and white pepper put this dark-berried Syrah on the wild side. (Central Coast; $12)

Waterbrook 2008 Merlot
Brambly black currant and berries with a dusting of cocoa and cracked pepper. (Columbia Valley; $12)