Top 10 wines to pamper your friend (or yourself) that you can find at your local grocery store.

If you have a friend in need but aren’t sure how to help, a bottle of wine is always-well almost always-a great gift idea. But let’s face it, you’re busy and probably don’t always have the time to go furrow out a local boutique wine store, or perhaps you don’t even know where one is. So I thought creating a list of some of the best wines available at a your local grocery store may help! Not uhhh not, because I am a seasoned drinker or ummm anything like that…

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Horse Heaven Hills): $15

This is always a standout bottling from this producer. The aromas offer subdued notes of grass, lemon zest, candle wax and herb. The lip-smacking white grapefruit and citrus flavors deliver, with the acid driving it. One would like more aromatic expression, but the palate delivers. Can’t find their Sauv Blanc? Their Riesling is actually pretty great too. I’ve never had a bad bottle from this vineyard.

Josh Cellars 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (California): $17

Both concentrated and well-balanced, this full-bodied wine shows a purity of black-fruit flavors that aren't disrupted by over-oaking. Delicious notes of black currant and black cherry dominate from the aroma through the palate and lingering finish.

Kendall-Jackson 2020 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley): $26

A spicy, warm layer of oaky vanilla and cinnamon wraps the ripe black-cherry and blackberry flavors in this expansive, full-bodied wine. It is big in mouthfeel, coating the palate with a chocolaty richness

Kim Crawford 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough): $18

Following on from a strong 2019 vintage, the 2020 bottling from this well-known label also hits the mark. It drops much of the pungency in favor of ripe, fleshy fruits and florals. Aromas of white flower blossoms, peach, nettle and warm stone lead to a crisp and crunchy palate. Refreshing and harmonious, with texture and length.

Dark Horse Pinot Grigio: $10

Fruity and crisp. Easy to drink. Slight notes of mineral and peach. Bits of apple and lemon. Not the most complex wine you will ever have but an easy no-brainer choice when you’re in a hurry. Good continuity with the brand makes it a quick grab for me when I am in a hurry.

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling: $12

Hints of honey and sweet fruit on the nose. Sweet mouthfeel with medium acidity makes this a well balanced riesling without the cloying apple juice taste many have. I usually see this at Target and find it’s a great value!

Château d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé: $27

This is probably one of the most expensive wines you will find on this list and at $27 it’s still incredibly fair priced. This was sold for $18 a glass at my old restaurant and people gladly paid that price. This “angel” is full bodied and beautiful with a nose of strawberry, raspberry, and a perfect tartness.

Château d'Esclans The Beach Whispering Angel Rosé: $16

On a budget or want to get two bottles of Rosé? You can get the little sister of the above wine for about half the price but with a rating that is almost identical as it’s pricier version.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc: $16

This is another one of my favorite wines and I can sometimes find it for $10-$12. It’s a great example of a New Zealand Sauv Blanc with all the wonderful tastes of grapefruit, grass, medium tart acidity and a light crisp body.

Meiomi Pinot Noir: $23

Deep red with intense notes of strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, mushroom and earth. Lush and silky mouthfeel. A sour cherry and pomegranite finish. Meiomi is a highly rated wine usually garnishing a 91 or 92 out of 100.