'Guest' wines

5 excellent choices from $16 to $27

If you're having friends for dinner or have been invited out and want to bring a wine that tastes great and is well priced (not so low it's embarrassing nor so high it empties your wallet), try one of these. All are excellent, our experts say. Can't find a vintage? We've found that wines of newer vintages are often similar to their predecessors.

Cabernet

Buehler Vineyards Napa Valley 2006 (California), $27

Complex, with rich ripe fruit and wood flavors complemented by good acid and tannin. Should continue to improve with age.

Zinfandel

Seghesio Family Vineyards Sonoma 2008 (California), $24

Complex and rich, with an attractive array of fruit, ample oak, and enough tannins to help it age. Time might improve it further.

Cline Ancient Vines Contra Costa County 2007 (California), $16

Rich, ripe black fruit flavors with some spice and good depth.

Chardonnay

Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Valley Sonoma 2006 (California), $20

Full-flavored, complex, and well-balanced blend of fruit, wood, and butter complemented by a firm structure.

Sauvignon blanc

Kim Crawford Marlborough 2008 (New Zealand), $17

An array of classic fruit and light vegetal flavors create complexity; strong acidity adds balance.