PACIFIC RIM 2009 CHENIN BLANC, WASHINGTON

Bright & lively, a crisp, juicy white that zings with apple & passion fruit for under $15! Rated 88 points & a best buy by The Wine Spectator.

POET'S LEAP 2008 RIESLING COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON

Another winning vintage with beautifully proportioned pear, apple, tangerine flavors lingering on on the just-off-dry finish & garnering 90 points or better from The Wine Spectator, Robert Parker & The Wine Enthusiast! Under $25!

BODEGAS SHAYA 2009 SHAYA VERDEJO RUEDA, SPAIN

A new addition to our bar selection with an alluring aroma of baking spices, spring flowers & peach with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity & intense flavors. A great value in a dry, aromatic white wine that over-delivers in a big way with a lengthy fruit-filled finish! Priced under $18 & rated 91 by The Wine Advocate.

SIMI 2008 ROSETO SYRAH ROSÉ, CALIFORNIA

Fresh strawberry & peach flavors with mouth-filling ripeness & balanced acidity. Under $16! 

FLORA SPRINGS 2008 SAUVIGNON BLANC OAKVILLE SOLILOQUY VINEYARD, CALIFORNIA

Stylish, ripe, round flavors of pear, melon & citrus have a lush texture, with honeysuckle & spice details. Elegant, flavorful & extremely refreshing. Rated 89 by The Wine Spectator & priced under $29.

OJAI 2009 ROSÉ, CALIFORNIA

A most intense, spicy & delicious pink wine that is downright zippy & addicting as well as oh so much easier to slurp on a hot day than a Cabernet! Under $24.

CLOS DU BOIS 2007 CALCAIRE CHARDONNAY, CALIFORNIA

Delivers rich, spicy fruit flavors, with touches of green apple, melon & flowers. A complex & full-bodied mature style with a racy edge that Chardonnay fans will love! Rated 88 by The Wine Spectator & priced under $31.

Rosés = Summer!

Q: There is a standing debate within my family that white wines contain more sugar per bottle than red wine. The reason for this question stems from the fact that the red wine drinkers say they get more "loopy" drinking white wine. What gives? —Rob R., Canton, Mich.

A:  When wine is made, the fermentation process converts sugar from the grapes into alcohol. Most table wines are made "dry," meaning that the sugar has completely converted and there isn't any left. There are exceptions, such as dessert wines or off-dry (meaning slightly sweet) wines that have some residual sugar in them. These wines may be white, but they can also be red. It's really not as simple as making a declarative statement about how much sugar is in a bottle of wine based on what color it is.

As far as that "loopy" feeling goes, it's a bit surprising because red wines tend to have higher alcohol content than white wines, though again, it varies a lot. Red grapes are often picked at higher ripeness (more sugar) than whites, so when all that sugar is done converting to alcohol, it might be a percentage point or two higher than a white counterpart.

Perhaps when your red-wine-drinking family members get their hands on a white, they're drinking more of it than they would normally? Since whites are often served chilled, which can mask the sensation of alcohol, I can see that happening. Otherwise, you should look into other possible causes of loopiness.

JACOB'S CREEK 2008 RESERVE PINOT NOIR, AUSTRALIA

As all Jacob's Creek wines are...very accessible & easy drinking at an exceptional value (a great buy under $16) with good structure & balanced strawberry-rhubarb flavors.

INNOCENT BYSTANDER 2007 PINOT NOIR VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Lithe & supple, the juicy blackberry & currant flavors balanced with lively acidity & fine-grained tannins with appealing balance & refinement. Rated 90 by The Wine Spectator & under $24!

PIO CESARE 2007 BARBERA D'ALBA, ITALY

Shows blueberry & floral aromas, with hints of sandalwood: A full-bodied, with cream & vanilla character that is tight & solid for right now consumption! Rated 90 by The Wine Spectator & under $25.

INNOCENT BYSTANDER 2006 SHIRAZ-VIOGNIER VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Effusively peppery, with tremendous black & white pepper aromas that lace through the vigorous blackberry, currant & floral flavors, finishing with impressive vibrancy & length. Rated 91 by The Wine Advocate & a superb value under $24!

TURKEY FLAT 2007 GRENACHE BAROSSA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA

Supple in texture, with a lively feel to the wide-open cherry & raspberry flavors, hinting at pomegranate as the finish sails on impressively. Rated 90 by The Wine Spectator & under $33!

TURKEY FLAT 2007 BUTCHERS BLOCK RED BAROSSA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA

Bursting with plum, currant & spice flavors concluding with silky texture for a sultry finish. Shiraz, Grenache & Mourvèdre. An excellent wine under $33 rated 88 points by The Wine Spectator!