Good wines available at $10 to $15 a bottle

Doing a little post-holiday budget-watching? That's no problem as far as wine is concerned, because there are ample choices in the $10- to $15-a-bottle range that are perfect for everyday enjoyment.

I'm always a bit leery of the quality from wineries with large-scale production and ubiquitous distribution, but Sonoma California's Ravenswood Winery puts those fears to rest. The winery has several current releases that are priced well and taste great.

A couple of favorites include the 2006 Vintners Blend Petite Sirah, a wonderfully complex red wine that's an incredible bargain at about $10 a bottle. It's filled with subtle black cherry and blackberry flavors, a trace of chocolate, and a dash of black pepper on the finish.

 Pop the cork on the 2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay (about $15), and the aroma of fresh apple and tropical fruits virtually fills the room. Rich and full-bodied, it displays luscious flavors of pear and baked apple, along with a soft, almost butter-like finish.

If you're unfamiliar with European wines, the French Maid line from the Languedoc region in southern France might be a good place to start. With a catchy name (French Maid = French made, get it?) and a low-risk price of about $13 a bottle at the Barkley Village Haggen, these are nice, food-friendly wines that are worth a try.

The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc is zingy and aromatic, and reminded me a bit of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. It's slightly herbaceous, with ample lime and citrus flavors.

In addition to some pear and green apple flavors, the 2007 Chardonnay is also a bit on the citrusy side, which makes it an ideal candidate to pair with poultry and pasta served with heavier cream sauces.

My favorite of the bunch, the 2007 Pinot Noir, is surprisingly well-rounded for a pinot in this price range, with subtle strawberry and bright cherry flavors, and a fairly soft finish.