Red, White, & American

When last we opened our pantry, it was brimming with American wines, both red and white. Here are 10 we tried before we reluctantly closed the door again.

Franciscan Napa Valley sauvignon blanc 2013 ($17). It has the mellowness of most Napa sauvignons, but with good acidity and citrus flavors.

Anaba Sonoma Coast chardonnay 2012 ($27). Elegant and light-bodied, with a pleasant mineral and austere finish and a splash of fresh oak in the aftertaste.

J Vineyards Russian River chardonnay 2013 ($26). Lots of apple-y fruit and creamy oak, but this is more of a rounded wine than a heavy one. Open it for dishes with rich sauces.

Frank Family Carneros chardonnay 2013 ($35). Creamy and smooth, lemony with light oak, pleasant tannins at the edges, and a touch tangy in the finish. It would be great with cuisine from Alsace.

Stinson Monticello chardonnay 2013 ($23). Enjoyable, with ripe apples, a little brulée flavor, and a minerally finish.

Anaba Sonoma County pinot noir 2012 ($33). Very enjoyable, with dark cherry flavors and rooty, sassafras notes — but still tightly wound.

J Vineyards Russian River pinot noir 2013 ($32). Well-structured with lots of textured cherry flavors and savory notes that linger on the palate.

Three Sticks "Durell" Sonoma Coast pinot noir 2012 ($65). This comes from the big, very-ripe school of pinots with dark cherry viscosity, medium body, and concentrated fruit in the finish. An assertive wine.

Stinson Monticello merlot 2013 ($24). Very pleasant wine, blending dark cherry fruitiness and a savory, rooty finish. Good body and texture

Frank Family Napa Valley zinfandel 2013 ($37). Lots of red fruit on opening, but, as the wine disappears from the bottle, it takes on pinot-like dark cherry