Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2004, $10.99

This has been one of our Lodi Old Vine mainstays.  Bright plum or even cherry leads this wine to a jammy, smooth finish.  My husband and I have taken this one on picnics and sipped while we nibbled on some rosemary crackers or bread and a cheddar cheese.  Don't go too sharp because the tang doesn't always meld well with the tannins in the wine.  Yes, this wine also holds up well to barbecue and grilled meat.  I like this wine best with a pepper-crusted New York strip.

You can pick up a bottle at World Market or Trader Joe's. For the price, you may want to pick up an extra for the next dinner party.  Most people will think you're serving a wine that's twice as expensive.