Wines with not-so-scary prices

If you’re in the market for a great wine priced at $25 or under, here’s your shopping list.

These wines are all produced in Northern California and are worthy of your consideration for your autumn table, from crisp, straightforward whites to silky and substantial reds, made in large enough quantities in most cases to be able to find.

Angeline Vineyards 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir, $18: A mix of grapes from both Sonoma County (60 percent) and Mendocino County (40 percent), this is a light, bright pinot noir with deep layers of dark cherry and earthy spice offered at an unheard-of price in the category. It’s a side line of wines made by Martin Ray Winery in the Russian River Valley.

Cherry Tart 2013 Chardonnay, $25: From three vineyards across several counties - Monterey, Russian River and Napa-Carneros - this chardonnay is aged in French oak, only 21 percent of it new, maintaining a crispness of acidity amid the more full-figured layers of caramel, pear and pineapple. This was a tremendous vintage throughout California and the wine ably represents a balance of beauty and power.

The Divining Rod 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $18: A label guided by Marc Mondavi, son of Peter, who is what they call a diviner of water or water witch, this wine is comprised mostly of cabernet sauvignon, with smaller amounts of petit verdot, cabernet franc, malbec and merlot. Well-priced, it’s fruit forward and approachable, awash in dark cherry, jammy blackberry and smoky oak.

Field Stone 2012 Marion’s Block Alexander Valley Syrah, $25: Made entirely from syrah grapes, this meaty wine is juicy in blueberry and blackberry fruit with leathery, full-bodied layers of intensity, just right for wintertime braised meats and stews.

Flora Springs 2012 Napa Valley Merlot, $25: Merlot may not be as wildly in favor as it once supposedly was, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good, and even at times great, like every variety. This producer is one to look for in merlot, providing classic black cherry and plum deliciousness and just enough tannin structure, accented by clove and toasty oak to help the wine stand up to food and time.

Mason Cellars 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, $16: Mason always does a good job, from its Napa Valley-appellated sauvignon blanc to the popular Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc and Three Pears Pinot Gris, all newly released. Mouthwateringly juicy in melon and brisk citrus, the wine offers enough weight to keep things interesting through the mid-palate and on to the fig-infused finish.

Oberon 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $25: Made by Folio Fine Wine Partners’ Michael Mondavi and his family, including winemaking son Rob, Oberon is a consistent value stunner, sourced from a variety of Napa Valley sites from Rutherford and Oakville to Oak Knoll and the family’s own Oso Vineyard in the northeastern section of the valley. Rich, complex and soft, the cab is vibrant in red cherry, spice and freshly ground coffee, with a satisfying endpoint of dark chocolate.

Plungerhead 2012 Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Zinfandel, $15: A blend of 85 percent zinfandel with smaller amounts of carignane and syrah, this is a monster of a wine, mouth-filling in every way. Espresso and caramel highlight the flavor components, in addition to brambly black cherry and bittersweet chocolate. Dusty tannins complete the picture. Make sure to have a hearty steak or pile of ribs on hand.

Rancho Zabaco 2012 Sonoma Heritage Vines Sonoma County Zinfandel, $15: A consistently great deal in zinfandel from the folks at Gallo, sourced from many Dry Creek Valley-based vineyards, this wine is rich and hearty without reaching overbearing territory, a taste of soft tannins and juicy blueberry and blackberry at its core. With a hit of smoke on the finish, it glides smoothly on the palate, from beginning to end.

Taken Wine Company 2013 Complicated Sonoma County Pinot Noir, $20: A partnership between Josh Phelps and Carlo Trinchero, friends who grew up in the Napa Valley wine industry, this wine is almost too good to be true, ridiculously priced for the quality. It’s a swirl of earthy red cherry and wild strawberry that’s balanced in oak and weight. The tannins are strong and yet tamed.

Virginie Boone is a freelance wine writer based in Sonoma County. She can be reached at virginieboone@yahoo.com and followed on Twitter @vboone.