Five wines to impress at your company’s holiday party

Good taste is critical when planning the corporate holiday party. After all, your promotion may hinge on what you uncork. You need to choose tasty, budget-savvy bottlings that will play well to a crowd. What follows are five tasty options, red and white, $25 and under.

Novy, 2015 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Zinfandel, $25. Vibrant red cranberry and cherry fruit coupled with bright acid. A palatable price and a crowd pleaser. Smart.

Chateau Ste. Michelle, 2014 Columbia Valley Dry Riesling, $8. A citrusy riesling that is decidedly dry. Bright acidity. Crisp and clean. Refreshing finish. Lively.

Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve, 2014 California Chardonnay, $17. The Vintner’s Reserve has bright acidity and tropical notes of mango and pineapple. It also has toasty oak and a hint of butter. The chardonnay has broad appeal because it’s a slightly sweeter version of the varietal.

Marietta Cellars, Old Vine Red, Lot 64, 13.5%, $13. A juicy red with notes of mushroom and pepper. It is earthy and jammy, a great combination. Knockout.

McManis, 2015 River Junction California Viognier, 13.5%, $13. This is a tasty viognier with some gorgeous fruit behind it - apricot, peach and nectarine. It all rides on bright acidity. Lingering finish. Lovely.