15 California wines that are worthy of your tax refund and 5 to seek on a budget

We’ve all been there.

That irritating moment when your tax preparer, at a glacial pace, details line-item by line-item of your tax return, mercilessly delaying the answer to the question echoing in your brain — will you be getting a tax refund or not?

In Wine Country, a tax refund can translate into cult cabs, pricey sparklers and other liquid delectables that may otherwise be slightly out of reach with your regular budget.

So, while you’re waiting for that annoying tax preparer to get to the point, when the lingering talk of dependents and writes offs drives you mad, rest assured we’ve got your back.

No matter whether you owe or are expecting a windfall, take a look through this curated list of Tax Budget-Savvy Wines and Tax Splurge-Worthy Wines — all vetted in Press Democrat blind tastings.

Whether your glass is half empty or half full, when properly vetted, even budget wines can taste like nectar of the Gods.

Tax Budget-Savvy Wines

5 wines under $12

– Shebang, NV California Red, $11.50. This jammy red packs a wallop with intense dark fruit flavors. Generous. Striking.

– Coppola Rosso, NV, $10.50. Jammy fruit – strawberry, boysenberry and plum – coupled with a kick of cracked black pepper and a dollop of vanilla. This charmer won’t disappoint.

– Bogle Vineyards Essential Red Blend, $11. A supple red that has layered notes of blueberry and blackberry. A vibrant red with a lingering finish. Impressive.

– Sterling, 2016 Vintners Collection Dark Red, California, $12. Concentrated notes of blackberry and black plum. Firm tannins. Rich, yet balanced.

– Friends, 2022 California Red, $11.50. Lightly toasted, this red blend has generous notes of cherry, blackberry and black plum. Supple texture, rich and round. Impressive.

5 wines $30 and under

– Pedroncelli, 2021 Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley Red Blend, 14.4%, $22. Aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and cracked black pepper follow through to the palate. Lovely.

– Paul Mathew, 2022 Russian River Valley Viognier, 14.2%, $30. A gorgeous viognier with pitch perfect balance. Aromas of stone fruit – nectarine and peach – follow through to the palate and ride on crisp acidity. Great minerality with a kiss of honey on the finish. Striking.

– Korbel, 2019 Natural Champagne, Russian River Valley, $18. With layered notes of raspberry, green apple and a twist of lemon, this bottling over-delivers for the price.

– Balletto, 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $25. Buoyed by crisp acidity, this rosé has high-toned fruit of strawberry and watermelon. Well crafted.

– Davis Bynum, 2022 Virginia’s Block, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, 13.5%, $30. Citrus meets tropical in this zesty sauvignon blanc. Well crafted.

Tax splurge-worthy wines

5 wines $60 and under

– Papapietro Perry, 2021 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, 14.6%, $58. A snappy zin with generous fruit – intense notes of raspberry, cherry and strawberry. Lingering finish. Pretty.

– Frank Family Vineyards, 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5%, $60. This striking cabernet sauvignon has aromas and flavors of black raspberry, savory herbs and a kiss of caramel on the finish. Well crafted, it’s impressive.

– Alma de Cattleya, 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5%, $48. Concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry, with notes of cracked black pepper. Silky tannins. Pretty.

– Hook & Ladder, 2020 Los Amigos Ranch, Chalk Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5%, $48. Aromas of blackberry and cassis follow through to the palate, with herbs and a hint of cedar. Nice length. Tasty.

– Minus Tide, 2021 Manchester Ridge Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir, 13.5%, $48. An earthy pinot with notes of black cherry, mushroom and savory herbs. Well crafted.

5 wines of $100 and under

– Lang & Reed, 2022 Napa Valley Chenin Blanc, 14%, $75. Tasty notes of peach and a hint of toffee. Rich, supple texture. Nice length. Impressive.

– Clif Family Winery, 2021 Kit’s Killer Cab, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 14%, $85. Notes of blueberry, raspberry, cedar and cracked black pepper. Lovely.

– VML, 2021 Hillard Bruce Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir, 14.5%, $68, 4 stars. A lively pinot with great balance. Floral, with aromas of rose petal, and dark fruit and dried herbs on the palate. Lovely.

– Bricoleur, 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 14.7%, $65. A striking pinot noir with aromas of raspberry and cherry following through to the palate. With concentrated fruit, pitch perfect balance and a lingering finish, it’s drop dead gorgeous.

– MacRostie, 2021 The Loch Pinot Noir, 14.1%, $95. A complex pinot with a supple texture. Layered notes of black currant, plum, and cherry. Pretty.

5 Cult cabs $375 and under

– Shafer, 2019 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley, $375. This impressive cab has it all – depth, complexity and balance. It’s well crafted, with layered notes of raspberry, mineral and cracked black pepper.

– Spottswoode, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $285 This cabernet is drop dead gorgeous. Aromas of raspberry, cherry and mineral follow through to the palate.

– Louis Martini, 2019 Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $250. This striking cabernet is edgy with a dance of spice and concentrated fruit. It has aromas and flavors of blueberry, cassis and cracked black pepper.

– Chappellet, 2021 Hideaway Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $175. Weighted to black fruit, this tasty cabernet has notes of ripe blackberry, mineral and clove.

– Goldschmidt Vineyards, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Plus, Oakville, Napa Valley, Game Ranch, $120. This striking cabernet has flavors of black cherry, plum and vanilla, with pitch perfect balance.