This month's brief wine reviews feature a variety of wines for all tastes.

Fat Bastard Chardonnay
This is a dependable, friendly Chardonnay for about $10. It is produced in France, but for the American palate. It has a nice medium body, with flavors of tropical fruit and honey. It's briefly aged in oak, so don't expect heavy oak flavors.

Red Bicyclette
Another French wine. This Vin de Pays d'Oc is a Syrah that captures the brillance of this wine. It is layered with flavors of dark fruits and spices. It is smooth and easy to drink. You will want to take your own red bicycle out for a ride for a picnic in the country. I served this Syrah with a wild mushroom risotto. You can find this wine for about $11.

Jewel Viognier
When I first tasted this wine I did a double take at the label--I wanted to make certain it was the wine I thought I opened. It exemplifies the vast differences available in Viognier. This California echoes some of the great German wines. The flavors fruit filled, with layers of peach and honey. It is the lighter approach to Viognier. Perfect for warm weather and casual conversation. Expect to pay about $10.

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