Heavenly wines

I feel quite certain drinking wine is not a sin because it's mentioned frequently in the Bible. I'm pleased to share two heavenly vintages from the Michael + David family of wines, Californians on either end of the taste spectrum.

On the dark (or red) side, is 7 Deadly Zins, a spicy, berry-rich Zinfandel that stands up to steak, chocolate and other assertive foods. It's a winner in my house and also at the 2007 Denver International and AWS Wine Competition, where it scored a gold medal.

On the light side is a stylish 2006 Chardonnay, 7 Heavenly Chards, the boldest and best white wine priced at $15 or less I've tasted in recent memory. Think tropical fruit, ripe pears, vanilla, floral notes and barely a hint of oak. Rated a stratospheric 94 points, this wine was named both Best of Region and Best of Class for a Lodi Appellation.

Either offers a wonderful way to toast your valentine -- or your loved ones all year 'round.