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The first day of summer was officially last Tuesday and Team Daily Sip has been soaking up rays and sipping all kinds of different wine in celebration of our favorite season. We have also been joined by three terrific Bulldog on the Bay summer interns and we couldn’t be happier to include their wine choices in this month's Best Wines line-up.

Below is the summer team's picks for the wines that moved, satisfied or surprised us in June. It seems the warmer weather brought out the splurge in all of us so be sure to check the wines that tickled our fancy the most. Cheers!

Alyssa
Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny, 2005 ($75). This is an absolutely delicious Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. It has earthy and vegetal notes which are expected in a Cabernet Franc, but it also happens to be sinewy and smooth like a great Burgundy. Find the wine here.

Andy
Turley Pesenti Red Velvet California Zinfandel, 2009 ($12). You will not find a better value Zinfandel than Turley’s “leftover” wine that goes into the Pesenti label. At $12 a bottle, this is a killer deal. It’s loaded with big ripe berry fruit flavor and is a perfect pairing for summer BBQs. The only catch is that this wine is only available at Turley’s tasting room in Paso Robles. Find tasting room directions here.

Brannack
E. Guigal Condrieu, 2007 ($50).Leading with a gorgeous nose, this French Viognier presents elegant floral and herbal aromas married to notes of pear and lemongrass. Each sip was crisp and clear yet silky smooth, introducing more fresh fleshy fruit, notably juicy peach. The flavors lingered on my palate, tantalizing me and drawing me along. The bottle continued to evolve; for a fleeting moment, it smelled of fresh orange sorbet. After all that, I don’t think I experienced everything this wine has to offer. What a tease. Get some while the vintage lasts.

Callie
Meyer Family Cellars Port ($35).I find this to be the perfect port to sip on a summer evening. This rich, aromatic fortified wine is aged eight years and made of blended old-vine Zinfandel. It has a delightful strawberry nose and a luscious palate reminiscent of cherries, maple, and brandy. The acidity in its finish makes this port light and not overly sweet. You won't want to stop drinking it! Get this wine here.

Emmanuel
Txomin Etxaniz Getariako Txakolina, 2009 ($19). This white wine is slightly effervescent with great apple and lemon notes and the perfect amount of acidity. It is light and very refreshing, making me want to make me want to keep drinking. This delicious wine pairs well with seafood (my favorite) and makes a great summertime wine. Find this wine here.

Jonny
Expression 44 Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, 2009 ($36). From the 44th latitude this delicate Pinot Noir absolutely rocks. It has flavors of plum and hints vanilla. I paired with a giant burrito and it was tasty! You can buy the wine here.

Kim
Monticello Vineyards Estate Grown Pinot Noir, 2009 ($38). In the spirit of July 4th and Thomas Jefferson, Monticello Vineyards has a delicious fruity Pinot, with vanilla, raspberry and strawberry on the nose. The palate ebbs toward darker berries, vanilla, and a bit of oak with good acidity and a long, juicy finish. This would be great with anything on the BBQ! Find it here.

Leta
Fleury Brut Rosé Champagne, NV ($50). This rosé is made entirely of Pinot Noir and is exceptionally elegant. A Champagne with tons of fresh, ripe strawberries and a great bubble texture, this bottle is ideal for celebrating major milestones or making a hard day at work melt away. I say my version of rose colored glassed is 2 or more glasses of pink bubbly and this bottle perfectly fits the bill. Find the wine here.

What was your favorite wine this month? Tell us what about it below.