Need Some Stocking Stuffers? Good Scoring Wines at Reasonable Prices
I stopped into the local CVS drugstore to pick up a few things and couldn’t help but notice that the two customers in front of me were buying a magnum of red wine. I couldn’t see the label through the bag, but I was curious to know the price and paid attention to the checker as he told them the amount. $9.95 was the bill, and I wondered what that wine would taste like. I can only imagine what one would taste from a magnum of wine for less than $10. What that reaffirmed for me is the need for modestly priced bottles with great structure and taste that translates to great value.
So, with the holidays approaching, I thought it would be good to offer some recommendations that are well-priced, value wines with large productions that, hopefully, you can find.
Here are just some of the wines identified by Wine Spectator as “Top 100 Outstanding Values” from their December 31st magazine. I have no certainty that they will be available locally, yet it is worth the time to check it out at your local establishment. These wines are vineyard and year specific, scored at least 90 points from Wine Spectator, and should be available for $18 or less.
Reds
A TO Z WINEWORKS Pinot Noir Oregon 2011
APEX The Catalyst Columbia Valley 2010
ARBOR CREST Merlot Columbia Valley Four Vineyards 2010
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Syrah Columbia Valley 2011
EARTHWORKS Shiraz Barossa Valley 2011
EASTON Zinfandel Amador County 2011
GLAZE Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2010
GOTHAM Shiraz Barossa Valley Regional Vineyard Series 2010
PARINGA Shiraz South Australia 2010
RED KNOT Shiraz McLaren Vale 2010
VOLVER Alicante Tarima Hill 2010
WAKEFIELD Shiraz Clare Valley 2010
Whites
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Chardonnay Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2012
D’ARENBERG Viognier-Marsanne McLaren Vale The Hermit Crab 2011
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills Horse Heaven Vineyard 2012
PONZI Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2012
In that same issue, Wine Spectator listed “The Biggest Bargains.” Many of these should be locatable, because they’re large productions. They’re also rated 85 points or better and priced around $10 or less for easy, everyday drinking. Here are just a few of Wine Spectator’s “Biggest Bargains.”
Reds
BODEGAS BORSAO Garnacha Camp de Borja Monte Oton 2011
BODEGAS BRECA Garnacha Calatayud de Fuego Old Vines 2011
RADIUS Merlot Washington 2011
RAVENSWOOD Zinfandel California Vintners Blend
Whites
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Riesling Columbia Valley Dry 2012
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Riesling Columbia Valley 2012
SNOQUALMIE Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2010
CASTELLO BANFI Pinot Grigio Toscana Le Rime 2011
COLUMBIA CREST Sauvignon Blanc Washington Two Vines 2012
For more information, check out Wine Spectator. To see more of the wines in these lists, you’d have to subscribe; but it may be worth it to take advantage of some good values and to learn more about these wines and others.
Enjoy!