As a rule, I usually attend holiday parties with a bottle of wine in toe. This year it is all about price point. I ran into my good friend Vince, a Wine Steward at my local market. Vince directed me to his new assistant Bill who is a specialist in good wines at great prices. I really like to get a variety of wines so that I can match them with the right host. I decided to go with 3 whites and 2 reds. I am a huge fan of varietals vs blends. Blends make great table wines but seldom burst with flavor like a really nice one juice wine. After some great laughs with Bill, on to the task at hand. I think there are many great bottles of wine that are available at some nice prices. I set the limit at $16 per bottle tops. We found some great wines and a few under $10. Some were really irresistible, so I have 2 bonus wines to add to my Bodega, (The crawl space under the staircase!).
Well with all wise selections the proof is in the tasting.
First is Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 $9.89. This wine is a winner. A Chilean Red from the Clochagua Valley, that posses a smooth dark berry taste similar to Black Cherry. A nice clean finish with deep garnet tones.
Next I tasted the Californian Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 OMG! $6.99. Impressive taste at a great price, enough said.
On the sweet but not too sweet side, Schmitt Sohne Riesling, 2006 $8.99. This German Wine has a nice fruitiness that is a great intro wine, or for those who are stepping up from Wild Vines.
Francis Ford Coppala, Bianco, Pinot Grigio, 2007 $8.99. Pinot Grigio seems to be the new Merlot. Notes of California apricots and White Peaches make this an everyday wine that is perfect with Seafood.
I really like the drinkability. Goes down nice (Like 3-4 glasses nice).
This is one of just a few wines where the content of the bottle completely matches the description on the bottle. Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 $12.99. Words like spiced melon, ripe pear and citrus are spot on! Once you take the first sip of the true California White wine, you will be impressed!
My bonus picks echo the above selections in region. Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 $11.69. This Maipo Valley Red from Chile is what I consider my father's wine. Cast in French Oak, this wine is mature. Raisins and currants filled the glass before I tasted a well rounded pallet pleasing good red wine.
And again, Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay, 2006 $17.99 broke the budget and delivered. This is the missing link that I have been searching for to bridge Big Buttery Oaky Chardonnay and fruity apple-like Chardonnay done in Stainless Steel.
These are all great wines at some really great price points. Take some time to share a glass with some fruit, mixed nuts and a variety of good cheeses. Sometimes, this can even be dinner.
Well with all wise selections the proof is in the tasting.
First is Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 $9.89. This wine is a winner. A Chilean Red from the Clochagua Valley, that posses a smooth dark berry taste similar to Black Cherry. A nice clean finish with deep garnet tones.
Next I tasted the Californian Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 OMG! $6.99. Impressive taste at a great price, enough said.
On the sweet but not too sweet side, Schmitt Sohne Riesling, 2006 $8.99. This German Wine has a nice fruitiness that is a great intro wine, or for those who are stepping up from Wild Vines.
Francis Ford Coppala, Bianco, Pinot Grigio, 2007 $8.99. Pinot Grigio seems to be the new Merlot. Notes of California apricots and White Peaches make this an everyday wine that is perfect with Seafood.
I really like the drinkability. Goes down nice (Like 3-4 glasses nice).
This is one of just a few wines where the content of the bottle completely matches the description on the bottle. Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 $12.99. Words like spiced melon, ripe pear and citrus are spot on! Once you take the first sip of the true California White wine, you will be impressed!
My bonus picks echo the above selections in region. Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 $11.69. This Maipo Valley Red from Chile is what I consider my father's wine. Cast in French Oak, this wine is mature. Raisins and currants filled the glass before I tasted a well rounded pallet pleasing good red wine.
And again, Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay, 2006 $17.99 broke the budget and delivered. This is the missing link that I have been searching for to bridge Big Buttery Oaky Chardonnay and fruity apple-like Chardonnay done in Stainless Steel.
These are all great wines at some really great price points. Take some time to share a glass with some fruit, mixed nuts and a variety of good cheeses. Sometimes, this can even be dinner.
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