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Wines
of the Week: Budget "Bordeaux" from America
For
anyone that loves to enjoy a glass on wine after work or at
dinner or both but has to (or wants to) pinch pennies, here
are some solid buys our tasting panel discovered recently. Each
wine is available for under $15 and is made, right here in the
USA, with grape varieties originally grown in Bordeaux. Enjoy!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Columbia
2015 Merlot
Winery:
Columbia
Grape(s): 85%
Merlot, 8% Syrah, 5% Malbec, & 2% Other
Region: Washington,
USA
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
There are aromas of raspberries, cherries, and plums that
interweave among suggestions of cocoa, exotic spice, and
soy sauce on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of cherry
and plums, accented by highlights of bakers chocolate,
spice, and cedar. Offering polished tannins and compelling,
but unorthodox flavors, wine geeks looking for a bargain
ought to try this.
Rating: 89 |
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Columbia
Crest "H3" 2015 Merlot
Winery:
Columbia Crest
Grape(s): 82%
Merlot, 12% Syrah, 4% Malbec, & 2% Other
Region: Washington,
USA
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
The nose reveals aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries,
which meld with hints of anise, dark chocolate, and earth.
Dark cherry, blackberry, and cassis flavors come up front
on the palate and move into whispers of licorice, black
tea, and chocolate. Fairly supple, with cocoa tannins,
if you can find it for $10, take advantage.
Rating: 89
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McManis
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
McManis
Grape(s): Cabernet
Region: California
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 5-10
Review:
Waves of dark fruit come together with suggestions of
cocoa, anise, and cedar on the nose. Flavors of currant,
blackberry, and black cherry mingle among nuances of licorice,
cedar, and dark chocolate on the palate. Rather supple
with nice fruit but it has some savory character to balance
that out. Open a bottle with turkey chili.
Rating: 88 |
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Joel
Gott 2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Joel Gott
Grape(s): Sauvignon
Blanc
Region: California
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Lots of citrus fruits and melons meld with nuances of
wild flowers and minerals on the nose. Grapefruit, passion
fruit, and melon interweave among expressions of minerals
and honeysuckle on the palate. A fresh acidity and sold
backbone make this a excellent food wine. Pair with your
favorite white fish.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
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