Wines
of the Week: Under $20, 90 Points
Once
again, we continue our series focusing on high quality wines,
with wide distribution, that can be found for $20 or less. So
add them to your shopping list, scoff at those more expensive
bottles, and enjoy quality, even on a budget. Happy drinking!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Kenwood
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Kenwood
Grape(s): 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4%
Malbec, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Region: Sonoma ounty, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Currants and blackberries meld with suggestions of cedar,
anise, and cocoa on the nose. The palate delivers nice
dark fruit that plays among highlights of toasty vanilla,
anise, and minerals. Good structure and balance of flavors
make it hard to beat for the price.
Rating: 90 |
|
Z.
Alexander Brown "UnCaged" 2014 Red Blend
Winery:
Z. Alexander Brown
Grape(s): Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Verdot,
Petite Sirah, Malbec & Cabernet
Region: North Coast, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose offers aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and
cherries that combine with allusions of dark chocolate
and anise. Lush dark fruit is carried by polished tannins
and accents of clove and chocolate on the palate. Rich,
dark, and supple, it's a nice wine for the price.
Rating: 90 |
|
Kunde
2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Kunde 2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Sonoma Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of melons, peaches, citrus fruits, and honey
rises up from a glass. The palate exhibits peach, passion
fruit, and honeydew flavors that are rounded out by hints
of herbs. There's enough acidity to keep it lively and
enough body to keep it compelling. Spot on for the price.
Rating: 90 |
|
Decoy
2016 Rose
Winery:
Decoy 2016 Rose
Grape(s): Pinot Noir & Syrah
Region: California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Raspberries and cranberries play nicely with some tropical
fruit and floral notes on the nose. A fresh acidity perks
up a palate that weaves together red berries and tart
passion fruit with violets and orange peal. This Rose
has a little extra brightness that sets it above many,
which can be a bit bland. Enjoy with sunshine and turkey
sandwich picnic.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|