Wines
of the Week: Under $20 IV, 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 |
Harken
2015 Chardonnay
Winery:
Harken
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Pineapples, pears, vanilla, and buttery oak rise up from
a glass. Rather rich and round on the palate, flavors
of pineapple, peach, and pear come forth with accents
of vanilla and creamy oak. A friendly Chardonnay with
solid balance, great buy.
Rating: 90 |
|
Moobuzz
2014 Chardonnay
Winery:
Moobuzz
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Ripe pears and apples greet the senses, followed by sweet
spice and creamy oak. Flavors of pear, green apple, and
citrus fruit unfurl on the palate with accents of clove,
creamy oak, and caramel. A wine with a nice acidity that
perks up rich flavors, it calls for a lobster bisque as
a companion.
Rating: 90 |
|
Fortress
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Fortress
Grape(s): Cabernet
Region: Sonoma
County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Blackberries, black cherries, and cassis come together
with dark chocolate and smoky oak on the nose. Lots of
black fruit envelops the palate, along with accents of
dark chocolate, clove, and smoky oak. Rich fruit and a
nice structure make this wine a good candidate for a few
years in the cellar or to have with a nice rib-eye now.
Rating: 90 |
|
Norton
2014 Reserva Malbec
Winery:
Norton
Grape(s): Malbec
Region: Argentina
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A classic nose of blackberries, black cherries, earth,
rose petals greets the senses. Cocoa tannins frame lots
of blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry flavors that
open up into floral earth and smoke on the palate. Rich
fruit and an almost creamy texture make this an inviting
Malbec. Fans of the variety will find plenty to like here.
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
|