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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

Wente 2016 Riva Ranch Chardonnay
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): 98% Chardonnay & 2% Gewurztraminer

Region: Monterey, Ca
Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
Aromatics of tropical fruits, vanilla, and buttery oak come together on the nose. With a sip, flavors of pineapple, passion fruit, and Meyer lemon combine with suggestions of vanilla and butter. Solid balance and a flavor profile that's right on point for Riva lovers, it's a good buy for about $15.
Rating: 90

Noble Vines 2016 Pinot Grigio
Winery: Noble Vines 2016 Pinot Grigio
Grape(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Monterey County, Ca

Year:
2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
A bouquet of citrus and stone fruits combine with whispers of minerals and spring flowers. Notes of melon, lime, and apricot come forth on the palate, along with accents of orange blossoms and honey. A nice body and friendly acidity make this a very approachable Pinot Grigio.
Rating: 90

Domaine De Fontsainte (Kermit Lynch) 2017 Gris de Gris
Winery: Domaine De Fontsainte
Grape(s): 50% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan, 5% Cinsault, & 5% Mourvèdre

Region: Rhone Valley, France

Year:
2017

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
The nose brings together strawberry, peach, and lemon aromas. Welcoming fruit takes shape on the palate with strawberries and peaches leading the way, followed up by notes of lemon and minerals. A fresh acidity and bright flavors make this a lovely summertime wine.
Rating: 90

Smith & Hook 2014 Proprietary Red Blend
Winery: Smith & Hook
Grape(s): 40% Merlot, 32% Malbec, 26% Petite Sirah, & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Central Coast, Ca

Year:
2014

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
Aromatics of blackberries and cherries mingle among elements of dark chocolate and cola on the nose. Ripe cherry, blackberry, and currant flavors open up into whispers of toasty oak and cola on the palate. Cocoa tannins and welcoming fruit make this a good wine to pair with your favorite lamb dish.
Rating: 90

By Jason Barlow

Other Related Links:

Ratings Key:
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

 

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