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:
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
|