Wines
of the Week: Under $20 II, 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 |
Peachy
Canyon 2014 Zinfandel
Winery:
Peachy Canyon
Grape(s): 98% Zinfandel & 2% Petite
Sirah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A wealth of blackberries, blueberries, and cherries combine
with notes of cedar and brown spice on the nose. Lush
dark fruit comes forth on the palate, weaving in allusions
of clove, cedar, and anise on the palate. A smooth Zin
with plush tannins, pulled pork would make a nice pairing.
Rating: 90 |
|
Acacia
"Barrel Select" 2014 Chardonnay
Winery:
Acacia
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of apples, pears, buttery oak, and sweet spice
greets one on the nose. Rich on the palate with tropical
fruit, pear, and golden apple flavors among highlights
of buttery oak, clove, and creamy vanilla. Fans of buttery
Chardonnays will find a lot to love here.
Rating: 90 |
|
OVR
Lot 66 Red Blend
Winery:
OVR Lot 66
Grape(s):
Zinfandel with some Syrah, Petite Sirah and Carignane
Region: California
Year:
n/a
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
An abundance of dark fruit is accented by spicy, smoky,
and meaty expressions on the nose. The palate echos the
nose as blackberries, cherries, pepper, and bacon come
forth. Not for those who prefer light and fruity, but
fans of heartier reds should give this a try.
Rating: 90 |
|
Dry
Creek Vineyards 2015 Heritage Zinfandel
Winery:
Dry Creek Vineyards
Grape(s): 99% Zinfandel & 1% Petite
Sirah
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Blackberries, cherries, pepper and clove interplay together
on the nose. Lush, jammy fruit, like blackberry, boysenberry,
and cherry move into suggestions of pepper, clove, and
coffee on the palate. Refined tannins and a balanced acidity
make this wine a good match for your favorite BBQ.
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
|