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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 |
Honig
2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Honig
Grape(s): 96%
Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillon & 1% Muscat
Region: Napa Valley, California
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Swirling a glass brings up aromas of grapefruits, melons,
pears, and spring flowers. Flavors of melon, lime, and
grapefruit interweave among nuances of white blossoms
and minerals on the palate. Nice and round but it still
has a lively acidity, making ideal to enjoy with grilled
chicken in a citrus marinade.
Rating: 90 |
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Donnafugata
2017 Sur Sur Grillo
Winery:
Donnafugata
Grape(s): Grillo
Region: Sicila,
Italy
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of minerals, grapefruits, fresh herbs, and peach
greets the senses. Peach, apple, and citrus flavors envelop
the palate, with traces of herbs and minerals backing
them up. Good body and a fresh acidity make this a ideal
food wine. Match it with white fish covered in a mango
salsa.
Rating: 90 |
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Ancient
Peaks 2016 Renegade Blend
Winery:
Ancient
Peaks
Grape(s): 32%
Syrah, 25% Zinfandel, 20% Malbec, 19% Petit Verdot, &
4% Petite Sirah
Region: Paso
Robles, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose offers a compelling array of blackberries, cherries,
herbs, and floral spice. Blackberry, black cherry, and
plum flavors form a nice fruit core, which coalesces among
undertones of dark chocolate, dried herbs, and spice.
This isn't a fruit-bomb, like so many red blends today.
It has nice fruit but that's offset by a compelling savory
character. Pair with BBQ chicken pizza.
Rating: 90 |
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Michael
David 2015 "Freakshow" Red Blend
Winery:
Michael
David
Grape(s): Syrah
& Petite Sirah
Region: Lodi,
California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Ripe aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberries
interweave among suggestions of chocolate, smoky oak,
and clove on the nose. Jammy fruit comes forth on the
palate with blackberry, boysenberry, and dark cherry flowing
into whispers of cocoa, cedar, and candied nuts. Round
with plush tannins and ample fruit, it's a fine choice
for any party.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*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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