It is time once again for me to do one of my favorite self-appointed tasks of the year…My top 4o wines under 20 bucks. It has always been my passion to find the best “bang for the buck” when it comes to spending money on wine. If I can discover a ten-dollar bottle that tastes as good as a twenty-dollar bottle, I have succeeded. It brings me great pleasure to save my readers money, at the same time helping them find a good if not great bottle of wine.
Like 2014, ’15 has been a great year for finding some awesome juice under the twenty-dollar price tag. Instead of scratching my head and searching for the last five wines, I have much more than forty to choose from. As a result, I think you are getting some pretty d*^n seriously good juice for less than a twenty-dollar price tag.
My list is meant to include wines that should be available for purchase. Many top pick lists often include wines that are no longer on the market. I understand why this is the case, but I have a problem with publishing a list of wines that you cannot purchase and decide for yourself if they should have the honor that is heaped upon them. What good is a list, if you have no chance of getting anything on it?
So, this year I had to cross a few off that changed vintages since my initial review. All of the wines listed below achieved a B+ grade or higher. Price-to-quality ratio has a huge impact on the wines I choose. In other words, does the wine deliver a ton of quality for the least amount of dollars. Unfortunately, there were a lot of wines that were stellar that did not make the list because they were just a hair over twenty-bucks. I would also like to mention that although I taste a ton of wines in a years time, there are many that I have not tried that could be on this list…Such is life. I now introduce my top forty wines under twenty bucks for 2015…
#40
2012 Irony Pinot Noir (Monterey, CA)… $13.
I was impressed with this, what I call a grocery store Pinot Noir. Irony continues to put out value wines that show good quality for the price.
Aromas of smoked meat, clam shell and dark cherries with hints of baking spice. Nice and spicy on the palate backing notes of cherries and violets with hits of tobacco and leather. (B+)
#39
2013 For A Song Riesling Caliche Lake Vineyard (Ancient Lakes, WA)… $10.
Bright apple, pear and lemon notes on the nose. Very mouth-watering on the palate with notes of lemon, apple and Asian Pears coming through. There is a slight sugar element that comes through on the mid-palate as it finishes clean and bracing. The acidity “pops” the fruit making the wine dance on the palate. excellent balance of sweetness, fruit and acidity. (B+)
#38
2013 Ryan Patrick Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay Bacchus Vineyard (Columbia Valley, WA)… $17.
Slightly challenged on the nose with butterscotch, toasty pears and pineapple sneaking through. Creamy apple and pear notes on the palate with a toasty, buttery edge. Good balance front to back with notes of buttered almonds on the finish. Powerful yet elegant at the same time. (B+)
#37
2012 Desert Wind Cabernet Sauvignon (Wahluke Slope, WA)… $14.
Some wine makers liked ’12 and some thought it was o.k. This Desert Wind Cab shows the vintage at its best. A little green element on the nose with notes of licorice, violets, currants and tobacco. There is a solid core of black currants on the palate backed by solid, smooth tannins and a touch of violets. Blackberry stem and mineral notes sneak in on the mid-palate, flowing into the finish. Currant and tobacco notes linger. Nice balance of fruit, acidity and tannins. (B+)
#36
2014 Duck Pond Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley, Oregon)… $10.
Very clean on the nose with notes of pears and apples. Nice and fresh on the palate with notes of Red & Green Delicious apples backed by a hint of pear. Interesting baking spice element joins on the mid-palate leading into a clean, delicious finish. Good balance of acidity and fruit. For ten bucks, this is a buy! (B+)
#35
Non-Vintage 14 Hands Brut Sparkling Wine (Columbia Valley, WA)… $17.
I’m surprised it took Ste Michelle so long to jump on the sparkling wine train with this popular label. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical when offered a sample of this a several months ago. I was pleasantly surprised.
Aromas of apples and limes. Very citrus driven on the palate with loads of lemon-lime and a little green apple component. Good acidity makes this baby clean, clean, clean, leading into a bright, mouth-watering citrus finish. (B+)
#34
2013 Massaya Le Colombier Red (Beqaa Valley, Lebanon)… $13.
Aromas of violets and candied cherries with a splash of red brick and tobacco. Sweet tannins support notes of violets, candied cherries and currants. Notes of crushed red brick come through on the dry, mineral driven finish. This baby displays sweet fruit notes that are balanced by a healthy dose of minerals. Very interesting, complex red for the money. (B+)
#33
2012 Dipinti Pinot Grigio (Vigneti Dolomiti, Italy)… $12.
Aromas of wet stone, honey and a touch of dried herbs. Creamy wet rocks (if that makes any sense) on the palate, joined by notes of white flowers and a hint of honey, lemon and herbs. Nice acidity front to back with a steely long finish. (B+)
#32
2014 Field Recordings Cabernet Franc Hinterland Vineyard (Paso Robles, CA)…$19.
Red cherry skins, cranberry and blueberry on the nose with a little rose petal, bark and tobacco thrown in. Smooth and lush on the palate with notes of ripe cherries and a dose of cherry skins. The wine intensifies on the mid-palate into the finish with notes of chocolate and orange tea joining the party. This is not Loire Valley Cab Franc and doesn’t try to be. It reflects the terroir from which it was born. (B+)
#31
2013 Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA)… $14.
Notes of asparagus and green bell peppers on the nose are a backdrop to notes of black and red currants with just a hint of cinnamon. Polished tannins carry notes of black currants, chocolate and hints of vanilla. Solid structure front to back with a backbone of freshness that carries into the long, delicious finish. (B+)
#30
2012 Fossetti “Moscali” Rosso Toscana (Montalcino, Italy)… $11.
Rusty cherries on the nose with hits of tobacco, tar and cranberries. Polished tannins support notes of spice, cherries and tobacco with just a hint of rust on the back-end. Tobacco notes join up on the mid-palate into the finish with cranberry sneaking in. This is a poor mans Brunello, made from the same clone of Sangiovese. Very good now, but will age nicely over the next five years. (B+)
#29
2013 Elsa Bianchi Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)… $12.
Red flowers, cherries and tobacco on the nose with hints of red brick and licorice. The fruit on the palate is very close to rich with notes of plums and currants, backed by licorice and tobacco. Red flower notes with wilted rose petals and cured meats come through on the mid-palate and join up with the fruit notes on the finish. Good structure and balance for a prayer. (B+)
#28
2014 Kestrel Vintners Chardonnay (Yakima Valley, WA)… $17.
Aromas of baking spices, butter, pears, pineapple and a whiff of toast. Oak stays in check on this one with a creamy, buttery mouth-feel showing off notes of pears and pineapple. Seamless and smooth across the palate with a delicious finish that lingers. (B+)
#27
2013 Piaugier Cotes-Du-Rhone “Sablet” (Southern Rhone, France)… $13.
Ripe strawberries on the nose with notes of plums, dusty minerals and a touch of tobacco and dark cherries. Plump strawberries and plums on the front of the palate then immediately turns mineral driven with notes of crushed rocks blending with the fruit into the finish. Rustic, but enough fruit to keep most palates happy. Excellent food red. I’d go lamb, stews or roasted beef. (B+)
#26
2013 Tenute Rubino Oltreme Susumaniello (Salento, Italy)… $14.
Plums and tar all day on the nose with a bit of tobacco thrown in. Interesting underlying notes of chocolate and currants. Sweet tannins support plum, tar, tobacco and spice notes. Good intensity up front, thins out a bit on the mid-palate, but then comes on strong through the finish with a little grip action and hits of petrol. Nice, complex little red for the money. (B+)
#25
2013 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon (Southeastern Australia)… $13.
Aromas of rose petals, currants and eucalyptus with a backdrop of tobacco. Good acidity supports notes of red, currants, violets and licorice with white pepper notes showing up on the mid-palate and finish. This is a well structured, balanced cab from a land known for putting out inexpensive fruit bombs. Australia is very capable of putting out good value driven, quality wines, you just have to get away from the kangaroo. (B+)
#24
2014 Domaine De Pajot Vins de Gascogne Le 4 Cepages (France)… $8.
Aromas of melon, honey, dried herbs, ripe lemon and apple blossoms. Loads of zesty apples blended with lime juice, crushed rocks and kiwi. Steely front to back with a little honey lemon action underneath on the fresh, vibrant finish. I think this is a lot of wine for the money. 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Colombard, 20% Ugni Blanc, 10% Gros Manseng (B+/A-)
#23
2013 Navaran Brut Cava (Penedes, Spain)… $15.
Yeast, marzipan, bread dough, almonds and lemon on the nose. Yeast notes on the palate, blended with ripe lemon and grapefruit. Notes of bread dough and almonds lie underneath front to back. Minerals, citrus and a touch of bread dough on the lingering finish. This little gem rivals many a Champagne I have tried at a fraction of the price. (B+/A-)
#22
2013 Rutini “Trumpeter” Red 50% Malbec/50% Syrah (Mendoza, Argentina)… $10.
Blueberries and bacon fat on the nose with hits of raspberries and a touch of tobacco. Sweet tannins support fairly intense notes of currants and bacon fat with blueberries riding underneath. There is a nice backbone of acidity front to back with tobacco notes showing up on the back of the mid-palate into the finish. This wine is consistently good from year to year. For ten bucks, it’s hard to beat. (B+/A-)
#21
2013 Desert Wind Merlot (Wahluke Slope, WA)… $14.
A little closed on the nose with slight violets and cherries coming through. Solid fruit on the palate surrounded by structured, smooth tannins. Notes of cherries, currants and a ton of tobacco comes through on the palate giving it good depth and complexity. Nice backbone of minerals and acidity drives the flavors into a finish with just a hint of veggie coming through. A very nice example of what Washington State Merlot is all about. (B+/A-)
#20
2011 Il Canapone 6-42* Marremma Red (Toscana, Italy)… $15.
Aromas of red flowers, licorice, minerals, red cherries, bark, tarragon and rosemary (very interesting for sure). Sweet tannins and a load of minerals on the palate. Chocolate and cherry notes come through thinning out a bit on the mid-palate, but then coming on into the finish with crushed rock notes lingering. This is old world juice with a kiss of the new. A blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Montepulciano. (B+/A-)
#19
2014 Les Pouches Saumur 100% Chenin Blanc (Loire Valley, France)… $10.
Aromas of wet stone and grapefruit pith, joined by dried herbs, melon and a hit of lemon. Zesty notes of lemon, lime and kiwi with a backdrop of crushed rock on the palate. Very steely with white flower notes sneaking in on the mid-palate. Finishes with melon, lemon-lime and kiwi notes lingering. My mouth is watering as I type out these tasting notes. A great shellfish white. (B+/A-)
#18
2013 Desert Wind Ruah Red (Wahluke Slope, WA)… $16.
Licorice, violets, currants and rose petals on the nose. Sturdy tannins support solid currant notes. Tobacco and baking spice notes join the party with mineral notes underneath front to back and a touch of herbaceous on the finish. This is a solid, complex wine that is drinking nice now, but will improve over the next 5-8 years. Not bad for under twenty bucks. (B+/A-)
#17
2013 Jean Perrier Savoie Abymes 100% Jacquere (France)… $9.
Apples and pears all day on the nose complimented by wet stone and white flower notes. Grandma’s apple sauce on the palate with steel shavings added to the mix and a dash of white flowers. Wet stone (almost slate) comes through on the mid-palate leading into an orange blossom and lemon drop finish that lingers for some time. All of this for under ten bucks, hard to believe. (B+/A-)
#16
2012 For A Song Petit Verdot (Washington)… $17.
Aromas of coffee bean, currants and baked earth with hits of violets and blueberries. Smooth and polished notes of blueberries, currants and coffee bean on the palate. Nice flow across the palate with notes of tobacco and white pepper joining up on the mid-palate. The finish is medium to long with violet notes lingering on the back-end. This is a great price for a quality Petit Verdot. (B+/A-)
#15
2013 Dr. Loosen “Red Slate” Dry Riesling (Mosel, Germany)… $15.
Interesting petrol, apples, apricots, peaches and hits of wet stone on the nose. Balanced acidity supports notes of wet stone, apples, white and orange flowers, peaches and apricots. Nice flow across the palate leading into a steely finish of orange blossoms, peach and wet stone that lingers. (B+/A-)
#14
2011 Foris Pinot Noir (Rogue Valley, Oregon)… $17.
I’ve been recommending this little gem to anyone looking for a value Pinot Noir from Oregon. ’11 was a tough vintage for Oregon in the north, but in the south, a different story. Aromas of ripe cranberries and cherries with a hint of black tea. Notes of rose petals, black tea and ripe cherries are supported by a core of acidity. Notes of huckleberry and rhubarb join up on the pleasing finish. An excellent medium bodied Pinot that is an overachiever for sure. (B+/A-)
#13
2013 Notre Dame De Cousignac (Lirac, France)… $15.
Aromas of ham hocks, cherries and currants with a splash of earth and a touch of licorice and meat marinade. Very earthy on the palate yet with silky tannins. Mineral notes front to back support concentrated notes of blackberries, currants and red flowers. Plum notes ride the wave front to back with notes of crushed rock and tobacco joining up on the finish.77% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 8% Cinsault and 5% Mourvedre (B+/A-)
#12
2013 Luisa Cabernet Franc (Isonzo Del Friuli, Italy)… $17.
Asparagus, tomato leaf and a core of red and black currants on the nose with hints of coffee bean. Currants and raspberries on the palate with an undertow of tomato leaf and wet leather front to back with a solid backbone of acidity. Good structure and balance and a very good example of this varietal. Definitely old world with a solid kiss of fruit. (A-)
#11
2014 Chateau De Costis “Blanc De Costis” (Bordeaux, France)… $8.
Aromas of melon rind, white flowers, wet stone and hits of lemon. Crazy acidity makes the wine dance on the palate with notes of lemon/lime zest, cut grass and herbs. This baby has a lot of attitude for the money. 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon and 10% Muscadelle (A-)
#10
2014 Astruc Viognier (Sud De France)… #9.
Yes, you see it…A nine dollar viognier in the top ten. Apples and a touch of pear on the nose complimented by lemon pith, white flowers and wet stone. Nice roundness on the palate with notes of wet stone, honey and orange blossoms. Notes of apricots come through on the mid-palate rounding out with bright tangerine notes in the background on the mouth-watering finish. This baby delivers some quality juice for a prayer. (A-)
#9
2013 Mon P’Tit Pithon Cotes Catalones (Roussillon, France)… $10.
Orange Creamsicle all day on the nose backed by notes of sweet lemon, white flowers and wet stone. Creamsicle on the palate without being sweet. Notes of crushed rock come through with good acid that is not cutting. Wet stone notes come through on the back-end. This is one of those delicious whites that you can drink all by itself, but has enough acidity to compliment many foods including shellfish, and pasta dishes. The orange Creamsicle element is wild. 50% Macabeu, 25% Grenache Blanc and 25% Gris (A-)
#8
2012 Arnoux & Fils Vacqueyras (Rhone, France)… $19.
Aromas of smokey cherries and currants, backed by notes of roasted meats, red flowers and baked earth with just a touch of iron coming through. Rusty red currants and cherries on the palate with a good dose of crushed rock backing the fruit. Smoked meat notes hit on the mid-palate complimented by notes of violets and black tea. Finishes with an herbal component joining the party. I know this is pushing the envelope on price, but this one impressed me for under twenty bucks. It is well structured and balanced. It drinks good now, but will age easily for 10-15 years if you have the patience. (A-)
#7
2013 Milbrandt Vineyards “The Estates” Viognier (Wahluke Slope, WA)… $18.
Ripe Bartlett pears all day on the nose with a back-drop of Asian Pear coming through. There is an interesting oily quality on the palate that is complemented nicely by the acidity. It’s fresh and viscous at the same time. Notes of Tangerine front to back with a little lemon hit on the mid-palate leading into a long citrus driven finish. This is a white that shows great flexibility with food. (A-)
#6
2011 Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenere Trinidad Vineyard (Maipo Valley, Chile)… 19.
This is another one very close to twenty bucks, but I can’t pass on it because the quality far exceeds the price…That’s always what I am looking for.
Aromas of licorice, cherries, bark and bell peppers with just a hint of menthol. Good core of currants and cherries on the palate with a backdrop of white pepper and baking spices. Just a touch of green bell pepper and asparagus comes through on the mid-palate (which we should expect from Carmenere). Blueberry notes sneak in with a solid backbone of acidity that drives the fruit flavors. Seriously long finish on this baby. If you haven’t tried a Carmenere yet, this is a great place to go, because it doesn’t go tossed salad on you. It has good structure, smooth tannins and solid fruit. (A-)
#5
Los Vascos Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua, Chile)… $17.
Tobacco, bark and currant notes on the nose. Very impressive on the palate, and dare I say…Napa Valleyish. Smooth tannins support notes of currants and underlying chocolate. Hits of tobacco and bark join up on the mid-palate with green bell pepper sneaking in on the long finish. This is a big, plush, structured cab for a prayer. It took me to Napa when I tasted it with just a little Chilean attitude. (A-)
#4
2012 Ryan Patrick Vineyards Rock Island Red (Wahluke Slope, WA)… $17.
Aromas of ripe dark cherries, black licorice and hits of vanilla and mocha. Black currant and chocolate notes drench the palate with a backdrop of spices front to back. The structure on this baby keeps the fruit in check. The smooth tannins have a touch of grit on the edges giving the wine complexity and a little attitude. This is a beauty for the money and will improve over the next 3-5 years. (A-)
#3
2009 Chateau Bellevue Medoc Grand Vin De Bordeaux (Bordeaux, France)… $17.
Very meaty on the nose with notes of wet stone, tobacco, currants, violets and rose petals. Deep, fleshy currant notes on the palate blended with rose petals and violets on a bed of minerals and spice. The acidity is well-integrated with the fruit and mineral notes front to back. Excellent balance with a touch of grip on the violet, tobacco driven finish. This is a ton of Bordeaux for the money and beat out seven other much more expensive Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Great now, but will age nicely over the next ten years. (A-/A)
#2
2014 Latium Morini Soave (Veneto, Italy)… $17.
I know what you’re thinking…A Soave in the top ten? It’s true, and for good reason…This puppy rocks the palate!
Aromas of grapefruit rind and grapefruit juice big time with a touch of honey, wet stone, orange blossoms and white flowers. The attack on the palate is fresh and steely with notes of lemon-lime, slate, grapefruit and grapefruit pith. The mid-palate goes a little rounder with notes of melon, papaya a touch of orange and honey. The finish is super clean with notes of lemon-lime zest and slate lingering for some time. This baby is active and complex on the palate. Super interesting white from a wine I know a lot of you shy away from. Made primarily from the Garganega grape. (A-/A)
#1
2013 Whidbey Island Winery Merlot (Yakima Valley, WA)… $17.
Once again this small winery from the south end of Whidbey Island Washington hit a home run with their Merlot. Two years ago, the 2011 made my #1 pick for the year. I am happy to say that I feel this could be just a little better than that version.
Aromas of chocolate and caramel with dark cherries and tobacco underneath. Black plums, cherries and red flowers come through on the palate with a backdrop of tobacco and hints of chocolate. There is a nice spicy edge to this Merlot front to back. Everything is nicely integrated and seamless on the palate showing good structure and complexity. Finishes with notes of plums, cherries and tobacco. White and black pepper notes hang on to the fruit in the long, long finish. This is one of the finest examples of Washington State Merlot that I have tasted and at this price you should grab some before it’s gone.
(A)
