Not a whole lot changed in 2011 as far as wine trends. Malbec, especially from Argentina continues to dominate the market and it seems as if a higher price point is being tolerated. The consumer doesn’t seem to mind going to the $14 to $20 range as long as the quality permits. Last year the hot ticket was under $10 malbec and although that is still a good price point, the aforementioned price range is getting dipped into more often. Alas, pinot grigio sales are starting to taper off. Whoot, whoot! The interest in gruner veltliner and vinho verdhe is starting to take its’ place which is a refreshing change from what I have seen over the last three years.
Spanish wines continue to see a steady growth, although I believe the consumer is still trying to grasp what a monastrell is, or a garnacha. As they become comfortable with these varietals, I believe we will see an explosion in Spanish wine sales. It is not too far in the future. At my store, I have also seen an increased interest in Bordeaux blanc and french wine in general.
Blends continue to hold their own against malbec from Argentina and I am excited about the effort wine makers are putting into these wines. They are no longer afterthoughts in which the left over juice is thrown together to maximize profits. In most cases the prices are very acceptable for the quality.
Last year, I was excited about the increased interest in sauvignon blanc. That has seemed to level off and sales still remain strong. I am most excited about the resurgence of syrah. It seems that the consumer is starting, very slowly to come back to this wine that deserves our attention. Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. Sparkling wine is taking a foothold as more and more consumers are realizing that it is not just a celebratory wine.Cabernet sauvignon remains king of the reds and chardonnay, queen of the whites. Some things will always remain the same.
Now, what did I find most interesting in the under twenty dollar category for the year 2011? As you know, I am limited to the wines that were either presented to me or that I purchased. Actually we are talking hundreds of wines. I am sure there are many worthy candidates out there that I did not try and I am sorry I missed them… Maybe next year. The prices that I list, are the ones that you can find in most stores and are based on consistent price reductions offered by the wineries. If your local store charges more, I’m sorry. Do a little shopping around and I think you will find it at the prices I list. Here goes … Stan’s Top Forty Wines Under Twenty Bucks in 2011.
#40
2007 Quinta dos Grilos Dao, Portugal … $7.99
Nice aromas of blackberries, currants with a little wood and earth. Tobacco leaf and cherry on the palate with some light spices and a little wood on the back end. Good structure on this little red which gives it an “old world” feel, with some grip on the back side. A lot of wine for eight bucks. 89+ points
#39
2009 San Luigi Pecchenino Dolcetto di Dogliani … $16.99
Aromas of rose pedal, perfumed blackberries and cocoa powder. Fat on the front of the palate with notes of blackberries and chocolate. The wine turns fresh on the mid-palate. Black cherries come through on the fresh finish with good acidity driving the flavors. This is a great wine for ribs or a serious red sauce. 89 points
#38
2007 Vina Zaco Tempranillo Rioja, Spain … $12.99
Deep notes of vanilla, leather, currants, blackberries and a little dough element on the nose. Sweet tannins with notes of mocha, coffee and leather. Some spice comes through on a medium to long finish. Lip-smacking with an old world edge. 89+ points
#37
2009 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, California … $12.99
This pinot is for those who like them from the old school. Aromas of earth, rubber band and dark fruits. Red cherries on the palate blended with dark cherries. There is a nice hit of spice on the mid-palate flowing into a finish of leather, spice and tannins. 89+ points
#36
2010 Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc Marlburough, New Zealand … $10.99
Just another fantastic sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. It seems as if this wine region just keeps pumping out quality juice at excellent prices.
Aromas of fresh cut grass and grapefruit. Vibrant acidity that drives the flavors of grapefruit and pineapple. The mid-palate displays notes of mango and papaya. There is a nice mineral quality along with a creamy texture in the mouth. The zippy flavors hang on for some time. I like this wine because it is not JUST grapefruit. It has a lot more personality and layers. It should be easy to get your hands on. 90 points
#35
2010 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Arneis California … $11.99
This is most definitely a varietal that many have not tried. Primarily produced as a wine in Northern Italy where it shows a lot more astringency, this version from California shows off the sunshine from the region. Loads of apple pie spice on the nose with a lttle “Cinnabon” action going on. On the palate this wine immediately reminded me of Grandmas’ old fashioned applesauce. You know the kind. The one with big chunks of apples and loads of cinnamon. Round ripe green apple notes fill the mouth with hits of cinnamon that lingers for some time. An obscure grape, and a very nice surprise for a prayer. 90 points
#34
2009 Bibbiani Poggio Vignoso Chianti Tuscany, Italy … $10.99
Imported by Small Vineyards, this has always been an excellent value in Chianti. Aromas of bright cherries and strawberries. On the palate, notes of sweet dark cherries and ripe strawberries with hits of blackberries and spice. A clean finish with notes of white pepper that linger. This baby delivers a lot for eleven bucks. 90 points
#33
2010 Cline Vineyards Cashmere California … $13.99
Aromas of black currants, plums Boysenberries and a hit of cranberry. Big notes of red currants on the front of the palate with hits of pepper and boysenberries. Nice brightness with spicy blackberry on the finish. 90 points
#32
2010 Tertulia Cellars Viognier Columbia Valley, Washington … $17.99
Aromatic on the nose with notes of apples and stone fruits. Creamy notes of peaches, mangoes and papayas. Nice balance with loads of flavor and yet not heavy with a lingering finish. I had not heard of this winery until I visited in September and let me tell you that this is a winery that deserves your attention. 90 points
#31
Va Piano Brunos’ Blend II Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley, Washington … $17.99
The price bothers me just a little bit, but the quality is there and I believe it deserves its’ place.
Aromas of fragrant green apples, melon and hits of sugar cane. Nice creamy mouth-feel, backed by balanced acidity. Notes of peach and melon. The finish lingers with notes of papaya and peach. I liked this sauv blanc a lot but would really like to see it at around twelve bucks. However, I do not think you will feel disappointed that you spent the money. Lively and delicious! 90 points
#30
2008 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Primitivo Califonia … $12.99
Primitivo is so closely related to zinfandel that if they had babies, the babies would more then likely be deformed. Basically zinfandel and primitivo show many of the same characteristics.
Like zin, this wine has heady aromas of black currants and black plums. Black currants and spice all over the front of the palate with red flower notes springing up from the start, into a long finish. This wine penetrates the palate and lingers long enough to keep you thinking about it. 90+ points
#29
2009 Damilano Marghe Nebbiolo D’Alba … $12.99
Notes of perfumed cranberries, cherries and red flowers come through on the nose with a trace of minerals. Refined tannins with notes of brown sugar and blackberry leading into hits of cranberry on the mid-palate. Good length on the finish with notes of Bing cherries and minerals. This is what nebbiolo should be, a little rustic and youthful. 90 points
#28
2009 Mercer Estates Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley, Washington … $12.99
I am very critical when it comes to domestic sauvignon blanc. New Zealand has it dialed in and most of them ring up around ten bucks. It’s hard to pay more money for an inferior product. However, there are exceptions and this just happens to be one of them. For the money this is a very good wine.
Notes of melon, grapefruit and grass come through on the nose. Creamy on the palate showing notes of fresh cut grass, crushed rock and melon. The minerals that show on this wine are reminiscent of Sancerre from the Loire Valley. Nice intensity from start to finish with a hit of lemon grass on the backside. The acidity and fruit are there and it does not smack you in the face with a load of grapefruit like so many sauvignon blancs can. Balanced and delicious… Can you ask for more? This is proof that it can be done somewhere other then New Zealand. 90 points
#27
2008 Steele Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills, California … $19.99
This is a chance to get your hands on a Steele red for a good price. Normally listed at $29.99, the winery has been keeping it at $19.99 for a few months and it is worth seeking out, especially at this price.
Slightly challenged on the nose giving off slight aromas of cherry, spice and vanilla/oak. Cherries and spice all over the palate resting on smooth tannins with just a little chalky mouth-feel. Nice flow across the mouth leading into a finish of cherries and mocha with a little oak coming through. This cab has a personality of its own with the fruit and mineral aspects. I liked it, and I think you will too. 90 points
#26
2010 Independent Producers Chardonnay Dionysus Vineyards Columbia Valley, Washington … $12.99
A project headed up by Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estates this unoaked chardonnay is a beauty. Aromas of white flowers, ginger and pear.Green apple and ginger come out on the front of the palate with some spice on the mid-palate. Lots of minerals on this baby with a tart green apple finish that is lean and clean.
I love seeing the vineyard designation on this chardonnay, giving it a true sense of place. If you are looking for a chard to go with shellfish and you do not want to spend the cash for a good Chablis, this would be my solution. 90 points
#25
2007 Gordon Brothers Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington … $19.99
I can remember the day when Gordon Brothers dominated the Washington merlot category in the eighties. Then the movie came out (You know the one) and merlot sales took a big hit. The consumer has finally figured out that they were duped by Hollywood and we are now seeing a resurgence in merlot sales. Gordon Brothers is still there!
Aromas of blackberries, black currants and cedar with just a touch of stink, which is not a bad thing. Plush fruit on the palate. Notes of perfumed cedar and boysenberry that expand on the mid-palate seamlessly. White pepper and spice join the fruit on a long pleasing finish. This is what I would call a “sexy” merlot.
If you want to reintroduce yourself to some of the great merlot produced in Washington State, this is a good place to start. 90 points
#24
2010 Grochau Cellars (GC) Pinot Blanc Willamette Valley, Oregon … $15.99
This is what I call a fun ride in the mouth. Pinot blanc can be soft at times, but not in this case! Wonderful aromas of lemon, honey and crushed rock. Bracing notes of tart green apples, kiwi and chalky minerals. This baby dances across the palate into a clean, crisp, mouthwatering finish with tiny hits of pear. If you have not tried a pinot blanc recently, I believe this one may get you hooked. 90 points
#23
2009 Volver Single Vineyard Tempranillo La Mancha, Spain … $15.99
Very interesting and evolving bouquet on this wine. Starts off with notes of black licorice and blueberry, changing to vanilla and boysenberry within minutes of pouring it into the glass. Deep dark fruits on structured, silky tannins backed by notes of tobacco leaf and tar. Notes of blueberry come to life on the long finish with a slight tannic grip. This baby has some muscle to it making it a perfect match with a beef dish. 90 points
#22
2007 Vin De Tabula Rasa Columbia Valley, Washington … $15.99
Produced by Andrew Rich out of Oregon, this is a blend of syrah, mouvedre and grenache. Offering up aromas of cigar box, ripe cherry and a backside of blackberries. Nice complexity on the palate with notes of black currants, spice and a little tar action. Cedar and tobacco leaf come out on the mid-palate leading into a spicy, long finish. This is a very solid wine where old world style meets new. Great now, but will develop nicely over the next five years. 90+ points
#21
2009 Santa Duc Cotes-Du-Rhone Vielle Vigne (Old Vines) … $16.99
Some of my personal favorites are blends out of the Rhone region of France. It surprises me that a lot of consumers have not caught on to the fact that like domestic blends that are so popular, these are blends also. Many times they are a much better value then some of the blends offered from California or Washington State.
Gamey on the nose with notes of perfumed rose pedal, oak, caramel and roasted nuts. Round notes of earth, cherry, strawberry with loads of spice on the mid-palate. The wine coats the palate on the finish with notes of mocha coming through. This baby has structure and shows off some tannins yet is smooth enough to enjoy now. Will age nicely over the next five years. If you have patience, put a couple away and see how it fleshes out. Imported by Robert Kacher. 90+ points
#20
2009 Oak Grove Petite Sirah Arroyo Seco, California … $799
Starting out my top twenty is from one of the top value producers I have come across. Oak Grove wines are always good and the prices are stupid. How they do it, I don’t know. In most cases, it is easy to find, and if your local merchant does not carry this line of wines… Get in their face!
Smokey cherries on the nose with hints of blueberry. Intense and smooth with notes of blueberries and cranberries. Some chocolate notes show up on the mid-palate leading into a pleasing finish with hints of smoke and spice. Anytime you get this much wine for eight bucks, you feel like you stole it from the store. Oak Grove is a “can’t miss” wine in all varietals, but this petite sirah is exceptional. 90 points
#19
Artadi Vinedos de El Seque Alicante, Spain … $10.99
A blend of syrah, mouvedre and cabernet sauvignon. Aromas of blueberry, cherry and Red Delicious apple. Plush on the front of the palate with notes of black plum and boysenberry. Nice spice on the mid-palate backed by sweet tannins. This wine is smooth with some underlying old leather notes. Good intensity from front to finish with mineral and tar notes coming through on the back side. I presented this at one of my tasting events and it was the hit of the show… Everyone came back for a second taste. The price is awesome for the quality. 90+ points
#18
2008 Borsao Berola Campo De Borja, Spain … $13.99
70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of rubber beach ball and perfumed black fruits. Spicy red and black fruits on the palate with underlying and very interesting tangerine notes. (Yum!) Exotic spices come through on the mid-palate backed by fresh tannins leading into a medium length finish of citrus, red currants and pomegranates. I know this wine is not for everyone, but it is quite interesting and complex. I love the citrus notes combined with the red fruits. Great match for foods with barbecue sauce, like ribs or chicken. 91+ points
#17
2010 Novelty Hill Winery Royal Slope White Still Water Creek Columbia Valley, Washington … $13.99
From long-time Washington wine maker Michael Januik this white blend offers up aromas of white flowers, peaches, bananas and hits of tangerine. Nice balance of acids and fruit with notes of peach, pear and minerals. Seamless flow across the palate leading into a long finish of peach pit and minerals. This has Cotes-du-Rhone blanc written all over it. New world meets Old in this interesting white. 91 points
#16
2010 Pewsey Vale Dry Riesling Eden Valley, Australia … $14.99
For those in the know, some of the finest riesling you can get your hands on is from Australia. It’s too bad they do not promote it as much as they have shiraz. Bright on the nose with notes of sweet apples, cane sugar and hits of peaches. Crushed rock, lemon, peach, grass and rubber boot notes come through on the palate backed by vibrant acidity. This baby is lively, delicious and reminiscent of the great dry rieslings from Germany. 91 points
#15
2009 High Note Malbec Mendoza, Argentina … $11.99
It is no secret that malbec is the hot category in wine right now. There are a ton of them around the ten dollar range that are not only drinkable, they are great wines. This one takes it up just a notch or two. Fresh notes of blackberry and red cherry come through on the nose. Well structured on the palate with brambleberry, black olive, tobacco leaf and hits of toasty wood on a medium to long finish. Not one dimensional as many can be, this malbec shows complexity and structure. 91 points
#14
2009 Vietti Barbera D’Asti Tre Vigne Piedmont, Italy … $17.99
I love barbera from Northern Italy… Plain and simple. It is for those times when my palate screams for “Old World” wine with rustic country flavors. This wine offers all of these qualities. Aromas of perfumed cranberries, red flower pedals, cherries and an interesting wet penny smell. Refined tannins with notes of brown sugar, cranberry and blackberry. Finishes with notes of Bing cherries and minerals. There is a rustic edge to this wine from start to finish with underlying rust and cranberry notes. A bargain in Italian reds and worth seeking out if you are in the mood. 91 points
#13
2009 Borsoa Tres Picos Garnacha Campo De Borja, Spain … $15.99
This is I think, about the third wine from one of my favorite Spanish wine importers Jorge Ordonez, that has made it in the top 40. Like the other two, this has every reason to be here. Aromas of dark fruits with hints of black raspberry and black licorice. There is also a warm spice kind of dough element on the nose. Blackberry and mint notes come through on the front of the palate. Fresh, almost citrus notes on the mid-palate leading into cherry, boysenberry and cassis. Nice little tar and spice hit on the finish with some tannins and grip. Great drinking now, but will age nicely over the next 8 -10 years. 91 points
#12
2009 Foppiano Vineyards Petite Sirah Russian River Valley, California … $14.99
I’m telling you that this juice is down right inky. I don’t comment often on the looks of a wine, but this one stands out.
A little restrained on the nose with hints of beef and black currants. Powerful notes of black fruits, spice and mocha hit the front of the palate. The flavors build strength through the mid-palate into a finish of spice, black fruits and underlying leather. The finish lingers with notes of blackberries, leather and spice. This is one of those wines that has enough muscle to match up with spicy beef and has enough finesse to drink all by itself. 92 points
#11
2008 San Juan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington … $19.99
O.k., I live in the San Juan Islands, I like Chris Primus and I would like to see their wines in the top 40. I know that is what you are thinking. A lot of it is true, but I have to say that I tend to be more critical then I probably should be with San Juan Vineyards Wines. All that aside, this cab deserves its spot at number 11.
Aromas of toasty black olives, black currants and dusty tannins. Oak notes and black currants on the front side with green bell peppers coming out on the mid. Smooth, refined tannins with notes of tobacco leaf, mocha, vanilla, and spice on a lingering finish. Good structure, a nice flow across the palate and delicious fruit and spice. 92 points
#10
2009 Oisly & Thesee (Wally & Teesee) Sauvignon Blanc Touraine, France … $7.99
I love the aromas on this gem. Notes of white flowers, ginger, honey and peaches. Minerals on the palate with balanced acids backed by notes of ginger, peach and honey. This is a classic example of what can be done with sauvignon blanc at a good price. I will have to say that this price is stupid and if I were you, I would be drinking this up for any reason you can think of. At eight bucks (Which is a crazy price), it is one of the best sauvignon blancs I have tasted, including those from New Zealand, under twenty bucks. 91 points
#9
2007 Veramonte Primus Casablanca, Chile … $16.99
65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% syrah, 8% merlot and 7% carmenere. Aromas of green bell peppers, mint leaf and underlying dark fruit notes. Dark concentrated fruit on the palate backed by creamy smooth tannins. A little tomato stem action from start to finish combined with spice and tar notes. The finish has good length with leather and spice lingering. Drink over the next 5 to 8 years. 92 points
#8
2009 Quails Gate Chenin Blanc Okanagan Valley, Canada … $16.99
Very Vouvray like with aromas of crushed rock , grass, lemon and pears. Bracing on the palate with notes of crushed rocks, pears, cut grass and green apples. A touch of creaminess on the mid-palate. Long finish that is crisp and delicious with a nice mineral edge to it. A white with character from our friends next door! 91 points
#7
2010 Wine Out West Wines (Mercer Estates) Gone Fishin’ Riesling Columbia Valley, Washington … $10.99
I love riesling, especially when it is done in a dry style. This riesling from Mercer Estates offers up a mere 1.8 residual sugar, making it on the drier side for sure. Aromas of ripe apples, grass and peaches. Creamy texture on the palate with delicious notes of fresh cut grass, lemon and melon. Very interesting flavors come through on the mid-palate and finish reminiscent of applesauce and spice. A riesling that is fit for all palates. 92+ points
#6
2008 Los Ailos Syrah/Tannat San Juan Argentina … $7.99
Dense aromas of bacon, currants and blackberries. Concentrated dark fruit notes backed by hints of spice, bacon fat and char on the mid-palate. Fresh on the finish with notes of vanilla, black tea and chocolate. Excellent balance on this wine which has a ton to offer for only eight bucks. 89 points
#5
2010 Steele Winery Viognier Lake County, California … $16.99
Wonderful aromas of tangerines, coconut, apples and cool mint. A lot like a Mentos candy.. On the palate it reminds me of something like Mentos blended with Mandarin oranges and some spices. Nice creaminess on the palate with a long, long finish. This is crazy good and one of the best viognier I have put my lips to in a long time. 93 points
#4
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Estate Merlot Carneros, California … $13.99
If I were on a mission to convert someone back to merlot, this would be one of the first ones I would pour. Dare I say Masseto? Well, I will not go that far. However, this wine has a lot to offer for under twenty bucks. Aromas of black currants, violets, mocha, mint and blackberries. (Pretty heady if you ask me) Notes of mocha, black currants and boysenberry flow across the palate on structured tannins. Warm spice on a long finish with a slight tannic kick. I would be more then willing to put this up against merlot out there at a much higher price. 92 points
#3
2006 Gamache Estate Syrah Columbia Valley, Washington … $19.99
I believe syrah has taken an unnecessary beating in the market due in a large part by the overexposure from Australia. It is a great wine and I believe it finds great expression in the soils of Washington State. This is a great example of what syrah can and should be.
Aromas of ripe red cherries, mint and blackberries. This wine smacks the front of the palate with intense notes of tar, spice and boysenberry. Dark currants and boysenberry blow-up on the mid-palate followed by dark cherries, tobacco leaf and spice on a long finish. This is a massive wine that never gets jammy. 92 points
#2
2010 St. Urbans-Hof Ockfner Bockstein Riesling Kabinett Mosel, Germany … $19.99
Yes, a riesling at #2. Who would have guessed? When you taste this baby I think you will understand. Aromas of sweet juicy tangerines, gun flint and smoke. Vibrant acidity making the notes of tangerine and grapefruit rind dance around the palate in a wild mouth party. A sweetness comes through on the finish but it cuts like a knife. This riesling is absolutely stunning and although it pushes the twenty dollar price limit, it is well worth it. 96 points
#1
2007 Gordon Brothers Syrah Columbia Valley, Washington … $16.99
Here it is. My number one wine for 2011. It does not surprise me that two out of the top three are Washington syrah. Next to France, I am of the opinion the Washington comes in an easy second when it comes to quality syrah. This is a classic example.
Vibrant aromas of black plum and licorice. Bacon fat, black plum and spice flow across the palate with a pleasing intensity. The wine coats the palate on the long finish with notes of white pepper and blueberry. It reminds me a lot of a Cote Rotie at a fraction of the price. I do not know how long this vintage will hang around, but if you love syrah as I do, you will more then likely stash a few bottles away. 95 points
There you have it, my top forty wines under twenty bucks. (Some barely). I hope this list is helpful not just for finding great wines, but for wines that fit into your budget.
I would like to wish all of you a “Happy New Year” and I look forward to digging out more great values for you in 2012. *Clink* Cheers! Stan The Wine Man (The Blue Collar Wine Guy)
