STAN’S TOP 40 WINES UNDER TWENTY BUCKS 2010…

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Stan The Wine Man

The year 2010 has proved to be quite interesting for the wine world, especially here in Washington State. I say this because Costco pressed for signatures to put Initiative 1100 on the ballot which would take the hard liquor business out of the hands of the state liquor stores and allow the private sector to sell distilled spirits in stores around the state. It would have deregulated all the restrictions on purchasing wine directly from wineries in Washington, Oregon, California or any other wine producing region.

This was a hot issue since it would have put the ball squarely in the hands of the big chain stores such as Costco, Fred Meyer and Walmart. The initiative did not pass and things remain the same in Washington State. The main reason I am happy about this is that many of my close friends are in the distribution business and it would have adversely affected their livelihood.

2010 also saw the continued decline in wine sales as many remained nervous about the state of the economy. The term being used around the business world is “Flat is the new up”. This basically means that if you can maintain the same sales levels as last year, it is as good as being up in business. The focus at store level remained on wines in the nine to twelve dollar range. Wines above the twenty dollar range were hard to move and many times just sat in inventory.

The year also saw the beginning and end of many trends in wine. Pinot Noir which experienced a huge surge in popularity as a result of the movie “Sideways” is now beginning to taper off in sales. Chardonnay is experiencing a comeback after many years of decline. Other varietals experiencing a surge in sales in 2010 are Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Merlot.

Speaking of Malbec, Argentinian wines are the hottest category in the wine world as this article is being written. We will wait to see how long this trend lasts, and we can only hope that this country does not suffer the same demise as Australia. Australian wine sales are in the tank and my own personal take on this is that this country put all their eggs in one basket. They focused almost entirely on fruit driven Shiraz and over oaked Chardonnay. When the consumers tired of this style… Boom! Sales dropped. My hope is that Argentina learns from the Aussie’s mistake and offers up a diversity of wines instead of relying solely on inexpensive (but good) Malbec.

Blends have seen a steady increase in popularity over the past couple of years and sales still remain strong. Everything from Menage a Trois to Hot To Trot Red. The term being used quite frequently by wine writers and critics is “Kitchen Sink” blends. Many use anywhere from five to eight or more different varietals in their wines to make them distinctive from the rest.

A trend that is most exciting to me, and seems to be gaining steam, especially in the area where I work is the increase in interest toward “Old World” style wines. Consumers are turning their backs on fruit bombs and are attracted to wines that have more structure, tannins and many of the old world qualities such as leather, mushroom and forest floor qualities. Another words… Terroir driven wines. I personally would like to sell more wines that have serious structure and old world qualities. There is a time and place for fruit forward style wines, but it is nice to see balance coming back to the market.

Now it is time for me to list my “Top 40 Wines Under Twenty Bucks”. It does not matter to me what the economy is doing, I love to find good value wines and pass that information on to the consumer. These are not wines that are meant to be cellared, although there are a few exceptions. No, the wines are ready to be consumed and the best part is they will not put a big hurt on your wallet.

I have done my best to choose only wines that are available for purchase. There is nothing more frustrating to me then reading about a “top pick” only to find out that it is sold out or nearly impossible to get. I also list the wines at the reduced price that they are offered at on a monthly basis. If your local store only offers them at full mark-up, shop around and you will find the better price.

So here we go and I hope you are able to use the information to enhance your wine experience.

#4o) 2008 Shooting Star Aligote (Lake County, California) … $13.99

Shooting Star is a second label for Steele Wines and wine maker owner Jed Steele. You do not see a lot of this varietal on the market simply because it is an obscure grape used to make quaffing whites in the Maconnais (Burgundy), France.

This is not a quaffing white. No, this is one that deserves our serious attention. Vibrant on the nose with creamy lemon notes. Excellent minerality on the palate with good balance between acidity and fruit. Wonderful notes of kiwi, lemon curd and lime that flow seamlessly into a lasting finish. Even at full price this is worth your effort to seek out.

#39) 2007 Peter Cellars Weather Report Cabernet Sauvignon ( Washington) …$ 7.99

It is hard to believe you can get a cab for under ten bucks that is worthy of being in the top 4o, but here it is. Now we can’t expect huge depth and complexity at this price, but what we are looking for is something that delivers a lot more then the price tag might indicate.

This wine has an interesting nose of oats and nuts with some brambleberry and vanilla thrown in. Very plump fruit on the front of the palate with notes of plum and boysenberry. Soft tannins and good balance with a pleasing finish that tails off fairly quickly. I feel you get a lot more then eight dollars worth of wine in this bottle and I have had a lot worse in the fifteen dollar range.

#38) 2009 The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc (Awatere Valley Marlborough, New Zealand) … $9.99

This whole New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc phenomena is wild. There are so many good ones coming out of this country for a prayer. This is a good example. Very interesting bouquet of banana nut bread with a tiny hint of lemons. The wine hits your palate running with racy acidity that drives the notes of lemon, lime and kiwi through the palate into a persistent finish. Not bad for ten bucks.

#37) La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy) … $9.99

100% Montepulciano d’ Abrruzzo this wine has a classic “old world” nose of stinky leather, dust and loads of cherry. The leather comes through on the palate along with notes of dark berries. Bright acidity and a slight tannic grip on the back end, finishing with sweet tannins and a slightly thin finish. This wine is a top-notch value for ten bucks.

#36) 2007 Mount Baker Vineyards Tempranillo (Yakima Valley, Washington) … $14.99

You could line this up in a blind tasting with wines from Rioja and you would be hard pressed to tell this was not from Spain. No kidding. A little restrained on the nose. Notes of cherry, iron and wet leather come through. Cherry and leather all day on the palate with good minerality and structure. The wine never shows it’s from the “New World”, which I find very interesting and serves this wine well. The tannins are structured but very approachable and the wine finishes with fresh mineral and cherry notes.

#35) Barnard Griffin Cab-Merlot non-vintage (Columbia Valley, Washington) … $9.99

This wine shows good just about every year. 47.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49.5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Toasty cassis on the nose with some leaf and tobacco aromas. Fairly lush mouthfeel. Blackberry and black currants dominate the palate backed by notes of black licorice, spice and pepper on sweet tannins. Good balance with a medium finish. This is crazy good for ten bucks and it is one of the better non-vintage batches I have tasted.

#34) 2008 Tormaresca Naprica (Puglia, Italy) … #9.99

A blend of 40% Negroamaro, 30% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very pleasing, soft wine on the palate with nice spicy plum and boysenberry notes on sweet tannins. This wine is simple but a “9” in the delicious category. A great quaffing wine that is great solo or with hamburgers, mac & cheese or a beef stew.

#33) 2008 Cloudline Pinot Gris (Oregon) … $13.99

A very focused white with mouth-watering acidity on the nose mingled with obvious minerality. The palate is marked by razor sharp acidity that is nicely balanced with notes of green apple skins and lemon that persist on the finish. This wine is a perfect match for shellfish or a pasta with a heavy cream sauce.

#32) 2009 Nugan Estate Vision Chardonnay (Riverina, Australia) … $9.99

It is not often that you find such interesting characteristics in a Chardonnay that is only ten bucks. This baby has some Alsace qualities to it. A little petroleum on the nose with underlying hints of peaches and butter. A nice freshness on the palate with balanced acidity backing the notes of peaches and melons with just a tiny hit of petroleum. A nice little plumpness on the mid-palate and a lingering finish. For those of you looking for something different and a little quirky on the good side, this is the one for you.

#31) 2009 Castle Rock Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon) …$10.99

Yes, a Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley for next to nothing. And, it delivers. Classic pinot nose of strawberries and cherries. This wine is soft on the palate but is not flabby. Notes of flowers, strawberry and cherry flow seamlessly on the palate into a pleasing decently long finish. This wine does not have the backbone to age for long but who cares. For this price you can drink as much as you want while it is available.

#30) 2009 Goulart Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) … $9.99

This baby smells just like a jar of Smucker’s blackberry jam with just a hint of smoke. Sweet tannins with notes of minerality. Black fruit with some herbal notes and violets. This wine is smooth and rich with a nice freshness on a decent finish. This wine is a “10” in the delicious factor.

#29) 2007 Predator Zinfandel (Lodi, California) … $14.99

This zin has a wild nose of beef jerky, raspberries and black pepper. A bold, riper style zin that fills your palate with ripe strawberries, raspberry, black licorice and pepper that coat your mouth and hang around for awhile. This is a nice little hit of honied beef jerky on the back end of a persistent finish. This zin is not for the weak at heart.

#28) 2007 McKinley Springs Bombing Range Red (Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard, Washington) … $14.99

Do you want a Valpolicella Ripassa for fifteen bucks? Look no further. This is a baby Amarone for next to nothing. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% syrah, 8% Mouvedre, 3% Petite Verdot and a splash of malbec. Loads of rich dark fruit that is wrapped in a blanket of dark currants and rests on structured but smooth tannins. I don’t know how they did it, but it is an intense wine that makes you feel like you stepped right into Northern Italy.

#27) 2009 Montoya Pinot Noir (Monterey, California) … $17.99

I have been impressed with this producer for some time. Very Burgundian in style showing a nice balance of acid and fruit. Notes of bright raspberry blended with strawberry and floral notes. A beautiful wine for food, yet approachable enough to enjoy all by itself. Great balance and a good finish.

#26) 2009 Terrapin Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley, Oregon) … $9.99

This may not be for everyone, but I really like it. This is a big Pinot Gris with lucious fruit notes of white peaches and apricots that are fat on the palate but balanced. The wine finishes with a nice red delicious apple and peach hit into a lasting finish. Big enough to match up with roasted fowl and ripe enough to go with Asian fare.

#25) 2008 Baqueano Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec (Patagonia, Argentina) … $8.99

60% Cab, 40% Malbec this red has a wonderful nose of blueberry, anise and menthol. Silky on the palate with notes of dark fruits, anise, chocolate and slight mint undertones leading into a medium finish. This wine has a regular price of $14.99 but is usually offered at the ridunculous price of nine bucks. Just another great value out of Argentina.

#24) 2009 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand)… $9.99

It is not surprising to see a couple of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs in the under twenty line-up. They are well made and over achievers for the price. This wine is vibrant on the nose with notes of pink grapefruit and kiwi that make your mouth water in anticipation. The wine fills your mouth with a plethora of flavors. Kiwi, lime, grapefruit, peach and lychee nut. Focused and vibrant with a seamless current of flavors that penetrate from the start into a persistent finish.

#23) 2006 Helix by Reininger Pomatia (Columbia Valley, Washington) … $14.99

33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 25% Syrah and 11% Cabernet Franc. On the nose you get smokey dark fruit notes, black currants and a little alcohol burn. Sweet fruit hits you on the front of the palate. Candied blackberries with a toasty mid-palate and some spicy hits on the back end. On the finish there are notes of black tea, black currants and vanilla that linger for some time. This wine is well balanced with excellent strength on the mid-palate. It may be a little warm on the alcohol side for some but the fruit and structure do a good job of absorbing that.

#22) 2009 Goulart Malbec Clasico (Mendoza, Argentina) … $9.99

This would be higher on my list but there are a lot of wines ahead of this one that show more depth and structure so it landed here. A fantastic Malbec for the money. The fruit comes from vines nearly one hundred years old. This shows in the intense flavors. Chalky tannins so typical of Malbec from Argentina, soft yet structured. Fresh acidity, blackberries, cassis and cherry notes stay focused from start to a pleasing medium to long finish. One of my personal favorites in the ten dollar range.

#21) 2008 Tomero Cabernet Sauvignon (Tupangato, Argentina) …$16.99

I was recently introduced to this line-up from Argentina and was very impressed. Great quality for the price. A wonderful nose of toasty vanilla, mocha and brambleberry notes. Black tea and spice come through nicely on the front followed by herbs, mocha and dark berries. Sweet tannins and a solid finish.

#20) 2008 Barons De Rothschild Vald l’Ours Vin de Pays (France)… $9.99

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah. This wine hits you on the nose with deep dark fruits and toast. Well structured and balanced. Black fruits and spice fill the palate from the start to finish that sit on silky tannins and lead into a lingering finish. Probably one of the best deals I’ve seen in memory from the south of France.

#19) 2006 Marques de Caceres Rivarey (Rioja, Spain) … $8.99

The producer of this wine is not mentioned on this obscure red, so you have to go to the trusty internet to find out who makes this. Hopefully you can get your hands on a bottle because it is a steal. 100% Tempranillo it has that classic leather, cherry and iron nose you expect from the wines of Rioja. Leather, spice and minerals hit your palate blended with notes of cranberry, orange peel and white pepper. Very old world in style with excellent acidity and structure and a medium finish. A great choice with lamb, stews, grilled meats, pizza or hamburgers. This wine is also interesting enough to enjoy solo.

#18) 2008 Steele Cuvee Chardonnay (Lake County, California) …$18.99

This chardonnay has been offered at under twenty bucks long enough for me to feel comfortable putting it on my list. It does however show a regular price of twenty-four dollars. This Chard has a lot to offer to many different palates, and that is what puts it in my top 40. Does it have oak? Yes, but not too much. Does it have buttered popcorn? Not really, but it does have that kiss of butterscotch that I love sometimes. This wine is rich without being too rich, with tropical fruit notes on a good vibrant structure and a long finish. You can enjoy this wine with or without food. For nineteen bucks, it’s hard to find one better then this.

#17) 2009 Manu Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand) …$14.99

I was tempted to put this higher on my list, but there is some stiff competition from here on up. New Zealand has a lot to offer in the Pinot Noir category and if you haven’t yet explored this region other then whites, now is the time. This Pinot has all the characteristics of a wine from Burgundy. Nice harmonious balance of acidity and fruit. Strawberry and cherry notes with hints of spice lay on a good structure and flow nicely across the palate into a lingering finish. Good strength on the palate yet delicate enough to let you know this is a serious Pinot Noir. No syrah in this baby!

#16) 2009 Charles & Charles Red (Columbia Valley, Washington) …$9.99

Wine maker Charles Smith of K Vintners fame and Charles Bieler of Three Bandits collaborated on this project to create a really nice blend. This vintage is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Syrah. When it comes to anything with syrah in it, Charles Smith has it dialed in. This blend is quite a mouthful for only ten bucks. Plush on the palate with layered flavors of boysenberry, plum, coffee and mocha. Smooth tannins and good structure with a lingering finish. A seriously good value that is made to drink now but will hold for a couple of years.

#15) 2009 Seven Hills Riesling (Columbia Valley, Washington) … $14.99

Probably one of my favorite Riesling this year. It has Alsace written all over the nose. Notes of minerals, petroleum, grapefruit and orange peel. Good minerality on the palate with sweet notes of lemon peel and pink grapefruit that start off on the sweet side and finish nice and dry with hints of apricots and peaches.

#14) 2008 Lucien Albrecht Pinot Gris Cuvee Romanus (Alsace, France)…$18.99

I will admit that I am not a huge Pinot Gris or Grigio fan. However, it does not stop me from trying one with an open mind. This particular wine showed a lot of nice qualities. A nice creaminess on the nose with notes of honey and melon. The creaminess continued on the palate with a nice hit of apricots and mangoes on the mid-palate leading into a clean dry finish. Very balanced and delicious.

#13) 2009 Gouchau Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon) … $19.99

I know this is pushing the envelope on price, but this is seriously good juice in a not so great vintage out of Oregon. A nice hit of Asian spices and toast. Spicy cherry and anise with sweet vanilla notes flow across the palate effortlessly into a fairly long and very nice finish with slight hits of herbs on the back side. This has to be one of the more complex and well made pinot noir I have found in the twenty and under range out of the Willamette Valley.

#12) Carlos Pulenta Vistalba Corte “C” (Mendoza, Argentina) … $12.99

Smells of raspberry and cherry with a nice hit of “Old World” stink. A blast of ripe fruit notes, cherries and black currants with a dash of pepper and toast that intensifies on the mid-palate. Sweet tannins on a long finish. This wine has both power and finesse and is a lot of wine for thirteen bucks.

#11) 2009 Finca El Reposo Estate Bottled Bonarda (Mendoza, Argentina)… $7.99

I have become a huge fan of the Bonarda grape this past year and this is one of the reasons why. Very dark in color, this wine smells like an old plank soaked in ripe blackberries with a whiff of vanilla. (Not as bad as it sounds….Really) Huge black fruit on a plush mouthfeel with nice hits of mocha and chocolate. Celery, herbs, spice and toast blend into the medium to long finish. It is really hard to believe you can get all of this for eight bucks.

#10) 2008 Licia Albarino (Rias Baixas, Spain) … $16.99

Honied mango and lemon sweetness on the nose. It reminded me of a German Riesling without the rubber boot element. Razor sharp and jazzy on the palate. Excellent minerality with bright notes of green apple and kiwi that lingered in the mouth.

#9) 2008 Bogle Petite Sirah (California) … #10.99

A real overachiever for the price. A wonderful nose of smoked ham, wood and cherries with just a slight alcohol burn that blows off fairly quickly. Big fruit on the front of the palate. Dark cherries and currants with a black pepper and spice hit on the back of the mid-palate. Tannins are smooth but not flabby. The wine stays intense on a long finish with notes of blackberry and anise. One of the best vintages I can remember from this wine.

#8) 2005 Bodegas Beronia Riserva Rioja (Rioja, Spain) … $18.99

Earthy notes of leather and bright cherries on the nose. The palate is very old school with notes of minerals (iron) brambleberry and saddle leather. Complex and deep in structure with smooth well structured tannins. This wine is good now and will improve over the next 5-8 years.

#7) 2007 Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel (California) … $15.99

I love Zinfandel and am not afraid to admit it. The problem with this wine is finding one with the depth and complexity for under twenty bucks. This was a very pleasant surprise for me. Dark raspberry all day on the palate with nice hits of anise and white pepper. Jammy without being over-the-top with a big mouthfeel on structured, silky tannins and a huge pleasing finish. This is a zin lovers zin at a very good price.

#6) 2009 Russian Jack Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand) … $18.99

I am sorry if this sounds like blasphemy, but this pinot tastes like it came right out of the Cote De Beaune! Asian spice notes on elegant cherry and raspberry balanced by good acidity and structured tannins. Loads of flavor without being “Big” in the mouth with a finish that seems to hang around for quite awhile. If you love Pinot Noir from the Cote D’Or and want to save quite a few bucks, this should do the trick. And, keep your eye on the Pinot Noir coming out of New Zealand. We are just now seeing the tip of the iceberg.

#5) Damilano Barbera D’Asti (Piedmonte, Italy) … #14.99

You are missing out if you have not tapped into some of these gems from Northern Italy. A nice vibrant grip on the palate with bright notes of blueberry and cherry with hits of cranberry and cassis. Solid structure yet soft enough to go solo if you are a Turkish coffee drinker that is. Really, this is a wine made for such foods as roasted lamb, ribs or a pasta dish with red sauce. I also think it would do nicely with a greasy pizza or a hamburger dripping with blue cheese… Just saying.

#4) Carlos Pulenta Vistalba Corte “B” (Lujan de Cuyo, Spain) … $18.99

This is the second appearance for this winery and this is a ramped up version of the Corte “C”. A bouquet of blackberries with a touch of oak and some hints of red fruit. Very deep and soft leaving a velvety feel on the palate. Notes of spice, plum and anise penetrate the palate from start to finish with some pleasing hits of chocolate and black licorice on the back end. The wine finishes with a creamy toasty edge that hangs on for some time. It is scary how good this wine is for only nineteen bucks.

#3) 2008 Columbia Crest H3 Merlot (Horse Heaven Hills, Washington)… $13.99

Toasty dark berries on the nose with hints of vanilla and spice. This is a big balanced mouthful of wine. Spicy dark cherries, blackberry, mocha, cocoa and vanilla are layered on silky, structured tannins. Nice underlying black tea and herb notes with some tomato leaf showing up slightly on a intense and lingering finish. I have been a big fan of this wine for a long time.

#2) 2009 Substance Wines Malbec (Columbia Valley, Washington) … $19.99

I am probably crazy for putting this on the list because I am down to just a few bottles at the store and I am not sure of it’s availability around the state. I know it sales at a brisk pace, but I could not avoid writing it up because it is THAT GOOD! Intense nose of violets, blackberry, black tea and herbs. Ripe and concentrated on the palate, this wine is gargantuan. Blackberry, currants, black cherry with notes of blueberry on the front of the palate. Very vibrant and full of life with a pleasing freshness on a persistent finish. My suggestion is for you to get out quickly and see if there is any of this available so you can get your hands on some before it’s gone.

#1) 2007 Urban Ribera Tinta Del Pais (Ribera Del Duero, Spain) … $13.99

Here it is, my wine of the year! Made from a clone of the Tempranillo grape this wine is one of the best values I have run across in some time. Very complex with intense notes of blackberry liquor, black raspberry and dark cherry on the nose. Creamy sweet tannins back up the black raspberry and cherry notes with notes of white pepper and pleasing spices. Very fresh and lively with a sturdy structure that is approachable now but will give this wine the ability to age and improve over the next five years. This wine received the highest score of any wines in my notes under twenty bucks, 94 points.

Wine is such a personal thing and the above list is simply my personal choices for the top forty. You may agree or disagree, but I hope it is helpful for you especially when it comes to saving a few bucks at the register.

I am looking forward with keen anticipation to the upcoming year to see how the trends develop in the wine world. I also look forward to trying many new wines continuing to educate my palate. As always, I truly appreciate your support and readership and hope that you have a great 2011. Doing my best to keep it real. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man.

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DO BLOGGERS SUFFER FROM “PARKER ENVY”?

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Stan The Wine Man

I learned a long time ago, that it is a tendency of many to put someone down to lift themselves up. I have caught myself doing this on an occasion or two and have tried very hard not to repeat the mistake. A couple of years ago as a new blogger on the block I deemed it necessary to again indulge in the “knock ‘em down to build me up” modus operandi. I wrote a few articles criticizing a famous wine critic’s 100 Point wine scoring system, joining my voice with many others in the cyber world of wine writing.

When it comes to the top of the heap in the wine world, one name comes to mind; Robert Parker Jr. When one is trying to make a name for themselves in the world of wine it is quite difficult to avoid the name of a man who has worked hard to build a reputation as a foremost wine critic and consumer advocate. One of Robert Parker Jr.’s biggest contributions has become the famous 100 point wine scoring system. In his periodical the Wine Advocate under “Rating System” it breaks down the 100 point scale like this.

(96-100) An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying

All the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of

this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase and consume.

(90-95) An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short,

these are terrific wines.

(80-89) A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees

of finesse and flavor as well as character with no noticeable flaws.

(70-79) An average wine with little distinction except that it is soundly made

In essence, a straightforward, innocuous wine.

(60-69) A below average wine containing noticeable deficiencies, such as

excessive acidity and/or tannin, an absence of flavor, or possibly

dirty aromas or flavors.

(50-59) A wine deemed to be unacceptable.

Many well known critics and wine periodicals other then Parker’s have adopted this 100 point system and to tell you the truth, it has become very close to universal. It has also become a point of contention for many and has been the subject of numerous debates. This is particularly true in the blogging community. Recently, a well known blogger  addressed this issue with an article entitled “The Lazy Abuse of Wine Scores: A Glimpse Into One Producer’s Market Struggles (and a Glimmer of Hope).” In a nutshell, the article lamented at the idea that so many folks purchase a wine based on score (in particular Parker’s) rather then on the merits of the wine itself. He pointed a finger at wholesalers who ask outright whether or not the winery has any scores from Parker and if not, they are not interested in trying any of the wines. Deplorable? Absolutely. Who’s fault is it? Parker’s? The article indicated that it is lazy on the part of a consumer or buyer to make decision based on score alone. I agree, but the point I am about to make is most pertinent in this case. The blog being discussed has berated this scoring system on a regular basis, coming up with his own method of rating wines. Is this putting someone’s method down to build there own up?

This example from a well known blogger is a mild example of “Parker Envy” shared by many bloggers. I would think that the aforementioned blogger might disagree with my assessment and in that case I would have to agree to disagree. He has great respect for Parker as a wine critic, but does not agree with the 100 point system that Parker created. This is interesting since this blogger has come up with a system himself which grades wine rather then scores wine. He gives a wine a grade of A, B+, B… you get the point. This is not unusual with many bloggers and media wine guys or girls. Who has the better system for judging a wine? Any blogger would like you to believe that they have the best method. In order to sell that, they need to knock the “Big Dog” (Parker that is) down.

I have come to believe that all this debate is a waste of time. We have to admit that the 100 point scoring system works, although I believe it is a little too exhaustive. All the scoring system does is tell you how the WRITER or CRITIC feels about the wine, not about the wine itself. Let’s put it this way. If Robert Parker Jr. scores a wine at 95 points, it simply means that he really likes that wine. Stephen Tanzer, who also uses the 100 point system might give the same wine 89 points. What does that mean? Simply that Tanzer does not like the wine as much as Parker. It does not mean that the wine itself deserves either score. You may try the wine and absolutely hate it. In your mind or notes you may give it 82 points. Are you wrong because you disagree with two top notch wine critics? Absolutely not. It means that your palate is different from theirs… That’s all. The scoring system accomplishes a very basic thing and that is helping understand the critics palate. Once we understand their likes and dislikes based on the score they give, we can make an informed choice based on our own palate. Hats off to Parker for coming up with a simple method for scoring palate preference.

Whether it is a 100 point system, a grading system, a five glass system or whatever, it all accomplishes the same thing. It tells us how the writer feels about the wine. Robert Parker Jr. like anyone else likes certain types of wine and it shows in the scores he gives. Aside from scoring, the Wine Advocate (Robert Parker Jr.’s periodical) is a rich source of information about wine, regions and producers. I wish I had the resources and time that he does to put out such a fine publication. His yearly publication entitled “Parker’s Wine Buyer’s Guide” is also quite valuable. As wine bloggers and writers, we must acknowledge Mr. Parker’s contributions to the wine community. Like all of us, he is not perfect, but that does not lessen his influence on winedom. As bloggers we need to be careful that we do not suffer from Parker envy. If we want to make a mark in the wine world, let us do it on our own merits without criticizing the efforts and accomplishments of others, in particular the 100 point scoring system. This does not mean however that if Mr. Parker or anyone else for that matter gives false information or misleads their readers that it should be overlooked. We have a responsibility to report the truth on such matters, and that is an entirely different subject to discuss another time.

So to all fellow bloggers I say this. Be informative about the wines you are reviewing. Use whatever system you like to let your reader know how you feel about it. Remember that your system is not better then anyone else, it is just different. Quit the debate about the 100 point scoring system. Because every time you rail against it you are revealing a very disturbing problem known as … “Parker Envy”. Here’s to keeping it real. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man.

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PORT… CHAMPAGNE… WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Stan The Wine Man

As you drive through the beautiful state of Idaho you happen upon a wonderful spot called Hidden Valley Winery. They have a breathtaking area nestled in the foot of a mountain range with a wonderful cozy tasting room. You stop in to check it out. As you peruse the wares you are struck with a feeling that something seems out of place. You look closer at a bottle of cab and realize with dismay what caused your discomfort. On the label it reads…”Hidden Valley Napa Cab. Produced and bottled by Hidden Valley Winery.” How can that be? You approach the person tending the tasting room duties and ask them if the grapes are from Napa Valley. They tell you, no they are grown in our vineyards. How can you call it Napa Valley cab you ask? They explain to you that the style is big and rich with smooth tannins which is very similar to many popular Napa cabs. You leave the winery stunned knowing that this can’t be right. However, that night before you retire at your hotel room you stop by the store and purchase a nice bottle of syrah port made by a popular local winery.

What is wrong with this picture? The thought of someone outside of Napa Valley capitalizing on that name to sell their wine horrified us. Yet, we thought nothing of the fact that a sweet wine from Idaho would frivolously be labeled port when it is not from Portugal. This is a problem that wineries in Champagne and Portugal have dealt with for a long time.

Part of the reason for this problem can be attributed to the relatively new wine culture in the United States. Although we are one of the top wine consuming nations in the world, we are still quite youthful in culture and appreciation of wine compared to many other countries such as France, Italy and Germany which are steeped in wine culture and history. France is well known for it’s strict regulations when it comes to where specific wines come from all the way down to a vineyard. It is not good enough simply to call all wines from Bordeaux, Bordeaux. Pomeral, St-Emilion, St. Julien, Margaux and Graves all carry different meaning for each wine even though they all come from the Bordeaux region, and each chateau is careful to follow the regulations put in place to protect these designations.

Port wine, that sweet libation from Portugal is also recognized by European countries as a specific region and no winery or chateau would even consider using that name on their wines. In fact, Port from Douro Portugal comes from the world’s oldest regulated and demarcated wine region dating back to 1757. So, is it fair to liberally use the name “Port” on a wine that is not from Douro Portugal in the United States?

Champagne, was one of the first regions in France to spearhead a move to stop wineries around the world from using the name “Champagne” on their sparkling wines. There are laws in place now that protect that name. Unfortunately, there is a “Grandfather” clause that allow wineries to continue to use both Champagne and Port on their labels if they had used it prior to the new law. This begs for the question, Why? Why would a winery want to use a name on a bottle of their wine that is misleading? Probably because most of the people buying the wine in our country would not even give it a second thought and, the name helps sell their wine. Port style wines face the biggest dilemma. What would they call their sweet wine so that folks would understand what they are drinking? To illustrate just how bad things can get for wine without name recognition one only has to look at a small town in Burgundy… Chablis.

Chablis has been abused to the point where most wine customers in the United States will look at you cross-eyed when you tell them that Chablis is chardonnay. You see, to them Chablis is that watered down white that comes in a big box or round 3 liter jug. Why would they pay over twenty-five dollars for a bottle of that? Just think about how sad that is. The wines from Chablis are absolutely stunning whites and represent some of the best value in chardonnay you can find. In most cases they are unoaked with a steely minerality that is unmistakably Chablis. Once you taste it, you understand. It makes me shutter every time I see the name Chablis on a five liter box. Very few if any wineries in the United States would even think about using Chablis on a bottle of their chardonnay for that reason. They would not want to kill the sales of their thirty dollar bottles by using the name Chablis, not necessarily because it is not from that region. Yes, it is all about sales! And yet, these very same wineries would fight to the bitter end to protect their own AVA or area where they grow grapes and produce wine. How long do you think the faux winery mentioned at the beginning of this article would get away with putting Napa Cab on their label?

So let’s get back to Port. I was talking with a friend of mine recently whom I have great respect for when it comes to wine knowledge, and he struggled with the argument that using Port on the label is wrong. As he said, the dessert wine labeled Port is done in a “Port” style and therefore it is not wrong to use that designation. As soon as I mentioned Champagne the bell went off. We walked over to the Champagne section and picked up a bottle of Korbel that had Champagne written across the label. There is nothing wrong with Korbel, but it is obviously NOT Champagne. Most sparkling wines put “Sparkling Wine” as the designation for their bubbles. Many times you will see “Methode Champenois” on the label which let’s us know it is made in the same manner as the wines of Champagne. Now, what should wineries call a dessert wine made like a Port?

Made like a Port. That is a statement that is hard to quantify. If you have ever seen pictures of the steep slopes and mountainous terrain of Douro, Portugal you will begin to understand what I am saying. It would be difficult if not impossible to replicate the fruit that comes from this rugged region of the world where the finest and only Port comes from. Spend just a little time trying to understand the different styles of Port such as Vintage, LBV, Ruby, Tawny, Colheita, Tawny Reserve and Ruby Reserve and I believe you will begin to appreciate the tradition and history of this region of the world. To simply stamp “Port” on a bottle of dessert wine that is similar in sweetness and style is borderline blasphemy. Right up there with putting Napa Cab on a bottle of wine produced from grapes in Idaho just because it is similar in style.

The challenge for wineries is what to call it without hurting sales. The challenge for the consumer is education and appreciation. I walked into a wine shop recently and noticed a bottle of wine simply designated “Dessert Wine”. On the back of the label the winery explained that it was made in a style similar to Port. Not a bad idea and it helped me as the consumer to understand what I was to expect when I opened the bottle. As the consumer base in the United States grows in it’s appreciation for long held traditions I believe we will see far less misuse of such names as Chablis, Champagne and Port. To help spearhead this growth in knowledge and understanding there is an organization that is educating consumers on the need to respect wine origins. Check out their website at www.wineorigins.com. As important as our family name is to us, wine regions around the world would like nothing more then to have the name of their wine protected so that the tradition and history behind that name is not lost. Yes, there IS something in a name and is up to us as consumers and wine writers to hold wineries responsible in protecting the wine regions of the world. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man.

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ROB GRIFFIN LIGHTS IT UP AT THE GRANGE!

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Stan The Wine Man

The stage was set for Rob Griffin to educate the audience on his wines and nuances of the wine world and educate he did. The only thing I wish I could have done was order up some warm weather so that Rob could have enjoyed his brief stay on the island better. Man was it cold and windy! Weather aside, Rob Griffin was a delight and he had the rapt attention of those who came to be a part of the “Intimate Tasting With The Wine Maker” held Thursday, April 14 at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor.


I have long been a huge fan of the wines from Barnard Griffin. From the retail standpoint, the Tulip Label series represents one of the best values in wine that you will find out of Washington State. They not only are inexpensive, they are fabulous wines to drink, from the fume blanc to the cabernet sauvignon. Barnard Griffin also produces outstanding reserve wines that are also very reasonably priced. As Rob pointed out, Bill Gates served both the Barnard Griffin Tulip Label Chardonnay and the Barnard Griffin Reserve Merlot at one of his parties and if it is good enough for one of the wealthiest men in the world, maybe we should give it a shot. Good point!


That was just one of the interesting anecdotes Rob threw in as we enjoyed his wines and took notes. Here are a few of the notes I took regarding the wines we tasted, and my scores.


2009 Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington) …

The element I find most appealing in good sauvignon blanc is bracing acidity with excellent fruit to back it up. I like the white to cut across my palate like a razor blade. It is true that not all consumers like this style, but that is what I am wild about. This sauvignon blanc strikes a nice balance between high acidity and a nice softer approach. On the nose there are subtle hits of green apple, white flowers and grapefruit. With a nice roundness to it. This wine actually had a bouquet that jumped from the glass. On the palate there is good acidity although it is not bracing, it is still acceptable. Notes of Golden Delicious Apple, grapefruit, some minerality and tiny hits of honied lemon on the finish. The finish was a little sweeter then I normally prefer but hardly sweet by most standards. I think a lot of folks are going to like this white, which will match up nicely with shellfish, salads and fowl. For the price it is an excellent value 88 points


2009 Barnard Griffin Viognier…

This wine is slightly restrained on the nose which is unusual for viognier. Slight aromas of apple and white flowers. However, the wine does not let you down on the palate. Very delicate with wonderful flavors of mandarin orange, white flowers, and apple that flow across the palate with elegance into a delicious finish. 89 points


2009 Barnard Griffin Rousanne…

What a beautiful wine! Some versions of this varietal can show weight and viscosity. Not so with this one. Aromas white flowers and tropical fruits. On the palate this wine was lighter then expected but it delivered. Notes of apple and pear with some white flower components. Hints of tangerine came through on the back of the mid-palate and a clean lasting finish. I could see this wine matching up with a variety of seafood dishes from clams to crab. 90 points


2010 Rose of Sangiovese…

Really good rose should be, in my humble opinion both dry and flavorful. This rose fit the bill in both categories. Notes of strawberry, cherry and rhubarb penetrate the palate with a bracing acidity that cuts through to a finish that lingers. This is an award winning rose that should be a staple on the deck this summer. 91 points



Non-Vintage (nv) Barnard Griffin Cab-Merlot

This has been a staple red at the winery for a long time. Year in and year out this red has been a top seller at the store I work at. By making it a non-vintage, Rob explained to us that it allows him flexibility in using a variety of vintages available to achieve the blend he desires. I have noticed many times on the label that the biggest variation is the amount of cabernet franc he uses.

Notes of blackberry, vanilla and spice come through on the nose. Silky smooth on the palate with notes of mocha, blackberry, cherry and herbal components. The tannins are soft, but the wine has good structure and will hold up to such foods as grilled meats, stews or hamburgers. 90 points


2009 Barnard Griffin Tulip Label Syrah

As we all know, syrah is taking quite a hit in the market these days. This is sad to see because syrah is such a wonderful and diverse red. Some are soft and fruity, others show a load of bacon-fat and smoke, and then there are the Barnard Griffin versions that have some muscle and acidity to them.

Notes of plum and bright cherry come through on the bouquet. Good strength on the palate with a strong backbone of acidity and well integrated tannins. Notes of plum, anise and hits of blueberry flow across the palate into a finish of good length. This baby screams for lamb, ham or baby back ribs. 89 points


2008 Barnard Griffin Tulip Label Merlot

I thought it would be nice to taste a couple of merlot at this event since it is starting to bounce back from the beating it took from the movie Sideways. There are so many merlot based wines especially out of France that are phenomenal. Anyone ever heard of Cheval-Blanc or Petrus? That being said, the Tulip merlot showed quite nicely. A nose of plum and cherry with hints of spice. Nice and lively on the palate with sweet tannins, cherry and blackberry components and a little kick of spice and oak on the finish. 88 points


2009 Barnard Griffin Reserve Zinfandel

This is a varietal that you do not see a lot of in the state of Washington. For one thing, there has to be a long warm growing season. There are just a couple of sites in this state that can accommodate zin and Rob sources fruit from Maryhill Winery which also produces a zin.

I was impressed with this effort. Aromas of spice, blackberry and cherry come through nicely. On the palate this zin explodes with flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and anise. Vibrant acidity drives the flavors through the palate with a nice peppery hit on the finish. This will be on my table the next time I cook up some lamb and will be by my side at the bbq. This is very limited so if you can get your hands on some do it. 92 points


2008 Barnard Griffin Reserve Malbec

Malbec is a tough play for domestic wineries because it is hard to compete with our boys from down south; Argentina. This is one of the most explosive categories in the wine world right now and there are a ton coming out of the aforementioned country that are very good for next to nothing. Land, labor and fruit are so much less expensive. However, there are wineries that are producing some all-star Malbec and if we want to have them we need to loosen the wallet a bit.

Nice nose on this baby with notes of dark fruit and hints of spice. Full on the palate the juice is laced with blackberry and black currant notes with hits of pepper and spice. Good length on a pleasing finish. It goes for around thirty – plus dollars which isn’t cheap. For less money you could probably get equal quality from Washington State. Good juice, just a little pricey for what you get. 90 points


2007 Barnard Griffin Reserve Merlot

Remember, this is the wine that Bill Gates ordered up for his party. I understand why. This is proof that merlot should not be over-looked. Very expressive on the nose with notes of red flowers, plum and some toasty notes. Very elegant yet powerful on the palate with a smoothness that is enticing. Notes of dark cherry, vanilla and subtle chocolate undertones come through into a pleasing long finish. This wine has the finesse to go with salmon and enough power to compliment lighter beef dishes. 91 points


2007 Barnard Griffin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Hands down my personal favorite at this tasting event. Beautiful bouquet of blackberry, cherry and black tea notes. Very plush yet structured on the palate with notes of boysenberry, cherry and wonderful chocolate notes that expand on the back of the mid-palate into a lingering finish that leaves you begging for more. This baby is layered and delicious with the strength to age for up to five years. No need for that though since it is so good right now. Pair this gem with some grilled meats or simply enjoy it all by itself. 94 points


2009 Barnard Griffin Reserve Syrah Port

Every time I put together any kind of Barnard Griffin tasting folks ask if I am going to include the syrah port. How can you not like this wine. A ten in the delicious factor. Wonderful nose of dark berries and sweet cream with a hint of toast. Rich and layered on the palate with notes of chocolate, blackberry and hints of blueberry that coat your palate but are not over-the-top. You have to be careful with this baby because it can disappear in a heartbeat. At 18.5% alcohol that could mean trouble. One of the folks at the tasting commented that they normally do not like Port, but they really enjoyed this one. 93 points


Barnard Griffin Winery stands out as a winery that puts out value driven, quality wines. Rob Griffin has the longest tenure as a wine maker in the state of Washington. He is passionate about wine and the wine world and it shows in the quality of his work. It sounds like his daughter is following in his footsteps and that is good news for us.

As always, I like to let everyone know what the crowd favorite was at the event. The rose of sangiovese was by far the most popular wine followed closely by the Tulip Label cab-merlot. In the Reserve line, the zinfandel was the crowd favorite. As noted, for me it was the Reserve Cab.

If you haven’t tried Barnard Griffin wines recently, I encourage you to seek them out. The syrah and zinfandel would be a nice match for your Easter lamb. Or try the rose of sangiovese or merlot with your Easter ham. You will not be disappointed and you will save a boat load of money. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man.

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