wine-21-Joe Shlabotnik-Foter-CC BY

Around this time of year, the amount of entertaining we do becomes far more frequent.  And, of course, one wants to serve guests good wine, but who wants to spend a small fortune on it?  Luckily,  our trusty tasting panel has some wonderful suggestions of wines that will fit into your budget and still deliver with their quality.

188679

Seaglass 2014 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Strawberry and raspberry play nicely together with accents of earth and spice on the nose. It’s light, yet still rather lively on the palate, as ample red berry notes blend with minerals and a touch of white pepper. Quite approachable and hard to beat for the price.

Rating: 88

1088366x

Chateau Ste Michelle 2014 “Indian Wells” Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

A glass greets one with aromas of pineapple, mango, and pear that meld with allusions of campfire spice and caramel. Overflowing with lush tropical fruit on the palate as well as expressions of caramel and toasty oak, there’s a lovely richness that’s balanced by a nice acidity making it a fine choice to pair with baked sole in a brown butter sauce.

Rating: 90

main_variation_na_view_01_204x400

Au Contraire 2014 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Russian River Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Notes of grapefruit, lemon, white blossoms and custard can be discovered on the nose. The palate is citrusy and floral, yet creamy and rich. An opulent, inviting Chardonnay, it has a nice balance of lively flavors and creamy texture.

Rating: 90

341031

Dry Creek Vineyard 2014 “Heritage” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 78% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, & 2% Primitivo

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A classic Zin nose of dark fruit, spice, and vanilla comes up from a glass. With a sip, flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry emerge alongside suggestions of dark chocolate and pepper. The wine offers refined tannins and layered flavors. One could age this for a few years, but it would drink nicely now paired with your favorite BBQ.

Rating: 90

columbia-winery-cabernet-sauvignon-columbia-valley-usa-10697281

Columbia Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah, 3% Malbec, 3% Other

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, plums, cherries, and blackberries play nicely with hints of dark chocolate and creamy oak. The palate brings forth flavors of cassis, dark cherry, and blackberry that mingle with elements of mocha and oak. If you’re in the market for an everyday Cab, it will be a challenge to find better bang for your buck.

Rating: 89

x-default

Taylor Fladgate 2011 LBV Port

Grape(s): N/A

Region: Portugal

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Brilliant fruit on the nose that mingles with nutty, chocolaty, and caramel elements. This is rich and lush on the palate, offering black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum flavors which interplay among nutty, chocolaty, and caramel notes. Rich, supple, and highly approachable, for the price, I don’t think it can be beat (for ruby port fans).

Rating: 91