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.
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
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
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
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 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
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