We continue our series focusing on high quality wines, with wide distribution, that can be found for $20 or less.  So add them to your shopping list, scoff at those more expensive bottles, and enjoy quality, even on a budget. Happy drinking!

Z. Alexander Brown 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): Cabernet

Region: North Coast, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

An inviting nose of opulent dark fruit and barrel accents draws one into a glass. It’s a lush, dark palate with blackberry, black cherry, and cassis combining with suggestions of coffee, chocolate, and toasty vanilla. There’s enough structure to match up with a lamb chop but it’s still just smooth enough to even sip alone. Lovely for the price.

Rating: 90

Kunde 2014 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Sonoma Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

There are notes of pear and golden apple that play nicely with hints of vanilla and citrus on the nose. The palate unfurls with ripe pear and apples, complimented by toasted almonds and creamy vanilla. It strikes a nice balance between round and lively. A winner for under $20.

Rating: 90

Franciscan 2014 Chardonnay

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Apples, pears, buttery oak, and vanilla join together on the nose. Those orchard fruit flavors follow through on the palate weaving in hints of butter, vanilla, and sweet spice. Striking a harmony between creamy and crisp, this is a Chardonnay that will do well with a dinner party crowd.

Rating: 90

Pedroncelli 2014 “Mother Clone” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 99% Zinfandel & 1% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers a wealth boysenberries and cherries with touches of pepper and clove rounding it out. Ripe bramble fruit, cherry, and plum form a nice fruit core that builds to a finish of sweet spice and pepper. Balanced flavors, tannins, and acidity make this an inviting wine.

Rating: 90

 

 

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Photo credit: eastmidtown via Foter.com / CC BY-SA