During the week, we all love a great bargain, but once the weekend rolls around, a lot of us like to spend a little extra for that better bottle. Thus, here are three wines between $20-25 that won over our tasting panel. Enjoy!
D66 “Others” 2014 Grenache
Grape(s): Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre
Region: Catalnes, France
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of bramble berries, vanilla, spice, and anise greet the senses. Rich, jammy fruit flavors of blackberry and raspberry come together with suggestions of cola, spice, and earth on the palate. Opulent fruit and spicy, earthy elements are in harmony here. Nice bottle.
Rating: 91
Saldo 2016 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 85% Zinfandel; 15% Blend of Petite Sirah and Syrah
Region: California
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Jammy cherries, raspberries, and boysenberries mingle with expressions of dark chocolate and anise. Lush raspberry, cherry, and blackberry flavor come up front on the palate, flowing into notes of mocha, clove, and licorice. Rich and round, it’s a mouth-filling Zin that will conquer any BBQ dish you match it with.
Rating: 91
Ruffino 2014 Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico
Grape(s): Sangiovese
Region: Chianti, Italy
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries, leather, and rose petals rise up from a glass. The palate offers bing cherry and raspberry flavors, along with accents of spice, leather, and cedar. Light with a nice acidity, it’s perfect for any pasta in a marinara sauce.
Rating: 90