For anyone that loves to enjoy a glass on wine after work or at dinner or both but has to (or wants to) pinch pennies, here are some solid buys our tasting panel discovered recently.  Each wine is available for under $15 and is made, right here in the USA, with grape varieties originally grown in Bordeaux. Enjoy!   

Columbia 2015 Merlot

Grape(s): 85% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 5% Malbec, & 2% Other

Region: Washington, USA

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

There are aromas of raspberries, cherries, and plums that interweave among suggestions of cocoa, exotic spice, and soy sauce on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of cherry and plums, accented by highlights of bakers chocolate, spice, and cedar. Offering polished tannins and compelling, but unorthodox flavors, wine geeks looking for a bargain ought to try this.

Rating: 89

Columbia Crest “H3” 2015 Merlot

Grape(s): 82% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 4% Malbec, & 2% Other

Region: Washington, USA

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

The nose reveals aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries, which meld with hints of anise, dark chocolate, and earth. Dark cherry, blackberry, and cassis flavors come up front on the palate and move into whispers of licorice, black tea, and chocolate. Fairly supple, with cocoa tannins, if you can find it for $10, take advantage.

Rating: 89

McManis 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): Cabernet

Region: California

Price: 5-10

Tasting Notes:

Waves of dark fruit come together with suggestions of cocoa, anise, and cedar on the nose. Flavors of currant, blackberry, and black cherry mingle among nuances of licorice, cedar, and dark chocolate on the palate. Rather supple with nice fruit but it has some savory character to balance that out. Open a bottle with turkey chili.

Rating: 88

Joel Gott 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: California

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Lots of citrus fruits and melons meld with nuances of wild flowers and minerals on the nose. Grapefruit, passion fruit, and melon interweave among expressions of minerals and honeysuckle on the palate. A fresh acidity and sold backbone make this a excellent food wine. Pair with your favorite white fish.

Rating : 89