Let’s face it. There are a lot of “fruit bombs” on the market today.  And, while wines that exude sweet fruit character are very friendly to drink, we would encourage folks to try expanding their palates a little.  Here are some affordable wines that offer a bit more nuance than those “fruit bombs.”  Hopefully, you’ll enjoy them.  If not, one can always go back.  Cheers!

 

Maddalena 2016 Pinot Grigio

Grape(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Monterey County, California

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of melon, green apple, white blossoms, and herbs. The palate delivers flavors of green apple, tangerine, and honeydew, framed by a mineral backbone. Quite crisp, but with a good body, open a bottle when you serve grilled white fish.

Rating: 90

Daou 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of cherries, blackberries, and raspberries that meld with suggestions of pipe tobacco, toasty vanilla, and dried herbs. A sip delivers flavors of cherry, raspberry, and plum, which flow into allusions of vanilla, roast coffee, and smoky earth. Ripe fruit and savory notes are in harmony at the smooth finish. Match up with roast beef.

Rating: 90

Montes Alpha 2014 Syrah

Grape(s): 90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon & 3% Viognier

Region: Chile

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A combination of plum, blackberry, bell pepper, and cocoa aromas greet the senses. The palate exhibits flavors of blackberries, blueberries, and plums, along with accents of bell pepper and dark chocolate. The wine has good structure and is well made, but it has a definite herbaceous character that won’t be for everyone. Fans of South American wines can give it a go.

Rating: 89

Morgan “Cotes du Crow” 2017 Red Blend

Grape(s): 56% Grenache, 37% Syrah, & 7% Tempranillo

Region: Monterey County, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A mix of raspberries and strawberries play among notes of vanilla and spice on the nose. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, cherry come forth, backed up by suggestions of vanilla, white pepper, and violets. Offering polished tannins and a balance of flavors, it’s a good match for a spicy fish stew.

Rating: 89