Wines under $20
This is a excellent go-to Zinfandel at a good price. Fruit from two Dry Creek Valley vineyards are blended into a soft jammy utterly enjoyable zinfandel. 14% Petite Sirah in the blend adds a bit of spice and darker fruit flavors. Not as complex as some from Wine Guerrlla, just sit back and enjoy the jam.
From the Stoller Vineyard’s Estate junior vines (younger vines) come this excellent value Pinot Noir. This medium bodied wine is immediately approachable but has enough tannins to hold it for another couple of years. Expect buoyant flavors of red fruit, spice, raspberry and dark cherry.
Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay was a truly delightful New Zealand Syrah. A lighter style, this wine is soft, round and more food friendly than most Syrahs. Well balanced and fruit forward with flavors of blackberry and spice. A great wine to enjoy with friends and conversation. At $13 retail it’s a deal. Beware of big restaurant mark-ups on this wine.
Maybe the best Chardonnay for under $10 we have found. Nicely balanced oak & butter make Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay a real winner. The price makes it a great go-to Chardonnay. I’ll pour this Chardonnay at my patio party any time.
Artesa could be our new go-to California Pinot. Rich flavors of dark cherry, currant, chocolate with a hint of tobacco leaf. Soft tannins added to the silkyness on the palate. Another Artesa wine that will impress your friends without breaking the bank.
