Wines
of the Week: Under $20, 90 Points
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!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Z.
Alexander Brown 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Z. Alexander Brown
Grape(s): Cabernet
Region: North Coast, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
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
Winery:
Kunde
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Sonoma Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
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
Winery:
Franciscan
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
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
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 99% Zinfandel & 1% Petite
Sirah
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
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 |
By
Jason Barlow
Photo
credit: eastmidtown via Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|