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Wines of the Week: Under $20, 90 Points

We're launching a new regular series with this feature, 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.

Click on labels to enlarge

Kenwood 2014 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery: Kenwood
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Sonoma Valley, Ca
Year: 2014

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
A bouquet of tropical and citrus fruits draws one in. The palate has a nice round quality, carrying notes of mango, passion fruit, and Meyer lemon, along with hints of minerals. A balanced acidity, means this isn't one of those crisp, mouth-puckering Sauv Blancs. It's quite approachable and will pair well with a white fish, like tilapia.
Rating: 90

Columbia Crest 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Columbia Crest
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, & 2% Cabernet Franc

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Year: 2014

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
Waves of cassis and black cherries combine with suggestions of dark chocolate, smoky oak, and white pepper on the nose. Your taste buds are greeted by cherry, blackberry, and currant flavors that evolve into highlights of chocolate, vanilla, and spice on the palate. Excellent for a Cab that can be found for about $10. Buy it by the case if it's on sale.
Rating: 90

Wente 2015 Riva Ranch Chardonnay
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Monterey, Ca

Year: 2015

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
Pineapple, pear, and vanilla coalesce together on the nose. The palate unfurls with flavors of pineapples, peaches, and pears that move into accents of toasty vanilla, marzipan, and toffee. A rich wine that's round with a friendly acidity, fans of opulent Chardonnay will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90

Rutherford Ranch 2014 "Two Range" Blend
Winery: Rutherford Ranch
Grape(s): Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Region: Napa Valley, Ca

Year: 2014

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
Lots of black cherries, cranberries, and plums rise up from a glass, accented with hints of chocolate and toasty oak. Lush fruit flavors of cherry, plum, and cranberry form a lovely fruit core that's highlighted by allusions of dark chocolate, minerals, and sweet spice on the palate. Fruit-driven with polished tannins, lamb burgers would make a fine pairing.
Rating: 90

By Jason Barlow

Photo credit: eastmidtown via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

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Ratings Key:
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

 

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