Wines
of the Week:
Under $20 III, 90 Points
Once
again, 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 |
7
Deadly Zins 2015 Zinfandel
Winery:
7 Deadly Zins
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Inviting aromas of cherries and blackberries meld with
suggestions of olive and clove on the nose. The palate
unfurls with flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and raspberry
flowing into hints of caramel and brown spice. Lush fruit
and plush tannins make this a very inviting Zin.
Rating: 90 |
|
Louis
Martini 2015 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Louis Martini
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Petite Sirah, & Cabernet Franc
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Lovely aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and and
currants mingle among suggestions of dark chocolate, toasty
oak, and coffee on the nose. The palate showcases flavors
of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, alongside accents
of mocha and oak. Polished tannins frame welcoming fruit
flavors; it's a nice Cab for about $15.
Rating: 90 |
|
Black
Stallion 2016 Chardonnay
Winery:
Black Stallion
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
One is met by peaches, honeydews, toasted coconut, and
creamy butter on the nose. The palate opens up with lemon,
peach, and melon flavors merging among expressions of
buttery oak and coconut cream. There's good balance in
this wine, as creamy, fruity, and crisp elements are in
harmony. Pair with lobster in butter sauce.
Rating: 90 |
|
Joel
Gott 2016 Pinot Gris
Winery:
Joel Gott
Grape(s): Pinot Gris
Region: Willamette Valley, Orgeon
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
The nose is comprised of expressions of peaches, pineapples,
and golden apples, along with hints of flint and honey.
Apple take center stage on the palate but white peach
and sweet pineapple are there, too, with minerals backing
everything up. There's a good balance of crispness and
richness in this wine making it ideal to pair with a take
out dish like lemon chicken.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
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
|