Wines
of the Week: Under $20 IV, 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 |
Renwood
"Old Vine" 2014 Zinfandel
Winery:
Renwood
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Amador County, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Nice red berry aromas combine with suggestions of butterscotch
and clove on the nose. Jammy raspberry, strawberry, and
cherry flavors are backed up by notes of caramel and all-spice.
With polished tannins and good balance make this ideal
to pair with BBQ ribs.
Rating: 90 |
|
Z.
Alexander Brown 2016 "Uncaged" Chardonnay
Winery:
Z. Alexander Brown
Grape(s): 100%
Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of tropical and citrus fruits mingle with hints
of vanilla and all-spice. A sip reveals flavors of pineapple,
peach, and lemon alongside expressions of toasty vanilla
and brown spice. A nice balance of richness and freshness
make this a fine Chardonnay for the price.
Rating: 90 |
|
Robert
Mondavi 2015 Fume Blanc
Winery:
Robert Mondavi
Grape(s): 96 % Sauvignon Blanc &
4 % Semillon
Region: California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Notes of mango, citrus, melon, and fresh ginger come together
on the nose. The palate opens up with flavor lemon, peach,
and melon and flows into allusions of clove, ginger, and
cream. Supple and layered, it's perhaps somewhat atypical,
but it is tasty.
Rating: 90 |
|
Elouan
2016 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Elouan
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Oregon, USA
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Cherries and strawberries meld with aromas of cola and
smoked bacon on the nose. Nice and round on the palate,
strawberry, plum, and cherry flavors play among nuances
of smoke, game, and vanilla. Rich fruit, nice layers,
and a balanced acidity make this a compelling Pinot.
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
|