Reds | Bottle | $11 | Boarman’s Market (Highland, MD) | So here’s the thing: Yes, Napa Valley cabs are more expensive, but, yes,they also taste better. So here’s the other thing: This Central Coast cab is remarkably good, especially when you consider from wherest it came (and what it cost).
And I agreed with the tasting notes on the label, although finding them on the obverse struck me as quirky. What’s up with that?
Better than any $11 Napa cab that I can recall.
Bubbles | Bottle | $14 | Pine Orchard | My business partner, Lynne D’Autrechy, and I recently had an impromptu proposal win celebration. We raided her wine cellar and picked a Caposaldo. It was quite good. Not too sweet or dry. Just right for a winning bid and/or a summer afternoon.
Reds | Case | $11 | Banks Wine and Spirits (Millville, DE) | Admittedly, I bought this wine on a whim because it has a bicycle on the label, but also because I’m a huge fan of the values to be had in wines from South America. This wine did not disappoint. It’s dark red in the glass, with glimpses of purple, a real beauty. Fruit on the nose, with hints of currants and spice. The wine is very drinkable, fruit-forward and well-balanced. It benefitted from some time airing out as it became more rounded over the evening after we opened the bottle. I’m enjoying this wine with grilled burgers tonight, but I could see it pairing well with pizza, BBQ and maybe even lamb.
Banks Wine and Spirits is my go-to store when I’m down at the beach; the store is just a few miles inland from Bethany Beach, right on DE Route 26, next to a shopping center with a large Giant food store. Great selection and prices on wines, beers and spirits. And, thanks to Delaware, no sales taxes! http://www.bankswinesandspirits.com/
Reds-Case (if money were no object) | $52/bottle (Iron Bridge) or $40/bottle (Total Wine – but without the Iron Bridge’s excellent beef tenderloin) | Iron Bridge | Total Wine | This has been a consistent favorite of mine. Used to be from Orin Swift but I’m told it was sold—it’s still a great wine though. Wine Advocate (90 points) says “Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, peppery, meaty, Rhone-like bouquet with hints of bay leaf, unsmoked cigar tobacco, black currants and sweet jammy cherries.” I’ll go along with that!