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/
Whites-Bottle | $14 | Perfect Pour | Who knew California has a Shenandoah Valley? Although the most expensive wines by volume tend to be dessert wines, there are some good values among them.
My wife and I served this one with strawberry shortcake last night and it seemed to pair well.
Too often dessert wines can be sickeningly sweet. This wine, derived from the Black Muscat grape is different. We found it to be slightly sweet and fruity but not over the top.
Whites-Case | $11/bottle or $132/case before discount | Total Wine | I’m always looking for a great wine for sushi and, not being a big Riesling fan, this is my favorite so far. From Mendoza, Argentina. Crisp, Pear, Apple, Light-bodied. A beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish. Best enjoyed in its youth.
Whites-Case | $6/bottle or $72/case before discount | Total Wine | Here is my second submission in the budget category, this time a white from Mendoza, Argentina. This highly aromatic white is filled with bright notes of orange blossoms and hints of apricot. The off-dry palate is balanced by a crispness reminiscent of fresh citrus, with a lingering perfumed finish. Delicious as an aperitif or with fresh seafood, especially sushi.
Reds-Case | $6/bottle or $72/case before discount | Total Wine | Hopefully I’ve built some wine cred with a few midrange submissions, so I can now offer up my go-to red for bigger crowds when budget plays a larger role. This is a real easy drinker, very respectable for the bargain price. Good with food or when it’s alone. Or when I’m alone and don’t want to feel guilty about opening a bottle.
Fresh, Raspberry, Currant, Medium-bodied Spanish Red Blend. This medium-bodied blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet has a rich red purple color, and displays raspberry and blackberry flavors on the palate. Silky in texture with a superb finish, it pairs well with simple dishes such as cold meats and cheeses or pasta dishes.
Whites-Case | $13 – $19 | The Perfect Pour | Stainless Chardonnay – unoaked 13.5% alcohol. No oak flavors with this Chardonnay. Grown from our friends on the Central Coast in California near San Luis Obispo. Tastes bursts of tropical fruit, peaches and vanilla flavors. Pairs perfectly to pasta and fish, while impressing your circle of friends that you don’t need an oaked chardonnay.
Reds-Case | $9 – $11 | The Perfect Pour | Mystery Red 13.6% alcohol. Who does not like a little mystery in their life? Alias’ Secret Agent Red is one of the best blends I have tasted, especially under the $10.00 price point. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, chocolate mint flow with a silky, yet fruity and medium bodied finish. It was also ranked a 91 by the beverage testing instate and also ranked top 10 wines under $10.00 in the World. I recommend this wine breathe for a little while – the cabernet sauvignon part of the blend needs to air out.
Reds-Bottle | $14 | Village Liquors of Clarksville (on Route 108) | I generally don’t like Malbecs, so consider this high praise. It passed the two-bottle test—my original enthusiasm was sustained over an interval. Full-bodied and rich. Nice finish. Very young, though—open early and swirl, swirl, swirl.