Domestic Budget Wines
that Won't Break the Bank
Your savings have depleted with all the shindigs you have hosted in holiday season. But alas, there are many more celebrations on your list. This month, I will feature quality wines not over $20 per bottle. There are numerous top value wines available out there; it only takes a clever eye and adequate knowledge on vintages to spot the excellent ones.
This month, we will feature excellent wines from the United States. We have four Pinot Gris/Grigios, 3 Sauvignon Blanc and 4 Merlots.
Pinot Gris/Grigio Wine Recommendations
Crane Lake, 2005 PINOT GRIGIO, CALIFORNIA $5-$6
Fruit-forward and enticing. This wine is bursting with flavors of apple, lemon peel and pear aromas/flavors. Drink through 2007.
Five Rivers, 2005 PINOT GRIGIO, MONTEREY COUNTY
$12-$13.50
Fine and delicate. Crisp and full-bodied. Features the flavors of line, lemon peel, honeydew and melon aromas. 2% Viognier, 1% Symphony. Drink through 2007.
Morgan, 2005 PINOT GRIS, R & D FRANSCIONI VINEYARD,
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS $16-$17
Ripe and fleshy. This Pinot Gris is full-bodied with flavors of roasted nut, lemon peel, pear and peach. Well balanced with noteworthy finish. 1,600 cases. Drink through 2007.
Sterling Vintner's Collection, 2005 PINOT GRIGIO
CENTRAL COAST $14
Distinctive combination of fruity and floral characters. Tasting of pear, honey, peach, honeysuckle, orange blossom. Full-bodied and supple in texture. Excellent value. 35,000 cases. Drink through 2007.
Sauvignon Blanc Wine Recommendations
Chateau Souverain, 2005 SAUVIGNON BLANC
ALEXANDER VALLEY $12-$13
Fruit-forward and round. Full-bodied and well-balanced quality. Taste reminiscent of pear, lemon peel, lemon grass and pineapple. 3% Viognier. 12,154 cases. Drink through 2007.
Long Meadow Ranch, 2005 SAUVIGNON BLANC, RUTHERFORD
$17-$18
Appealing with flavors of apple, lime, melon and grapefruit. Well-balanced and Full-bodied. Drink through 2007.
Pellegrini, 2005 SAUVIGNON BLANC, LEVERONI VINEYARD
LAKE COUNTY $13-$14
Sauvignon of excellent quality. Supple in texture, full-bodied and moderately rich. Rich fruitiness with flavors of apple and lime, with subtle overtones of lemon grass and spices. Unwooded. 1,856 cases. Drink through 2007.
Riesling Wine Recommendations
Chateau St. Jean, 2005 RIESLING, SONOMA COUNTY $14-$15
Great value Riesling. Very fragrant and adequately structured. This Riesling features a great combination of floral and fruity character. Possessing medium long finish. 2.53% residual sugar. 2,300 cases. Drink through 2007.
Gainey Vineyard, 2005 RIESLING, SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
$15-$16
Enticing and medium full bodied. This Riesling is ripely flavored with persistent long finish. Tastes reminiscent of peach, pineapple, jasmine and honeydew melon. 0.9% residual sugar. 4,000 cases. Drink through 2007.
If you enjoyed these wine reviews, you
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