By Rick Riozza
Hi folks! Yes—it’s that time of year where we jump into the fray of finding fall’s best bang for the buck in the wine aisle. Lately (in the wine aisles), I hear it incessantly: “these wine prices are just going up and up! And all we can say is yup & yup! So we’ll do our public and personal service and report on some real deals—that’s right—in the wine aisle.
So we’ve unearthed with ease some popular varietals/wines that we’ll discuss below, which have scored over 90 points on someone’s professional scale, and, we are drawing the line at $20 or less per bottle. We’re hoping this all works out for the lot of you.
Usually, we’ll wax poetic on the awe-aspiring autumn season by reflecting on the sensual and emotional semblance of the love for nature & foliage, its aromas timely emanating, the on-coming crispness in the air—and the comforting food & wine we expect at this time. But not today: this week’s column is strictly nuts & bolts. So let’s get to the great deals!
One of the pleasant notions in the game of wine that most folks have come to realize is that it’s a false notion that the more you spend on a bottle automatically makes it better. Hey!—we’re not haters here, feel free to spend away! This column regularly recommends absolutely delicious wines at deliciously high prices—but that’s when we wish to really treat our friends and ourselves. On regular days, we relish the smart buy!
Okay—as mentioned. the wines below are all under 20 bucks and over 90 points on the chart. Cheers!
2023 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, ($15). No doubt, the world has tried Kendall-Jackson’s Chardonnay, as it is an all-time favorite. Soon to ditto that with their Sauv Blanc, scoring 93 points by the folks over at the Wine Enthusiast. This Savvy Blanc is fresh, lively, with aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, dried herbs, white flowers, and minerals. The flavors on the palate are pink grapefruit, Kaffir lime, quince, guava, white peach, tangerine, slight honeycomb, with a juicy dry finish.
For the price, who can ask for more. It’s like a tropical fruit salad in a glass! Here in our desert, it’ll pair well with everything on the picnic table, from salads to fish tacos, to take-out and more.
2022 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris ($19) More and more of you folks are venturing on from Italian Pinot Grigio to the Oregon Pinot Gris. It’s the same DNA but an entirely different local and terroir: of course one can taste la difference. Pear is apparent on the nose, joined by tropical and citrus fruits along with some apple, yellow plum, honeysuckle and gardenia. The entry is fruit forward revealing green apple, pear, mango, melon and peach on the palate. Fruit, acidity, and alcohol come together in superb balance.
The ticket here and the reason why we get such a complex wine for the money is that the wine’s fermented in 100% stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks, but aged sur lie for eight months. Sur lie aging is the process where wine rests on dead yeast cells and other sediment, after fermentation, to gain complexity, texture, and flavor. This type of aging adds body and richness to the wine.
2023 Josh Cellars Rosé, ($15). This is yet another brand that everyone just raves over. This rosé is very tasty and likeable—especially at that price! The winery notes claim: “This wine is rose hued, lush, lively, with aromas of raspberry, strawberry, papaya, and notes of orange blossom honey on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white nectarine, Blood orange, rhubarb-cranberry, Kaffir lime cream, clove, and a dry mineral finish. Pair with Fresh Oysters.”
I guess I get those flavors, but it’ll depend on the serving temperature of the rosé; usually you’ll wish to start with 45° (for crisper notes) and let it warm up to 55°F to catch the fruitier ones. Great value—nice wine, 91 points.
2023 Shannon Ridge High Elevation Collection Chardonnay (Lake County) ($17). This wine is an excellent buy that is Certified Organic, sustainably farmed, and vegan-friendly. In the era of climate change, Lake County’s cooler temperature—north of Napa Valley, provide wines known for its ripe pear, apple, and citrus aromas. The palate is that of baked pear, Yellow apple, cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla cream, and enjoys a long silky finish. 92 points
The wine is Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Grigio. The wine’s characteristics are influenced by the volcanic soils and intense sun exposure of the high-altitude Lake County vineyards, which contribute to its complex, balanced, and full-bodied profile. Check out my previous articles on this winery: coachellavalleyweekly.com/clear-lake-wines-a-hidden-secret-no-longer, coachellavalleyweekly.com/shannon-ridge-takes-stage-at-escena-lounge.
2022 Bogle Pinot Noir ($9). Nothing bespeaks an autumn wine more than a comforting Pinot Noir. Wine Enthusiast score this pinot at 93 points! At this price—what’s the world coming to! Such the deal!
“Fresh and lively this wine boasts aromas of dark raspberry, plum, coriander and dried potpourri followed by notes of toasted vanilla. Strawberry and cranberry coulis lead on the palate and are accented by subtler flavors of blood orange peel, dried sage and chocolate, leading to a dry supple finish. Pair with roasted duck breast.”
2022 Cesari Corvina Blend (Valpolicella Classico) ($16). I’m thinking you may wish for a value Italian here: “A skillfully crafted Valpolicella that plays both sides of the fruit spectrum: ripe black fruits for depth, bright red fruits add lift and energy. The acidity keeps everything in motion, carrying the flavors through to a composed finish. 92 points
Believe it or not—we’re throwing in a non-vintage Barefoot NV Cabernet Sauvignon at $5 a bottle!! It’s not for me–but it’s a quick Cab for many of you fans who love a little maple and boysenberry in your wine. “Aromas of black fruits, spice, chocolate, toasted oak, and notes of dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, plum, orange peel, maple, and a silky finish.” WE 93 points! Cheers!
