Soften life's rough edgeswith Santa Julia

Life can be annoyingly unpredictable; therefore, it is always good to have a gratifying, inexpensive bottle of wine on hand. And if the bottle has a twist-off top—even better. Enter Santa Julia: a bold, lively Argentinean Cabernet Sauvignon for only $7. With soft tannins and notes of blackcurrant, raspberry and plum, this wine will pair flawlessly with whatever challenges the day may bring.

Cost: $6.99, Costco

 

2011 Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Advocate - 88 Points

Wine Spectator - 88 Points

 

CAR MEN AIRDe.lic.ious

Looking for new wines to try I bought this Maule Valley Carmenere today at Trader Joe's--and I am happy I did! With flavors of dark chocolate, creamy vanilla, coffee, dark berries, and spices, this Chilean red wins with its earthy, valiant bouquet. My husband and I are drinking it now, and let's just say I will be going back this weekend to buy 2-3 more bottles.

Cost: $5.99



 

Car Men Air 2011 Maule Valley Carmenere

 

Happy New Year!TJ's 2010 Reserve Cabernet

The fact that I have not written about any wines in over a month is an example of how busy I was during the holidays. Well, I am back with the perfect bottle to start off the New Year: Trader Joe’s Alexander Valley Reserve. This 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious. The label notes aromas of mixed berries and vanilla with a concentrated yet smooth finish. With a spot-on description as that, who am I to dare say differently?

Happy New Year!

Cost: $9.99

 

Trader Joe's 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Valley
 

Steven's Choice:Louis Jadot Chardonnay

For the past few weeks my friend Steven has been suggesting I try Louis Jadot’s 2011 Chardonnay. Turns out Robert Parker also recommends this wine and added it to his “Best Value” list. If Robert Parker and Steven both say a wine is good, I am buying it.

Louis Jadot’s latest Mâcon-Villages vintage is wonderful. Crisp apple, ripe peach, and light oak combined with notes of melon and a touch of rose for only $11.99 is enough to elate Ebenezer Scrooge into a ballad of Holly Jolly Christmas. This Chardonnay will pair marvelously with appetizers and hors d'oeuvres and is a cheese lover’s answer to prayer.

Cost: $11.99, Trader Joe's

 

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay 2011

 

Happy Thanksgiving!H3's 2010 Cabernet

For years I have been buying H3 and Columbia Crest has yet to disappoint with their Horse Heaven Hills wines. This week I bought the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and it paired wonderfully with turkey and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, and homemade stuffing. Produced from vineyards located in eastern Washington, this medium-bodied red gets richer and more flavorful as it opens up. Mouthfuls of cocoa, licorice, plum, and deep berry prove a wine priced for everyday drinking can also be a treat.

Avg. Cost: $12

 

H3 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 



Usher in the holidayswith Las Rocas

I always enjoy a good Grenache. When I find a Calatayud Garnacha that parades the art of Spanish winemaking for only $9.99, I drive back to my favorite wine store and buy another bottle. Las Rocas opens with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and ripe cherry without being too jammy, while hints of oak and licorice create a smooth finish.

Planning your holiday soiree? Be sure this is at the top of your wine list.

Cost: $9.99

 

Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2009

 

"The 2009 Las Rocas is 100% Garnacha sourced from 80-year-old vines from the DO of Calatayud with 25% of the wine aged in wood. It is a forward, savory, ripe, succulent offering that should prove to be a crowd-pleaser. It is an outstanding value that will deliver enjoyment over the next 5 years." -The Wine Advocate, 90 Points

Trader Joe’s 2010Grand Reserve Pinot Noir

For only $12.99, Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Pinot Noir delivers the structured depth and roundness found in a $20 Pinot. This made me happy—very happy. Russian River Valley grapes tend to translate into deep colored, flavorful wines and this 2010 is no exception. Dark berries combined with slight oak make this smooth, classic tasting Pinot a winner.

Cost: $12.99

 

2010 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Pinot Noir
 

The Splurge:Provenance Cabernet

When you are ready to reward yourself for surviving another character-building year, Provenance’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go. This wine is so delicious I had to write about it despite its $29.95 price tag. Dark cherry, black pepper, cassis, and deep plum blend harmoniously together and end with a soft chocolate finish. I assure you this Napa Valley boast is worth every penny.

Cost: $29, Costco

 

 

2009 Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

 

James Judd & SonMalbec Verdot

Only two out of the four (maybe five) wines I tasted this past week were delicious; the others were just okay. Unfortunately, both of the blog-worthy bottles were each over $35. Since I am committed to posting only $25 and under wines that are worth buying, if I drink ones that are not good, Wines for the Economy is put on hold.

Today the wait is over.

Last night James Judd & Son came to the rescue with their delicious 2006 Malbec Verdot. This is a wonderful Paso Robles blend that is rich and balanced without the jamminess commonly found in wines grown in the central coast region. With ripe plum, cocoa, and spicy oak, a measly $7 spent becomes an investment.

Cost: $6.99

 

James Judd & Son Vineyards 2006 Malbec Verdot

(76% Malbec and 24% Petit Verdot)

 

Happy Halloweenand Happy Reformation Day!

What am I dinking right now to celebrate? Folie à Deux 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. So sorry but I am not going to blog about this Cab since I bought it over two years ago.

Have a happy and safe evening wine lovers.

Me and my little ballerina.



$10 Must Have:Napa Station Cab

Wow. This has to be one of the best $10 Cabernets I have ever had. Rich and spicy, yet soft and sweet, Napa Station hits the Cabernet Sauvignon bull’s eye with blackberry, plum, ripe cherry, and cassis flavors. My husband and I opened a bottle with friends Friday night and it was a hit. This is one of those wines that will not be on Trader Joe's shelves long so buy one (or three) for yourself while you can.

Cost: $9.99, Trader Joe's

 

Napa Station 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Petit Sirah

“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Station is a flat-out delicious wine for the money. It shows excellent varietal character in its dark fruit, licorice and grilled herbs. Maturity: 2011-2014.” -Wine Advocate, 87 points

 

Estancia's 2011 Pinot:Another good year

Vintage after vintage, Estancia’s soft, velvety textured Pinot Noir has been a consistent favorite in our home. Medium bodied and fruit forward, their inexpensive 2011 Pinnacles Ranches even pleases my wine snob husband. Oozing with dark cherry, luscious berry, and spice, this wine will be a hit at Thanksgiving dinner. And for only $12.99 you can buy enough bottles for everyone to have more than one glass.

Cost: $12.99, Trader Joe's

 

2011 Estancia Pinot Noir Pinnacles Ranches