Steven's choice:Valréas Côtes Du Rhône

Last night Brandon and I invited Steven* over for wine and cheese. With Wines for the Economy on my mind I asked Steven to bring a blog-worthy, under $15 bottle that I have never had before.

 

I would like to introduce Valréas “Cuvée Prestige” Côtes Du Rhône. If you want a true Rhone flavored wine (medium-bodied, dark fruits, peppery spice) but do not want to spend twenty-five dollars, you are in luck: this $5.99 bottle has a classic Rhone taste that, for the price, will not disappoint even the most fastidious wine snob.

 

Cost: $5.99

 

 

2011 Valréas “Cuvée Prestige” Côtes Du Rhône Villages

 

*Steven, my good friend and neighbor, introduced me to wine in 2007. Before then if someone had two different half open bottles of wine, I saw no reason why he or she could not combine the two into one bottle. Enough said. Not only was Steven patient enough to endure the four months it took to develop my palate, but he was generous enough to share his 1999 Plumpjack with Brandon and I; and his 2000 Duckhorn; and his 2004 Darioush Cabernet, just to name a few. To say I respect his opinions about wine is an understatement.

 



Cameron Hughes'Amazing Rosé

After trying this last week and loving it, I drove to Costco yesterday to buy 3 more bottles. Cameron Hughes has offered some impressive value-priced wines over the years, but Lot 349 has to be one of their best Rosés.

With layers of citrus, raspberry and sliced melon, this gem is the perfect holiday wine. For under $10 I suggest you buy multiple bottles since only limited quantities are available. Subtly sweet with natural fruit flavors (rosé’s do not contain any sugar) this is a refreshing, classic Rosé.

Lot 349 is a must buy: I know Costco stores (especially in Southern Cali) can be madhouses, but I promise this wine is well worth it!

Cost: $9.99, Costco

 

Lot# 349 ~ Cameron Hughes 2011 Napa Valley Rosé

 

Succulent red fruit balances elegantly with lively acidity resolving in along and sustained finish. Visit the Cameron Hughes website to see what store locations carry this wine.

 

Kunde: wineshopping made ea$y

There is no way for me to continue Wines for the Economy without including Kunde’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (I have bought at least three of them). If you are willing to spend a few more dollars on a pleasant, richly flavored bottle of wine, I highly recommend this $13-$15 cab.

Visiting friends for dinner and need to bring wine? No need to break the bank. This bottle will more than satisfy your host/s.

Cost: $12.99, Trader Joes

2009 Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, Family Estate Series

"The bouquet of our 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon jumps out of the glass, filling your nose with raspberries, black cherries and a dark chocolate note that is so unique to the Sonoma Valley.” - Winemaker Zachary Long

Ol' Faithful:Buena Vista Pinot Noir

***UPDATE***
Trader Joes stores are down to their final cases of BV Pinot noir -- and they are going fast. If you want to take advantage of the $9.99 price tag, I suggest you stock up now.

I nicknamed Buena Vista's Pinot Noir "ol' faithful" because whether you are hosting cheese night or serving filet mignon for dinner, this wonderful medium-bodied wine will totally deliver. With many layers, BV's earthy 2008 is a must-buy and can be found at most Southern California Trader Joes' for a mere $9.99.

Cost: $9.99, Trader Joes

 

2008 Buena Vista Pinot Noir Carneros, Napa, California

Evodia:A Weeknight Favorite

Okay, so clearly I cannot be any less up-to-date on my motherhood blog than I have been…

Fortunately this is wonderful news. For years I have been talking about creating a blog geared toward wine lovers who want to enjoy great wines while staying on a budget.

And I do understand budget.

Before the birth of our daughter, my husband and I thought nothing of going into our favorite wine store* and spending a couple hundred dollars. [And that was just one wine store! Let's not forget Costco, Silver Lake Wine, etc.] Suffice it to say, things have changed. Today I am a stay-at-home mom of a precious two year old (and I love it!) living in Los Angeles where 40%+ of my husband's income goes to taxes.

As a result, today marks the birth of "Wines for the Economy."

People who know me know I have an appreciation and love for good wine. Basically if I have met you at least two times and you are morally sound and not an alcoholic, you have been invited over for a glass.

So to start I will introduce the beautiful Garnacha I am enjoying now: 2011 Altovinum Evodia

I am a huge fan of Grenache wines. I find their smooth, rich, pleasantly light flavor more than satisfying. This wine is the perfect bottle to open when friends unexpectedly stop by. Trust me, they will love it. A fantastic value under $10: $8.00 at Costco/$9.99 at Whole Foods. Buy it today.

Nothing says "yum" like an empty glass of wine.

Avg. Cost: $8.99

 

 

2011 Altovinum Evodia Old Vine Garnacha Calatayud

89 Points | Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

90 Points | International Wine Cellar , September/October 2012

Tasting notes: Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, smoky minerals and white pepper, with a suggestion of candied rose. Supple on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, with vibrant flavors of black and blue fruits and floral pastilles. Finishes with powerful blue fruit and spice notes and very good length.

 

*Topline Wine in Glendale, Ca. of course.