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

 

Père Anselme’sReserve De L'Aube

Père Anselme’s easy-drinking syrah-merlot blend is perfect for anyone new to drinking wine. Medium-to-light bodied, Reserve De L'Aube is a simple blend of dark fruits combined with soft notes of oak and pepper. This $6.99 red is smooth on the palate and will pair nicely with just about any meal.

Cost: $6.99

 

Reserve De L'aube Syrah-Merlot Blend

 

Chateau du Rouet'sdelicious Rosé

As far as I am concerned, nothing says Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays like a heavenly smelling, richly-hued French Rosé. Flavors such as grapefruit, ripe orange, and melon bring balance to Réservée Tradition’s light, juicy profile. For about $15, this crisp Grenache-Syrah-Cinsault blend overflows with good cheer and will satiate your warm-weather palate all winter long.

Sharing your great taste in wine is a beautiful way to say you care; therefore, Chateau du Rouet Cuvée Reservée Tradition will make the perfect holiday gift.

Avg. Cost: $14.99

 

2011 Chateau du Rouet Cotes de Provence

Cuvee Reservee Tradition Rosé, Provence, France

(60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault)

 

Alamos Malbec:Good tasting, reasonably priced

I never tried Alamos wines before, so when I opened their 2011 Malbec at the end of a very long day, it needed to be good.

It was. Costing under $10, Alamos was surprisingly nice and became more enjoyable with each sip. Round and ripe with spicy undertones, this Argentine Malbec is easy to drink and will be perfectly paired with appetizers or pizza.

Enjoy.

Cost: $8.99, Trader Joes

 

2011 Alamos Mendoza, Argentina Malbec

 

"Alamos Malbec pours a deep purple color with hues of garnet. A medley of aromas that include cedar, plums, cherries, and vanilla fill the nose of the wine. The palate is rich and juicy with tastes of black fruit, cedar, and pepper. While this Malbec isn’t complex or elegant, if offers vibrant flavors that are sure to please a crowd." - Trader Joes

 

Steven's choice:2008 Epiphany Gypsy

It seems Eli Parker, son of the late Fess Parker, has followed in his father’s footsteps by creating his own brand of wines. When Steven brought over a 2008 Epiphany Gypsy for Brandon and me to try, I was impressed.

Epiphany is by no means a bargain-bin wine, but oenophiles understand the need to splurge. With aromas of vanilla, raspberry, cherry, cranberry, and a hint of spiciness, Gypsy has everything you would ever hope for in a $25 California red Rhone blend.

Two thumbs up.

Cost: $25

 

2008 Epiphany Cellars Gypsy, Santa Barbara County

(39% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, 16% Counoise, 11% Cinsault, 1% Syrah)

 

Halos de JupiterCostières-de-Nîmes

I love Friday nights. And to celebrate the beginning of another much anticipated weekend, I opened Les Halos de Jupiter Costières de Nîmes. Having all the yummy qualities that make a Rhone wine worth buying--enticing dark color, deep black fruit flavor, and notes of herbs and spice followed by a nice, long finish--Robert Parker gave this palate pleasing Grenache/Syrah blend 89 points. I guess it is safe to say RP and I agree: this is $14 very well spent.

Avg. Cost: $13.99

 

Halos de Jupiter Costieres de Nimes Rouge, 2009

 

An outstanding bargain, 60% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Carignan. It is a pretty, Burgundian-styled effort displaying lots of forest floor, red berry and cherry notes intermixed with a hint of spring flowers, good density, medium body and soft tannin. -Wine Advocate

 



Derby Vinyarddoes it again!

I know not everyone enjoys the fruity and robust, jammy red wines that come from grapes grown in the Paso Robles heat. I do. Since being introduced to Derby wines a year or so ago, I have become a fan. Not only are their bottles reasonably priced, but this $9.99 FIFTEEN10 is a delicious Rhone-style blend of 38% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 28% Counoise, and 6% Mourvedre.

If you favor Paso Robles wines and Grenache-Syrah blends as much as I do, then this is the wine for you.

Cost: $9.99, Topline Wine, Glendale CA

 

Derby 2006 Fifteen10 Red

 

Tasting notes: "Aromas of red berries combine with notes of licorice, tobacco, spice, and earth on the nose. Raspberry and cherry flavors unfold into suggestions of anise, smoked game, earth, and spice after a sip."

The Crowd Pleaser:Tres Picos Garnacha 2010

I am excited to blog about my favorite Spanish Granacha from Tres Picos. This wine is fantastic. I have yet to pour a glass for someone who is not instantly won over by its rich, dark berry flavor.
 
Wine Spectator gave this Grenache a well-deserved 90 point rating. Costing only about $14, I suggest you buy a couple bottles for your next party. Everyone from newbies to the more sophisticated wine drinkers will be pleased.

Cost: $13.99
Drink: Now trough 2015

 

Tres Picos Borsao Garnacha 2008

 

"Glass-staining purple. Lively, faintly medicinal aromas of cherry, blueberry and licorice, plus hints of smoky herbs and flowers. Juicy and expansive, offering sweet, deeply pitched bitter cherry and dark berry flavors supported by a taut spine of acidity and fine-grained tannins. Finishes with powerful spicy thrust and suggestions of candied flowers and woodsmoke. This could pass for a northern Rhone wine, and a really good one at that." -International Wine Cellar, 91 Points

Black Mountain's2011 winning white

As the end of daylight savings time approaches, I suggest an impromptu picnic in the park to give our extra hour of sunlight its last hurrah. Take your favorite brie and crackers, a jar of organic fig jam, and, most importantly, this refreshing $5.99 must-have Sauvignon Blanc from Black Mountain. Considering I prefer red wines over white, after buying three bottles (and I only have one left) it is safe to say I think 2011 was a great year for this Napa Valley winery.

Cost: $5.99, Trader Joes

 

2011 Black Mountain Sauvignon Blanc (Three Candles)

 

Tasting notes: Notes of melon, mint, and grapefruit are harmoniously engaged and create a satisfying effect. The crisp acidity adds to the charm and invites one to pair this wine with food or simply sip by itself.