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
 

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

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)

 

$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

 

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

 

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

 

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."

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. 

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.

 

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.