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 



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
 

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

 

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

 



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

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