If you can't find Les Brebis, look for Montinore Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 for the same price. My current fave, and almost smoky, which fits my current mood.
Can you elaborate on "technological shortcuts or grapes that come from inappropriate areas"?
While reading this article in Helsinki, I live in Washington state.
You rave on enough European wine to float a boat. Also many from Ca. But not many at all from Wa. St. We have, in Columbia Crest, one of the most consistently best reds wines in the worldd, under $20.
You rave on enough European wine to float a boat. Also many from Ca. But not many at all from Wa. St. We have, in Columbia Crest, one of the most consistently best reds wines in the worldd, under $20.
1
Current fav: Prophecy Pinot Noir 2015; grocery store, $14.
$19.99 is under $20? Oh sure .....
2
I would submit to this list any of the Nebbiolo's from the Langhe region. They teeter in the sub 20 range if you price shop, and are a spectacular value.
2
What red wine best goes with apocalypse?
2
While I realize that many Colorado wines do not make it to distribution there, it would be nice to at least mention us as a serious wine making state. Colorado produces some very good wine, reasonably priced, with some of made 100% with locally grown grapes.
I'm very pleased to see 3 wines from the Loire Valley. I've tasted there several times and am impressed at how they manage to make very nice, reasonably priced wines with character, including some well done natural ones. I've picked up some winners there for as little as 5€.
1
Next up needs to be under $15, a real sweet spot for those of us who can't see an $18 Chinon as an everyday drink, as much as I would love to. There are real bargains under %15--from the base Montepulciano d'Abruzzo of Masciarelli to an estate Muscadet to old-line Rioja and lots of Languedoc estate reds form Corbieres and MInervois. I'm enjoying the Masciarelli (under $9 from Costco) and a $10 oak reserve Mendoza cabernet sauvignon from Trapiche. Not feeling deprived.
18
I was glad to see a Paso Robles wine included. I specially enjoy Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon which is around $16.
2
Wine, in Paso Robles? I watched the development of the highway that leads to all these "wineries"; it's the same highway, (41 or 46 I forget) that also goes to the landfill, where I used to work.most of these wineries sprung up in the last 5 to 10 years, as I remember… Real nice façades along the newly widened highway
In fact, one day about a decade ago, I found a box of four bottles of carefully packaged wine that fell out the side of some delivery vehicle turning off of the Nacimiento Lake Drive towards a 'rabbit ridge' winery (near a back-road, creek bed crossing to a A1& Auto Salvage) The wine bottles plainly falsely labeled with "rabbit Ridge", but the box where the wine originated was from somewhere in Napa… I forget the popular winery's, name. Talk about "fell off the back of some truck"! That was some good free wine, as at the time I wasn't drinking wine, so used it for the next year for cooking.
Lots of great whines in the comments section.
I like to shift the paradigms and leverage my synergies as much as the next guy but great wines under $9. would be more my niche.
i am getting tired of the goofy names too "Shebang", "Goats do Roam" and "Fat Bastard" Ok wines, but I can't give that to anybody without embarassing them.
I like to shift the paradigms and leverage my synergies as much as the next guy but great wines under $9. would be more my niche.
i am getting tired of the goofy names too "Shebang", "Goats do Roam" and "Fat Bastard" Ok wines, but I can't give that to anybody without embarassing them.
9
I have found, too, that wines between $15 and $20 can be very, very good for such a reasonable price. Paying less you take your chances and paying more you likely won't get such a great rise in quality to make the extra money worth shelling out. The only trouble I have with articles such as this one is actually finding the wines that are being talked about! I'll try anyway. Thanks!
9
Very good! As I was reading the article, I told my wife that the problem with the list (and all those previously) is that I have never found any of these wines at NC retailers. But have, in fact found many between $11 and $19 that were very enjoyable.
My guess is that the NYT list of "seasonal wines" are most likely compiled "out of season."
My guess is that the NYT list of "seasonal wines" are most likely compiled "out of season."
If you live in California I'd recommend Patelin de Tablas usually found at Costco for under $20. A nice Rhone style blend from Tablas Creek one of the Central Coast's best producers.
4
Thanks for including Long Island wines. There on many fine vineyards are both the North and South forks. There is nothing better on a summer day than taking a short ferry ride from Shelter Island, stopping at farm markets, and visiting one of the vineyards on the forks. Wolffer is one of my favorites.
1
A list of "Under 10 $" would be more suitable to your average reader who does not live and earn in Manhattan.
There are many good wines in the under 10 bucks range!
There are many good wines in the under 10 bucks range!
11
As in "two Buck Chuck" a wine available in California… Charles something, At a place called Trader Joe's… Me thinks Trader Joe's might be in more places than just California though
A bit of a stretch, a six pack of Bud light is 8 bucks for goodness sake.
2
Yes, please!!!
Nice varied selection. I too am a fan of Chianti, including the Volpaia and their somewhat more expensive Riserva. Volpaia is also a very beautiful town. Another really nice Chianti for less than $20 (at least in some stores) that's worth seeking out is Tenuta di Arceno.
1
I love these lists and have found at least one on every listing.
I found the Whole Shebang for $12 , great value wine.
Also can recommend from a previous list one of my now '"go to" wines Tenuta Terre Nere for $15-17.
I found the Whole Shebang for $12 , great value wine.
Also can recommend from a previous list one of my now '"go to" wines Tenuta Terre Nere for $15-17.
5
Thank you for this interesting list of wines, a few of which I will try- I'm interested in the Malbec and the Pinot Noir from the Willamette valley- it can be a very confusing situation to be in the wine store and get different views from the sales people- this list will at least lessen the confusion.
4
What are your favorite wines regardless of price?
One of my favorite red wines is Baco Noir from Bully Hill vineyards in New York state. It's an in your face red wine and VERY inexpensive. I even pay shipping to Maine. Castle Grisch Winery has a great Baco Noir, not quite so "in your face" and more money, also Finger Lakes, New York. I have found my friends either love these or hate them, so don't order a case first!
2
Take the $20 and buy 7 nips of Jack Daniels and see how much wine you want.
3
An occasional drollery appreciated;
"Take the $20 and buy 7 nips of Jack Daniels and see how much wine you want."
As for Trader Joe it does not take long before the majority of wines all blend together in a very generic "fruit forward" easy to swallow nothingness.
"Take the $20 and buy 7 nips of Jack Daniels and see how much wine you want."
As for Trader Joe it does not take long before the majority of wines all blend together in a very generic "fruit forward" easy to swallow nothingness.
I love these columns. I find I can trust Eric Asimov's taste and judgment. Problem is, he'll post these articles and every one of these wines disappears immediately from the shelves. Unless you've been to the store already today you've most likely missed out on the opportunity to buy any of them.
So what to do? Find your own Asimov. Go to your local wine shop where you can find a knowledgeable owner with whom you can establish a relationship. That owner will have tasted everything coming in the door and be able to steer you to wines that are to your taste and meet your budget.
So what to do? Find your own Asimov. Go to your local wine shop where you can find a knowledgeable owner with whom you can establish a relationship. That owner will have tasted everything coming in the door and be able to steer you to wines that are to your taste and meet your budget.
5
Excellent advice. Also, if you find another pro reviewer who has a similar palate to yours, same deal.
6
Not for nuthin', Eric, but when you say you "keep public has turned away from Chianti", you sound remarkably like Donald Trump when he prefaces some of his own ridiculous thoughts with, "Some people are saying...". What public are you polling, cuz where I'm standing I see an overwhelming love for Chianti. I'm a BIG wine geek with a pretty deep cellar, but I probably buy 20 cases of Chianti every year for go-to everyday drinkers. And I'm hardly alone. Just about every geek I know goes deep on amazing under-$20 Sangiovese.
9
Please share the name of your favorite Sangiovese!
1
20 cases a year just for a Chianti! what the...! either you do a lot of entertaining on have a freak liver. Can I get it when you pass on to the great Winery in the Sky?
2
Thank you for the much appreciated research: "no fabricated, artificial products made with technological shortcuts"!
~ glutenfreesage.com
~ glutenfreesage.com
1
Funny the critic does not find a Malbec worth mentioning for under $20. Come to Long Island, I can show you :)
Who do you have in mind? Bedell Cellars' Malbec 2014 lists for $50; Osprey's Dominion is $24; the Macari 2010 Alexandra which has a little malbec in it is $85. If there are Long Island malbecs "worth mentioning" at under $20, they're not leaping of the shelves.
1
Actually, Mr Asimov had two Malbecs in the list - the Cahors from Southwest France and the Côt from the Loire Valley in France. The grape originated in France.
Those sound like vineyard prices. If you hit the wine stores In Greenport or Southold on the north fork you'll find that they sell for a considerable discount.
Thanks for the tips! Just one thing you forgot to mention, drinking an inexpensive bottle of wine with a friend always tastes better than drinking an expensive bottle alone.
11
Come on. 75% of these wines are OVER $20, including tax. Aren't there worthwhile wines at $10? Give the wallet a break and steer us to more affordable choices. I know they're out there. I have a roster of great wines that start around $7 or $8 and go to $13 -- my limit, unless it's champaign.
3
Champagne
I've never read a list that included tax, as it varies by state. As described, 100% of these wines are $20 and under, as described.
I am visiting friends near Frankfurt/Main, beautiful snow covered hilly country side and enticing wine shops. Not really a wine shop, but a Europe wide chain of LIDL discount stores. A very fine Chianti Riserva sells for E4.99 (no sales tax) and similarly good wines sell at ALDI for a similar price. That leads to the question of why wines are so much more expensive on Long Island. Here GALLO is selling a drinkable red wine for E1.49.
4
That´s true - except that sales tax (19 % VAT) is included.
ALDI and LIDL had concluded long-term supply agreements with Tuscan producers 30 years ago when public had turned away from Chianti as Eric said. Producers in Tuscany had existential problems at that time. Now Chianti is back, quality is better than ever and prices are higher now but both chains are still preferred buyers in this area because of these relationships established in the past.
ALDI and LIDL had concluded long-term supply agreements with Tuscan producers 30 years ago when public had turned away from Chianti as Eric said. Producers in Tuscany had existential problems at that time. Now Chianti is back, quality is better than ever and prices are higher now but both chains are still preferred buyers in this area because of these relationships established in the past.
1
It is the same reason filet mignon here in Nebraska is $13/lb and in Berlin is $65/lb. Shipping, storage, distribution, advertising, etc. is not free.
20 Wines Under $20 is not challenging at all.
How about 20 Wines Under $10?
How about 20 Wines Under $10?
3
I filled up my "winter" wine cellar last month with mostly Côte du Rhône (5 * 6 bottles, my wife's favorite), then with a mix of Bordeaux, Beaujolais (not Nouveau, rather Morgon and Mouiln à vent), Saint Chinian and other reds (for another 30 bottles). Average price for 60 bottles : 7 €. And I'm not drinking sh*#t. God bless France ;).
4
Too expensive. One should be able to find a fine wine for $10 -/-1.
6
I love the Neipoort Ruby port, so I look forward to trying the Douro Twisted if I can find it.
A great place to find excellent wine & spirits is Costco & Sam's Club. Recently we enjoyed a bottle of "19 Crimes" from where else, Australia.
I've had "Josh" too & found it very good.
Try adding a cup of your red wine to spaghetti/pasta sauce while cooking. Also enhances your gravy....I've now become a better cook just by doing this simple addition.
I've had "Josh" too & found it very good.
Try adding a cup of your red wine to spaghetti/pasta sauce while cooking. Also enhances your gravy....I've now become a better cook just by doing this simple addition.
1
love to read all these wine articles. but, as others, find them completely useless. i would like to see mr. asimov critique wines that are more readily available - come to a nashville liquor store and choose from our selections. Come to our restaurants and choose from their wine lists.
I'll be happy to be your guide.
I'll be happy to be your guide.
1
Right on! It's more about- "Oh, I work for the NY times and can get all these great wines, but ha ha, you can't!"
1
Can any of these wines be shipped to SD?
1
The peninsulas of Northwest Michigan, on the 45th Parallel with a terroir blessed by glacial soils and clement lake-effect weather, are producing some of the best boutique wines in America at prices anyone can afford. 2016 is an historic vintage, including Noble Rot blessing at least one lucky vineyard, Brengman Brothers. http://brengmanbrothers.com
1
If you're looking for bang for your buck the best choice is Olema Sonoma Cab and Olema Sonoma Pinot, both $20. Amazing wines for the price. I almost don't want to share the secret.
Twenty for under $20? A $ a bottle? OK for white maybe, but I can't wait to fill up on your reds. (Correction: I did not realize the story focused only on California)
2
Surprisingly, I have to say that you've missed a CA winery completely: Owned by Dave Matthew's (of the band), The Dreaming Tree is a very complex wine, and under $20 even in Canada. Definitely worth a try.
1
the Dreaming Tree Cab for about $12 is a steal and very available. Forget the CRUSH.
Texas Wine is fine. Check out www.pedernalescellars.com and armadillosleap.com in Fredericksburg, TX, they ship in and out of state and are a great price for the quality and have won many national and international awards for their Viogniers and Tempranillos.
1
Very happy to see the L'Hortus Pic Saint Loup made this list. It is always hit chez moi.
On the lower end of the pricing, the Foxglove 2013 Paso Robles Zinfandel at $12.95 is a very good value
OZV Old Vine Zinfandel 10.00 Fantastic!
Toasted Head Cab 11.00 Also fantastic.
Most wines suggested to me by "experts" are around 20.00 + and usually
pretty boring.
You don't need to spend 20.00 +
Toasted Head Cab 11.00 Also fantastic.
Most wines suggested to me by "experts" are around 20.00 + and usually
pretty boring.
You don't need to spend 20.00 +
Yep. OVZ is one of the best!
Well I guess it's going to be a busy weekend!
"19 Crimes" from Australia has struck my fancy. In Maryland it is selling for about $12 and it is one of the best reds I have enjoyed in some time.
1
still too pricey for me. oy!
Can't believe u left out Meiomi Pinot Noir, around $18.
1
Incredibly over rated and all too common
1
I couldn't agree with you more, Billy Bob. Meiomi and others in the Joe Wagner portfolio are over-extracted, overrated plonk.
Even though I am not a huge fan of pinot noir, one of the best wines in this price range, in my opinion, is MEIOMI, a pinot from
Monterey County, Santa Barbara and Sonoma County.
Meiomi meaning coast, the wine is a layered blend of CA. coast grapes. The result is impressive and affordable. Carried
by TJ's and Safeway.
Monterey County, Santa Barbara and Sonoma County.
Meiomi meaning coast, the wine is a layered blend of CA. coast grapes. The result is impressive and affordable. Carried
by TJ's and Safeway.
2
why don't you also include the Whispering Angel Rose as another incredibly over rated vino. please!
1
Ah, the joys of having PJ and their low prices up here on upper Broadway in Inwood. Eric Asimov listed "Priorat" as an over-$20 region. PJ has several good ones for under $20 (as well as some for much more). For under $20 we particularly like Camins del Priorat's Alvaro Palacios; Clos Corriol; and Fina.
I have been perusing for years these lists that Eric regularly compiles and I don't ever recall seeing a Columbia Valley wine on one of them. Washington State (there is a fragment of Oregon in the CV also) is the second largest wine producing state in the US and proportionally receives as much acclaim in other publications as our neighbors to the South. I'm wondering just what it is that he seems to have has against our wines.
4
Critics' recommendations make for intereting reading but offer little to those of us who can never find the recommended wines in local markets or restaurants. By endorsing certain wines, The Times creates demand for these wines and their producers. Higher demand, while leading to higher retail prices,will reduce already limited supplies of specific vintages. Within a week, most remaining supplies will be available only in restaurants. Unable to find the favored wines, many customers will buy other wines with the same label, even it the quality is not the same.
21
So, stop writing and get thee to the liquor store...
Wine Spectator started the madness and every journal that reviews wine, cigars, movies, records etc. followed. Sing a few hyperbolic praises and stand back to watch the sheep stampede to the store before the makers realize they have a cash cow and raise prices through the roof (how's that for a flood of metaphors?)
BTW, try Bogle Vineyards' fabulous Reserve Petit Verdot, their first and a solid 100 at 24.99 at the winery only.
(snickering)
BTW, try Bogle Vineyards' fabulous Reserve Petit Verdot, their first and a solid 100 at 24.99 at the winery only.
(snickering)
1
Please drop the $xx.99 pretense. It's a marketing convention that deserved to die decades ago.
38
Amen to that. Throw in some tax and you are out of the $15 to $20 range so why bother with the stupid byline?
1
My local wine shop just pointed me in the direction of Shannon Reserve. Excellent value for $17.
5
I'll take this list with me to the wine store. Thank you for doing a piece on good wines at prices that are affordable for The Rest Of Us.
15
Good luck finding one.
These 3 reds are also very good. Apothic, Josh, and Coppolla.
17
I heartily agree on the Coppolla!
Yes, love that Josh.
Sorry, but I can't agree on Josh
Love these wine columns. Have a suggestion though. For those of you who don't know, Costco is the world's largest wine retailer and they have wines ranging from Dom down to some great wines costing less than $4 for a 750 mL bottle. On occasion they have knowledgeable wine reps from the major wine distributors and they are very helpful.
46
What do you recommend as a great wine for under $4.00?
1
Trader Joe's is better with Safeway very good as well if you are
in CA. Better prices and better selection.
in CA. Better prices and better selection.
1
Kirkland Signature wines are often sourced from top notch wineries. Their 2013 Sonoma Old Vine Zin is total yummage! And I disagree that there aren't reasonably priced and tasty Pinots from California. Try Santa Lucia Highland Pinots (Monterey County). Many are under $20.
1
Regarding Volpaia: If you're heading south out of Florence to/through Radda, make the side trip to Volpaia. It's a tiny town with great dining and a spectacular view.
20
In this price range, also look for Côte du Rhone growers from Cairanne who recently received the cru classification, e.g. Brusset and Richaud.
15
The Vesper Carignan is listed at $24 on their site.
7
They make a pretty good rose' too. All far better than most SD County wines that I have tried.
1