The economic news continues to be bleak, and as a result many people are naturally watching expenses. In times like these, wine lovers are less inclined to pay big money for a wine based only on a brand name, a waiter’s recommendation or a “staff favorite” card in the store aisle.
I’ve enjoyed some enjoyable red wines in the past few weeks that also were great values. Here are some candidates for pleasing both the palate and the purse strings.
Domain Alfred “DA Red” 2005, $16 retail.
Edna Valley in central California, this wine is mostly Pinot with some Grenache and Syrah as well. Fragrant on opening, DA Red has strong fruit and a medium body with makes it bolder than lighter Pinots.
Merryvale Starmont 2005, $19 retail.
This is just a very good Napa Cabernet, with some limited amounts of other varietals mixed in, primarily Merlot, with a little Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Big and strong like a Californian should be, with a refined long finish.
Murphy Goode “Wildcard” 2003 Claret, $20 retail.
Located in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, this wine carries the old British term for Bordeaux, Claret. 55% Cabernet, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 100% enjoyable, with strong blackberry and vanilla flavor with a light to medium body.
St. Francis Red, 2004 $13 retail.
Quite a mixture of Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel. Rich aroma leads to a medium bodied wine with easy fruit and a clean finish. We’ve had both the 04 and the 05, both excellent bargains.
Corta all Flora Guiggiolo Toscana 2007, $11 retail.
Sangiovese wine from Tuscany although the bottle uses the local varietal term Prugnolo Gentile. Strong earthy nose is deceptive, leads to a light flavorful wine with more substance and finish than the typical Chianti. Try it with almost any kind of food and with friends who don’t think they like Chianti.
Gougueheim Malbec 2007, $9 retail.
Any finally the absolute steal of the bunch. A Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina, this wine is very simple but satisfying. It gives strong fruit with a body light but not too thin, nice on the palate but quick tart finish. Really hard not too enjoy at the price point.
All prices shown are local ones I’ve seen. Give one a try soon and let me know if you agree — or disagree!