retail cost: $15 – $25

Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

93
Ironstone Vineyards
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: It would be unfair to describe this as their entry-level wine, as it overdelivers for the price. Sourced from the families Thorton Ranch property, it benefits from the Lodi AVA maritime influence: perfect for pinot noir with cool nights and warm days. Addition of 10% syrah really adds to the complexity, and adds deep-cherry coloring. Classic earthy notes add to a meaty texture. This was perfect with our cedar plank salmon.
Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

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Château de Ribebon Cabernet Franc 2018

88
Château de Ribebon
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur
Retail Price: $15.00

Tasting Notes: Almost entirely merlot from older vines, accented by cabernets producing a user-friendly red and black-fruited beauty with earthy tones. A great value.
Château de Ribebon Cabernet Franc 2018

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Weingut Esterhazy Blaufränkisch 2019

90
Weingut Esterhazy
Varietal: Blaufränkisch
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: Austria
Appellation: Leithaberg
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: Wake up the chardonnay drinkers with this exceptional gruner! A nose full of fresh fruit and nuts, the peppery, spicey palate is full of pear and quince. The balanced acidity brings any food to life. Perfect for a holiday party.
Weingut Esterhazy Blaufränkisch 2019

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Zulal Areni 2018

91
Zulal
Varietal: Areni
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Armenia
Appellation: Vayots Dzor
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: There are many layers of flavor that you experience with every sip. Stone fruit, such as slightly underripe cherry, are layered with hints of plum. The dense flavors are all very controlled, releasing gently from the initial sip to the finish. A wonderful alternative if you do not want a jammy fruit bomb of flavors.
Zulal Areni 2018

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Albino Armani Pinot Grigio Corvara 2023

91
Albino Armani
Fanciful Name: Corvara
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Valdadige
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: A bit weightier than your average pinot grigio. Medium bodied with notes of lemon, crisp green apple, lime and a touch of melon. Pleasant and balanced finish. Great summer wine.
Albino Armani Pinot Grigio Corvara 2023

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Domaine de Bellevue Red Rhone Blend 2021

92
Domaine de Bellevue
Varietal: Red Rhone Blend
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: This won’t disappoint Rhone lovers. A great option for those searching for the classic notes of garrigue, herbs, plum and ripe red berries. The finish is soft and fresh but has a gently spice that balances this wine into something great for the price. Would pair well with lamb.
Domaine de Bellevue Red Rhone Blend 2021

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Atalayas de Golban Tempranillo Torre de Golbán Crianza 2017

93
Atalayas de Golban
Fanciful Name: Torre de Golbán Crianza
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2017
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Ribera del Duero
Retail Price: $16.00

Tasting Notes: Aged in French oak, the light spice, tobacco and fresh, delicious black cherry fruit of this tempranillo clone is a major value for its price. Grill up some meat and vegetables and enjoy.
Atalayas de Golban Tempranillo Torre de Golbán Crianza 2017

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Bodegas Muriel Tempranillo Reserva 2018

96
Bodegas Muriel
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Tempranillo is developing a huge following around the world, but the easiest way is to go to the source in the famed Rioja region. Sourcing from the famed Alavesa region, this family-owned vineyard hand-harvests their fruit, and follows the strict guidelines for the Riserva designation (24 months in oak/12 months in bottle). Robust red coloring leads to notes of coffee, vanilla and rich red fruits. Over-delivers for the money!
Bodegas Muriel Tempranillo Reserva 2018

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Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Franca

96
Quinta de Ventozelo
Varietal: Touriga Franca
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Douro
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: A wonderful example of a wine produced from a variety that deserves much more attention and respect. Deep and brilliant ruby/garnet in the glass, the entrancing nose of elegant black fruit and spice is attractive and alluring. In the mouth, the wine is supple with an underlying power, showcasing its potential for aging. At this price point, it's a superb value.
Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Franca

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King Maui Pinot Noir 2021

90
King Maui
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Marlborough
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: A pinot noir for everyone and anyone. This is a lighter-style wine delivering notes of baked red fruits and a subtle earthiness. Pair this Marlborough bottle with grilled meat and hearty fare.
King Maui Pinot Noir 2021

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Poggio Anima Sangiovese Belial 2020

91
Poggio Anima
Fanciful Name: Belial
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Retail Price: $15.99

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, iron, tar, menthol and licorice give this Tuscan wine a super-distinctive, wild profile. There is plenty of depth and volume. The 2020 sangiovese offers a decidedly wild, gamy expression.
Poggio Anima Sangiovese Belial 2020

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Rise + Fall Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

91
Rise + Fall
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: Paso Robles fans: Don’t miss this wine. The classic combination of earth, tobacco, dark and sumptuous black fruits, and herbs that Paso has become known for is evident here. The notes of black fruits are juicy but not overbearing with a perceptible tannic quality on the finish that’ll leave you wanting more.
Rise + Fall Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

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