Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.At Slashfood we're all about saving you moolah on the best food and drinks around. Here are five more Wine Steals to add to your "must-try" list.
5. Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro "La Planta" 2007 ($13): This Spanish red, made from 100 percent Tempranillo, has dusty plum and strawberry flavors with warm vanilla and allspice. With nice, grippy tannins and a lingering finish, it's a real winner for the price and one of best $13 wines I've had in ages.
4. The Sopranos Red Blend 2007 ($15): Its light, earthy bouquet speaks to Italy's terroir, but like Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri, it's fairly soft and round for an Italian mobster vino.
Three more Wine Steals and an ice cube (for wine, that is) poll after the jump.
3. Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2006 ($15): This Washington Merlot is at the upper end of our "Wine Steals" limit, but it tastes like twice the price, with smooth, rich, ripe fruit flavors and notes of spices and tobacco. Rated 91 points in Wine & Spirits magazine.
2. Albert Bichot Chablis 2007 ($15): Steely and sharp with crisp lemon and green apple notes, the Albert Bichot Chablis is an ideal Chardonnay for those who can't swallow overoaked versions.
1. Brander Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($15): If you're tired of the grapefruity Sauv Blancs from New Zealand (I'm not, but just throwing it out there), the Brander is for you. Clean, crisp and dry, it has deep tropical flavors of ripe pineapple, guava and mango. Plenty of wine critics agree that it's a bargain.
Poll of the week: Do you ever ice your wine?
At Christmas dinner last year, we served an expensive red wine at room temp. One of the guests thought it wasn't cold enough and added a few ice cubes from his water, pronouncing it "excellent." What say you to this type of "ice wine"? (I'll address the issue in next week's column!)
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