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!)
6-23-2009 @1:28PM marquisem said... I would be horrified if a guest put ice in a red I served. Especially if it were a nicer red. Should red wine be served cooler than 75 degrees (a likely Christmas time temp)? Yes, but not drastically more. Should a guest live with it if they're being served a nice wine for free? Yes. That person would not be invited next year.
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6-23-2009 @4:27PM Gretchen Roberts said... Ah, well, there are some people you can't uninvite. :) Besides, we keep our house cooler than that--68--and I thought the wine was perfect!
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6-23-2009 @6:40PM marcella said... Brander is one of my favorite wineries. Back in the 80's they made this very small batch of bouche that was so amazing. It's not often I think red wine tastes like anything but chocolate and berries and things deep but this bottle tasted like we were drinking flowers. I also had other bottles over the years from Brander and have never been disappointed. Never. Excellent small winery. Wonderful wine.
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