Cheap Good Wine 2003 Vintages

Ever since the movie Sideways, the many great and inexpensive wines of Southern California have become very highly regarded. And although the movie may imply that you should avoid Merlot, that is anything but the case! The Kinderwood ’03 is a great dry red wine, boasting rich flavors of current and just a touch of oak. Pair it with hamburger, steak, or even pizza. Enjoy until 2009.

Winery: Kinderwood Winery
Vintage: 2003
Type: Merlot
Region: Paso Robles, California
Ratings: THE WINE MESSENGER: 91 points
Price: $9.75

I know it’s April Fools, but this wine is no joke. The $12.99 Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon was actually rated a staggering 94 points by Wine News Magazine. Along with a 90 point rating from the Connoisseurs’ Guide, this full-bodied Cab is a must-try. Perfect for the next time you cook steak or just want to snack on some cheese or chocolate.

Winery: The Hogue Cellars
Vintage: 2003
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Ratings: WINE NEWS: 94 points
Price: $12.99

The full-bodied 2003 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah opens with beautiful aromas of ripe black cherry, boysenberry and black pepper. The same dark fruit flavors fill the palate and follow through to a long finish. An excellent accompaniment to red meats such as roasted lamb and steak.

Winery: Alexander Valley Vineyards
Vintage: 2003
Type: Syrah
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 California State Fair Wine Competition
Price: $19.99

The beautiful ruby colored 2003 Chateau Souverain Cabernet has aromatics of concentrated blackberry, plum and huckleberry, with a long toasty oak finish.

Winery: Chateau Souverain
Vintage: 2003
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Alexander Valley, California
Ratings: WINE SPECTATOR: 91 points
Price: $21.99

A tasty Italian red, great with pasta and meat sauce, roast and grilled beef, game and hard cheeses. On a scale of 1 to 10, we rate it deliciously fantastic.

Winery: Spadina
Vintage: 2003
Type: Other Reds
Region: Sicily, Italy
Ratings: GOLD, BEST OF CLASS, 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Price: $9.99

The ’03 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot is supple, ripe, and seductive, a plush wine with gorgeous plum, blackberry, currant, and hints of exotic spice; gorgeous finish.

Winery: Columbia Crest Winery
Vintage: 2003
Type: Merlot
Region: Columbia Valley, WA, USA
Ratings: Wine Spectator: 90 points
Price: $8.99