Cheap Good Wine 2005 Vintages

At $6.99 we are approaching bum wine territory, but this Syrah from the award winning Goose Ridge Vineyard in Washington is no 7-Eleven special. Pairs well with a heavy pasta and cheese meal, though I recommend a couple of hours in a decanter because this wine has a strong nose straight out of the bottle.

Winery: Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard
Vintage: 2005
Type: Red
Variety: Syrah
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Aged for nine months in cement vats, this cuvée has aromas of créme de cassis and black raspberry jam. Drink it now, or store for one to two more years.

Vintage: 2005
Type: Red
Variety: Cuvée
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Ratings: The Wine Advocate – 90 Points

This chardonnay is not oak-aged, allowing the underlying fruity, almost tropical flavors of the grape to shine through. Great with light pasta, chicken and pork.

Winery: Marmesa Winery
Vintage: 2005
Type: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Edna Valley, California
Price: $9.99

Thought to be a Merlot until the mid-nineties, Chilean Carménère grapes are actually an ancient Bordeaux that was wiped out in France. Casa Donoso’s Carmenère Reserva 2005 was a gold medalist at the Catad’Or Hyatt wine awards, and goes great with cheese and red meats.
Act now! – It’s available only in limited quantities.

Winery: Casa Donoso
Vintage: 2005
Type: Red
Variety: Carménère
Region: Maule Valley, Chile
Ratings: Wine Messenger: 92 points
Price: $14.00

You’ll lick your lips after trying this food friendly, fruity wine, with an almost creamy taste. This Verdelho is a perfect pairing with seafood, chicken or turkey on a cold winter’s night.

Winery: Peel Estate
Vintage: 2005
Type: White
Variety: Verdelho
Region: Australia
Ratings: Wine Messenger: 91 points
Price: $14.75

Martin Zahn’s 2005 Pinot Blanc, in the sleek green bottle, is a light and fruity treat, great with spicy ethnic cuisine. Soft fruit flavors play on the tongue before making way for a smooth, dry finish.

Winery: Martin Zahn
Vintage: 2005
Type: White
Variety: Pinot Blanc
Region: Ribeauvillé, France
Ratings: Wine Messenger: 91 points
Price: $13.75

The dry, medium bodied 2005 Bernardus Chardonnay opens with aromas of peach and tropical fruit, followed by flavors of ripe pineapple, apple notes, and a long, creamy finish. It’s not often you’ll find a wine rated at 95 points for less than $20. Try a bottle while you still can!

Winery: Bernardus
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Monterey, California
Ratings: WINE NEWS: 95 points
Price: $16.99

Full of ripe fruit flavors, the stand-up 2005 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay is a well-focused wine; nice weight on the palate with a bright finish. Perfect alongside grilled chicken.

Winery: Beringer Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA
Ratings: THE WINE NEWS: 89 points
Price: $16.49