Cheap Good Wine 2005 Vintages

Chenin Blanc has been South Africa’s best-known white wine for decades. The delicious 2005 Simonsig Chenin Blanc is a medium-bodied wine with a clean, refreshing finish. Pairs well with shellfish, creamy soups, and light pasta.

Winery: Simonsig Wine Estate
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chenin Blanc
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Ratings: WINE AND SPIRITS: 88 points
Price: $10.99

The Chalone Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir is mixed with a small amount of Petite Sirah, adding to its distinct dark color and providing additional body. Flavors of strawberry and dark cherry follow aromas of clove and nutmeg; pairs brilliantly with meaty fish such as salmon or swordfish.

Winery: Chalone Vineyard
Vintage: 2005
Type: Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey, California
Ratings: WILFRED WONG: 90 points
Price: $17.79

Rated 85th in Wine Enthusiast’s Best Values of 2006, this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc displays aromas of sweet melon, nectarine, light herbs and hints of bell pepper. At this price, you cannot afford not to have at least one bottle of this well-balanced wine in your cellar.

Winery: Brancott Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Type: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Ratings: WINE ENTHUSIAST: 88 points
Price: $10.99

If you’re the type of person who heads straight to the organics section in the grocery store, you should consider the ’05 Bonterra Chardonnay; one of the world’s top organically grown and farmed white wines. A full, rich Chardonnay with aromas of apricots, peaches and green apples. Rich buttery texture with great length.

Winery: Bonterra Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chardonnay
Region: North Coast, California
Ratings: BRONZE MEDAL, 2006 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR WINE COMP
Price: $12.99

With grapes harvested from small clusters on vines as old as 80 years, the Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel boasts rich flavors of raspberry and plum, supported by a spicy mix of oaks. Pairs well with many foods including pizza, pasta, steak and grilled chicken.

Winery: Gnarly Head Cellars
Vintage: 2005
Type: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
Ratings: CLUB BEV: 93 points, SILVER MEDAL, 2006 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR WINE COMP
Price: $10.99

The 2005 Columbia Winery Gewurztraminer is wonderfully rich, mixing sweet apple, pink grapefruit and hints of pimento. A good balance of acidity; pairs well with spicy asian cuisine.

Winery: Columbia Winery
Vintage: 2005
Type: Gewurztraminer
Region: Washington State, USA
Ratings: WINE ENTHUSIAST: 90 points
Price: $9.99

A fantastic effort, the ’05 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc offers fresh citrus flavors with a hint of melon; a lively body and lingering finish. This is the perfect wine to accompany spicy Asian cuisine.

Winery: Kenwood Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Type: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: CLUB BEV: 94 points, Gold Winner 2006 Orange County Fair Wine Competition
Price: $13.79

Don’t let the screwtop scare you, this Pillar Box red has gotten some amzing reviews. 53% Shiraz, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. But drink it now, it’s not for the cellar.

Winery: Pillar Box
Vintage: 2005
Type: Syrah/Shiraz
Region: Padthaway, Australia
Ratings: CLUB BEV: 92 points, WINE ADVOCATE: 91 points
Price: $9.99