2011's best wines as chosen by Wine Spectator Magazine.
(Check them out now, quantities are extremely limited)
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Once you get under $10 it’s hard to criticize a wine that’s at least decent, and this Origami White Zinfandel is definitely better than just decent. It’s light, refreshing and perfect for a summer picnic lunch or early evening at the cottage.
Vintage: 2010
Type: White
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
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A very cheap and tasty blend of 30% Grenache blanc, 30% Bourboulenc, 30% Ugni blanc, and 10% Roussanne. It’s soft on the palate with a green apple and hazelnut nose. A strong contender if you need a lot of wine on the cheap.
Winery: La Vieille Ferme (The Old Farm)
Vintage: 2010
Type: White
Variety: Rhone White Blend
Region: France
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As this is my first Grenache, I can’t compare it to others, but what I can say is that for the price this is an excellent bottle of wine. Subtle raspberry and blackberry flavors finish with superb clarity. A good wine to relax with.
Winery: Atea
Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Grenache
Region: Spain
Ratings: International Wine Cellar- 90 Points
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The blending of Semillon with Chardonnay leads to a non-oaky, sweet Chardonnay that makes a delicious dessert wine.
Winery: Bloomside Cellars
Vintage: 2010
Type: White
Variety: Semillon-Chardonnay Blend
Region: South Eastern Australia
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Anything from Chestnut Peak Cellars is usually a safe bet, and this Chardonnay is no exception. A light body with a smokey aroma, and lemon and pear notes.
Winery: Chestnut Peak Cellars
Vintage: 2008
Type: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County, California
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This boutique wine has a name that could only be pronounced correctly by someone from the Basque region of Spain, but for this price it should be tried by everyone. Usually drunk as an apéritif, this minerally, appley txakolina pairs wonderfully with cheese.
Winery: Arabako Txakolina
Vintage: 2009
Type: White
Variety: Txakolina
Region: Basque, Spain
Ratings: International Wine Cellar- 91 Points
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Gewurztraminer is still not yet a very popular wine, but since it grows so well in the Pacific Northwest that is bound to change. For the price, this lightly spicy, yet deliciously fruity wine is bound to please. Peach and citrus notes, with a balanced acidity.
Winery: Hogue Cellars
Vintage: 2009
Type: White
Variety: Gewurztraminer
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Ratings: Wine Enthusiast- 90 Points
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Primitivo is an Italian grape variety that was found to be genetically identical to Zinfandel in 1993. The climate and soil differences lead to a distinct taste from California Zinfandel however, with the Primativo having stronger blackberry notes.
Winery: Tenuta Viglione
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Variety: Primitivo
Region: Puglia, Italy
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