Good Cheap Wines

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

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

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

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

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

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

This crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc offers strong berry notes and an intense layered palate. Enjoy with grilled asparagus and chicken.

Winery: Villa Maria Estate
Vintage: 2010
Type: White
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Ratings: Wine Spectator- 90 Points

Named after the Stump Jump plow, with its uncanny ability to ride over stumps and eucalyptus roots, this Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2009 will jump over your expectations. The juicy, berry flavors and fine finish make this easily the best Shiraz under $10. Buy more than one bottle.

Winery: d’Arenberg Wines
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Region: McLaren Vale, Australia
Ratings: Wine Spectator- 90 Points