Good Cheap Wines

This crisp and bright Riesling hails from the biodynamic Wallula winery in Columbia Valley, Washington. Peach, citrus and a slight mineral tang on the palate, this wine works well with pork and dessert.

Winery: Wallula Vineyard
Vintage: 2007
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Ratings: Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points

For the price, this is another excellent Australian screw top wine. A citrus palate and floral notes punctuate this juicy Riesling, which pairs well with Indian and Chinese food.

Winery: Leasingham
Vintage: 2008
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Australia
Ratings: James Halliday – 91 Points

Australian’s love their screw top wine, and who can really blame them? Sure it makes you look way less badass and not at all James Bond like, but you could open the bottle with your toes if necessary. Wolf Blass generally makes fantastic wines for the money and this is no exception, being probably the best screw top Shiraz around. Full bodied and pairs well with a big chunk of American red meat.

Winery: Wolf Blass
Vintage: 2006
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Australia

Great with grilled meat and mature cheeses, this Malbec comes from the highest vineyard in the world in Mendoza, Argentina. It has fruity, berry and licorice notes, and a strong body making it a terrific food wine.

Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Malbec
Region: Argentina

A wine that was purchased entirely because of the label on the bottle – who doesn’t love salamanders after all? It is both light and fresh, but still maintains that oaky sensibility common to California Chardonnays. Pairs well with oily fish like salmon or trout.

Vintage: 2008
Type: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California

This Red Blend Bordeaux is 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Syrah, 17% Merlot, and 16% Carmenere. It has a deep, dark red color, with a nose of blackberry and dark fruit, and is smokey and meaty on the tongue. Great if you love Carmenere, and pairs well with Pizza and Italian food.

Winery: Veramonte
Vintage: 2006
Type: Red
Variety: Bordeaux Red Blend
Region: Chile
Ratings: Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points

The Cline Zinfandel boasts a strong dark cherry flavor, supported by a spicy mix of vanilla and oak. A great summer wine that pairs well with steak and veggies on the barbeque.

Winery: Cline Cellars
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: California

A delicious Pinot blanc, this 2008 Tiefenbrunner has hints of apple, pineapple and tropical fruits in the nose. A perfect pair with fatty meats and stews.

Vintage: 2008
Type: White
Variety: Pinot Blanc
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Ratings: Wine Spectator – 91 Points