Trader Joe’s Vinas Chilenas Cab Sauv ‘08. The best $3 wine I think I’ve ever had.
Trader Joe’s Reserve Petit Verdot ‘06. First Petit Verdot I think I’ve had and loved it! $10
Hahn Estates Syrah ‘07. $15 for 2 at BevMo with the 5-cent sale.
Cellier du Rhone Cotes du Rhone (red) ‘08
Good Rhone-style rich-tasting red from the French for $5 at Trader Joe’s.
Pepperwood Grove Syrah ‘06
Another great inexpensive red ($6) found at the big grocery stores (this one at my local Save Mart).
Terra Rosa Old Vine Malbec ‘05
Enjoyed this with an excellent meal at Max’s Bistro in Fresno, CA. As with many popular Malbecs the grapes are grown in Mendoza, Argentina, then fermented in the US. This one by the Laurel Glen Winery.
Haven’t seen it in my usual stores, but on wine.com you can get the ‘06 version for $11.
Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel ‘06
Deep and rich Zinfandel that should be found in most big grocery stores. I found it at a local Vons (Safeway) for $6. Smoking Loon’s Chardonnay and Syrah aren’t bad either.
Engelmann Cellars: Copa de Cira Syrah ‘05 & Sangiovese ‘06
Just visited one of my local wineries Engelmann Cellars (in Fresno, CA). Tasted about 12 wines, but the ones we took home were the Copa de Cira Syrah ‘05 ($10) & Sangiovese ‘06 ($16). Not under $10 but pretty close.
Captain’s Catch Red Wine ‘07
Mystery blend of reds from Trader Joe’s for $6. New inexpensive blend option with Allure de Robles and Chariot Gypsy now gone.
Zolo Malbec Gaucho Select ‘08
Another great Malbec from Argentina. $16 for 2 at BevMo (5-cent sale).
