It was a long and busy Thanksgiving weekend with much food and wine at the table. We had a chance to taste plenty of good wines in a wide price range. These three wines I very much enjoyed and were well under the $20 price range. All three were impressive and held their own in quality with the more expensive wines we tasted.
Tres Picos – a great substitute for Pinot Noir
Saint Roch – a beautiful Grenache Blanc and Rousanne blend
Grayson Cellars – a fantastic deal for a delightful Chardonnay
Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha – Weimax $13.99, K&L Wines $14.99
From the wine-designated region in Spain, Campo de Borja, comes this beautiful and joyful Garnacha wine. Year after year this wine delivers at a beauty of a price. The 2013 vintage has a 90-point rating from Robert Parker and a 91-Point rating from Steve Tanzer. The spice and cherry flavors pop from the wine glass. It is light in style, but has substance with many attractive flavors in the mouth. It a sense, it has some of the characteristics of a Pinot Noir wine. The Bodegas Borsao website says to drink at 17 degrees celsius (62 degrees F), so give it time in the fridge to serve it at that temperature. I rate it a 89 Points.
Chateau Saint-Roch “Vieilles Vignes” Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2014 – K&L Wines $12.99
This is a very delicious white wine blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne from the South of France in Roussilon wine region. Fermented and aged in 90% stainless steel, the rest in new oak, the wine takes on an exciting character. It dances on the tongue. The flavors are subtle citrus with just a touch of minerality. These two grapes, Granache Blanc and Rousanne, make a fantastic combination. Great finish to this wine. Robert Parker rates it 90 points and I wholeheartedly agree. I will purchase more of this wine at K&L Wines. Delightful taste!
Grayson Cellars California Chardonnay Lot 11 2014 – Weimax $9.99, K&L Wines $9.99
Looking for a tasty Chardonnay under $10? The Grayson Chardonnay will make you very happy. It is from Chardonnay vineyards throughout California. It is a light, dry wine with subtle oaky flavors and a nice mouthfeel. Spec sheet tells us it was aged in French oak barrels. Since it is the 2014 vintage, it hadn’t been in the barrel for too long. Only 13.5% alcohol. It is short on aroma, but has refreshing flavors and a respectable finish. It is not a heavy-duty Chardonnay with creamy and buttery characteristics. 87 Points
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