Category: Wines costing $25 or less

Welcome to the party season! Normally this time of year is filled with holiday parties every Friday and Saturday night through New Year’s Eve. When one is expected to bring a bottle to each and every one, it can get quite expensive if one sticks to higher end wines. Conversely, it can be rather embarrassing to bring an inexpensive wine that is the talk of the party, but not in a good way.

With that in mind, I have put together my 2020 15 under $15 list. And, for those really nice parties, I’ve tacked on an additional 5 that are less than $20. These are wines you can happily bring with you to a gathering that are sure to please most* attendees without weighing down the credit card too heavily.

*Never try to please everyone – no one will like it…

So, without further ado, here – in no particular order – are my picks for the party season.

REDS
Apothic Red – the original. I have not tried the other varieties.
19 Crimes – All of them
Chateau Pas de Rauzan Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 – See Review
Alamos Malbec
Mark West Pinot Noir
Penfolds – Koonunga Hill Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Menage a Trois – the original. The rest are not recommended. CAUTION: Be careful where you take this wine – you may give the wrong impression.

WHITES
19 Crimes – Hard Chard
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer
Yalumba Viognier 2019 – See Review
Penfold’s – Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

BUBBLES
La Marca Proseco
Mionetto Il Proseco
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial – Champagne

BONUS 5 under $20
La Tanza Rioja Tempranillo – See review
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Seven Deadly Zins 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel – See review
Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Marcello Pelleriti Signature Cabernet Franc – NOTE: Though Cab Franc is welcome at my table any time, it is not for everyone.

This appellation presents with a dark cherry color and a wide clear rim. On the nose is lots of ripe cherry, strawberry and a hint of bergamot. It is fruit forward with notes of cherry and a hint of menthol. The 14.5% abc is quite apparent in the bright heat of the flavor. The acids are well balanced and the tannins are very mild. There is an almost chocolate finish. This is a wonderful wine to sit and enjoy by the fire. It’s a bit “green” but give it a couple more years and this will be a really nice wine. I think I’ll go buy a couple more bottles and lay them down for Christmas 2022. 88/100 $10.

As we move into the fall, it is definitely time for red wine! This 2016 Bordeaux is beautiful in the glass. The deep ruby – almost garnet – color is crystal clear with an almost imperceptible rim.

On the nose it is very fruit forward. Lots of blackberry, underripe strawberry and a subtle hint of forest floor. After a quick taste, I realize that this wine could stand a bit of time to open up, so off to the decanter and a half hour or so, then we will see where it lands.

After allowing the wine to open up for about 45 minutes to an hour, the menthol aromas and flavors stand out. It is very cooling on the center of the tongue and the graphite balances the fruit quite nicely. Also, the age is just beginning to show up. If you want to lay this one down for a couple of years, you probably would not be disappointed. I would probably drink it before the end of 2024, however.

The acids are good, but not overwhelming and the tannins are soft. Probably too soft for the NY Strip steaks that I plan to pair with it this evening. This wine would actually pair up nicely with a filet mignon or a meaty fish if prepared on a grill with minimum sauces. I also think that it will go quite nicely with the chocolate dessert I have planned.

All in all, this is a good wine. It should cost you around $15 at your local retailer, so it is a good value as well. You would not be embarrassed to take this 13.5% ABV to a social gathering or a dinner party featuring meaty fish like salmon or swordfish, but it would be a poor choice for a cookout with steak or burgers. It would also be a great pick for just sitting in front of the fireplace on a cool October evening with a special friend.

LHR: 92/100

This inexpensive table wine is from “California” which means the winemaker can source the grapes from anywhere in the entire state. On the plus side, this means the winemaker can tailor the wine to exacting specifications if they so choose. This also allows them to create an inexpensive wine from the grapes that are available. It is very doubtful that those who purchase this wine would be comparing a 2018 to a 2016.

Fresh from the bottle the aromas of ripe plum and licorice are evident. The expected cedar and graphite are present, but not profuse.

The taste is very fruit forward with ripe strawberry and plum on the forefront. Down the center is the mildest of graphite to keep the fruit from overwhelming the palate. The mouthfeel has some body to it and the alcohol is very warming at 13.5%. The tannins are mild and the acids are acceptable. The finish is not as long as the label would indicate, but I do look forward to seeing how this wine pairs with my steak tonight. I fear it will not be able to stand up very well as the tannins are not quite sufficient.

This is not a complex wine. It really is not meant to be. This is a fun California fruit bomb that would be well received at a party without breaking the budget. You should find this wine at your local merchant for about $10.

LHR: 84/100