More Bargains For The Holidays

Several weeks ago, I handed these columns to four local wine retailers, who quite capably recommended a number of interesting, yummy and, most of all, inexpensive wines for you to consider during these challenging economic times. I, however, made no suggestions. Since then, there’s been some chatter around the office that I asked these gentlemen for their suggestions because I don’t know the name of a wine under $50; that I am one of those wine drinking elitists.

To this I say: Hogwash! I love great tasting inexpensive wines. Nothing satisfies me more than picking apart a wine list and finding those hidden bargains. And these days being frugal is increasingly chic.

So, without any further ado, here are my picks, in no particular order, I planned on including in my Nov. 13, 2008, column on inexpensive wine strategies:

2007 Chateau St. Jean Fumé Blanc ($13)—Not [ITALIC]the[ENDITALIC] most inexpensive wine, but it is from the same winery that made the wine of the year a few years ago; they charge outrageous amounts for its high-end cabernet sauvignons; and the winemaker, Margo van Staaveren was named 2007 winemaker of the year by a prestigious national wine magazine.

2004 Sonoma Vineyards Merlot ($15)—OK, again, not the cheapest wine, but this is made by Rodney Strong Vineyards (shhh, it’s a secret). This is their second vintage and it is one of the best merlots I’ve had this year.

2007 Rodney Strong, Charlotte’s Home, Sauvignon Blanc ($14)—In a sea of been-there-done-that California sauvignon blancs, this one always stands out, even among those that cost two and three times as much. I would gladly pay more, but don’t tell them that.

2005 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Merlot ($8)—Now we’re talking bargains. Made by the same folks that bring you Mouton Rothschild, which really means nothing, but it is more than just ho-hum, whatever red wine.

Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend ($10)—Man, I held my nose when I opened this one. A nebulous, non-vintage California red wine? Are you kidding me? Could this be anything but awful? It was delish! Lots of red fruit, balance for ten bucks.

2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($10)—Always a solid choice and the 2008 version is no different.

2005 Placido Rosso de Montalcino ($16)—For many, a $16 wine is not a bargain, but the highly regarded big brother of this wine from Castello Banfi (Brunello de Montalcino) goes for about seven times this amount. Some of the same grapes are used for both wines and they are both delicious.

2006 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda ($10)—This is definitely the reigning king of discount wines. Ohmygoodness! One of the better wines I’ve tasted all year, period. It just happens to be $10. As an added dubious bonus, the label has two hopping zombie bunnies, which as any wine expert will tell you is a mark of greatness.

And why didn’t these make it in the November column? Well, I ran out of room. I get only so much space for my ranting and that’s all the space I get. I’m definitely not an elitist, but I sure am a blabbermouth at times.

2006 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina

• $10

• Two Thumbs Way Up

• It has an amazing array of red and dark berry fruit with a mocha-malt ball quality. Its unique flavors, balance and finesse command attention, but it’s not an overbearing match for most dishes. No wine this good should be ten bucks.