Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Juiciness seems to know no boundaries in this Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Terra Noble. Hailing from Colchagua Valley, this red is practically exploding with ripe redcurrant fruit flavor and elegant dried herb aromas. Where it really shines, though, is on the palate—which is equal parts restrained elegance and mouth-watering freshness.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Refreshing, aromatically intriguing, and complex in texture, Davis Bynum's Jane's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma's Russian River Valley has "crowd pleaser" written all over it. Starting with citrus blossom notes and aromas of lime and guava, and ending with abundant flavors of grapefruit and green apple, it will difficult to find anyone who *wouldn't* want to sip a chilled glass of this on a warm, sunny day.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Owen Roe's Sinister Hand Red is juicy, funky, spicy, and inviting—and makes a great case for planting a lot more Rhône varieties in Washington's Columbia Valley. There's a lot to like about Owen Roe's interpretation of the a Rhône blend (incorporating Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and others), not least of which is its sub-$30 asking price. Rounded out by oak-aged notes of vanilla and cedar, you'll likely find Sinister Hand to actually be an affable and friendly drinking companion.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
This absolute bargain of a single vineyard Sonoma Merlot is named after vintner Nick Goldschmidt’s eldest daughter. With bright red and blue plum fruit flavors, hints of dried herbs and black olives, and a generously plush mouthfeel that doesn't lack for structure, you might just do a double-take on this red's approachable price-point after the first sip.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Leave it to the iconoclastic Bonny Doon Vineyard to offer up a take on the ancient French Mediterranean grape Picpoul. And they do it with gusto, producing one of the fruitier (think ripe green apple, grapefruit, and pomelo) versions you're likely to encounter of this zesty, refreshing white. When warmer weather (finally) lands, this is a wine that's a perfect fit to have on hand in copious (chilled) quantities.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Here's a whole lot of red fruit tastiness from one of France's unsung appellations. Or, rather, a collection of appellations that includes Cotes de Bordeaux's Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs. Offering surprising complexity, depth, and longevity for an under-$30 price point, in the best vintages the spicy, plummy reds from Marsau are an absolute steal.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
If you need a reminder of why Sonoma's Alexander Valley has long been one of the favorite locations for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers, Sebastiani's Alexander Valley Cabernet is a great place to get re-educated. Jammy and bold but still retaining elegance and structure, this red combines an easy-going palate with an intellectually stimulating panoply of spice and wood aromas.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Born and raised in Columbia, Bibiana González Rave had dreamed about becoming a winemaker since she was a young girl, and through passionate determination made that dream a reality. If you're a Sauvignon Blanc lover, that's good news, because her 'Alma de Cattleya' Sauvignon Blanc is a gorgeous melding of California style tropical fruit flavors with the kind of bold, zesty, spicy and exotic aromatics more commonly associated with Sauvignon from New Zealand than from Sonoma!
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Qupe's 'Y' Block Chardonnay seems perennially overlooked by wine media and critics, though for the life of me I cannot fathom why. The plus side of this is that its price remains consistently reasonable despite its steady increase in quality vintage after vintage. This white showcases Santa Barbara's telltale mixture of vibrant citrus flavors, fresh flower blossom aromas, and enticingly creamy texture.
Contributed by: Joe Roberts
Like your reds, meaty, smoky, silky, and easy-going? Meet Argentine stalwart Bodegas Bianchi's 'Famiglia Bianchi' Malbec. After a hint of dried violets, this Malbec turns on the afterburners, sending waves of dark red fruit flavors and smoked meat aromas your way without letup until the very last drop is gone from the glass.
