[an error occurred while processing this directive] Kenneth E. Harker - Favorite Value Wines

Kenneth E. Harker
My Favorite Value Wines

I put together this list for someone who wanted to know what I like to drink that costs $15/bottle or less. Prices will vary slightly from state to state. In addition to the suggestions below, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest Winery are two good wine producers from Washington state. They both have excellent Rieslings (a lighter white wine) and Merlots (a medium-bodied red.) Another good category to try is California Zinfandels. Zinfandel is a red grape that produces big wines with relatively high alcohol that go with steaks, roasts, ribs, and other rich, heavy dishes. Ravenswood California Vintner's Blend Zinfandel would be a good one to start with. I've also tried a lot of Chiantis and Chianti Classicos, looking for a good red wine to have with Italian food or pizza, and one of the best I've found is Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico ($14) but it's a little more expensive than some others that are also fine. We also liked to buy Falesco Vitiano ($12), made in nearby Umbria, Italy, back when it was $7 a bottle, but now that it's been discovered, it's no longer really cheap. Finally, ask your wine shop for recommendations on good Argentinian Malbecs and Carmenères from Chile, both red wines that can be less expensive.

Click on any bottle image to get a larger image.

2004 Saint Clair Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, New Zealand ($12)
This is fantastic wine. There are so many different flavors: orange, pineapple, peach, fig, passion fruit - layers upon layers waiting to be discovered with each mouthful. There is a great balance between acid, fruit, and alcohol. The 2004 vintage was by far the best Marlborough has ever had, so if you cannot find St. Clair, just about any 2004 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc will be fantastic. Brancott Vineyards and Nobilo will among be the easiest alternatives to find, and are both quite good. This is our fish wine - it goes well with salmon, crab cakes, shrimp, and especially mussels.
2003 Robert's Rock Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay
Western Cape, South Africa ($7)
This is a stupendous value wine. Normally, I don't like either Chenin Blanc or Chardonnay all that much, but this blend works very, very well. Full, round mouthfeel, but with a nice crispness to the finish and nice fruitiness and aroma. The blend varies from year to year, but is usually slightly more Chenin Blanc than Chardonnay. We bought a half-case of the 2003 vintage for $25, and it may have been the best deal we've gotten on wine. In the meantime, the wine has been "discovered" and the price has doubled. It's still a great deal. It goes really well with chicken dishes.
2002 Castle Rock Winery Pinot Noir
Napa Valley, California, USA ($11)
This is one of the best affordable Pinot Noirs (a light red wine) I've found. The flavors are bright and smooth and there is a pleasant balance between alcohol, fruit, and texture. If you cannot find the Napa Valley bottling, Castle Rock also has affordable Pinot Noirs from other parts of California, like Sonoma County, Monterey County, and Mendocino County. This would go very well with pork roast or ham steaks or turkey or even salmon.
2003 Bodegas Borsao
Campo de Borja, Spain ($8)
This is a really excellent red for all sorts of Mediterranean cuisine - pizzas, pastas, and anything with a little acid or bite to it. This wine would be a good deal at twice the price. About 75% Grenache and 25% Tempranillo. I've had the 2001, 2002, and 2003 vintages, and they've all been great values.
2003 Jeanjean Lodez
Côteaux du Languedoc, France ($8)
A red wine blend of Syrah and Grenache, this is a nice wine to serve with richer meat dishes, like sausage risottos or beef pot pie. Plus, it uses a Stelvin enclosure (fancy screwcap) which makes it easy to take with you someplace without a corkscrew. I really like Stelvin enclosures.
2002 Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Shiraz
Southeastern Australia ($12)
This is a very nice wine. There are big flavors of raspberry, spice, and leather backed up with firm tannins, enough structure and alcohol, and a smooth finish. If you can't find this one, there are a lot of Australian Shirazes that are great deals. Shiraz/Syrah (same grape, different names) is a classic choice for lamb dishes. Ravenswood is actually a California wine company, and this is their foray into Australian wine.

I make no guarantees that you will like these wines. Your taste may be completely different from mine. I am not associated with any of these wineries or the sale or distribution of their products. I am also not a professional wine taster - I'm just someone who likes to have wine with dinner once in a while. You can check out more of my wine interests, including photos of wineries I've visited.

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