It’s almost Friday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Weekly, I post two recommendations, one white and one red, for your weekend choices which are usually under $20. On occasion, I pair a wine with scrumptious recipe.
Beginning this week I’m renaming the post title to reflect the price of the wine reviewed…and if my choices are a bit above the $20 mark? Well, it will be entitled “Weekend Wine Around $20”! But you get the idea…I’m trying to keep these quality driven recommendations at a price you can afford.
Some wines which I review may not be available when you use the search engine. They may be wines I tasted at a trade event and not yet available, wines which are only available via the winery’s website, or unavailable in your state. Just give yourself permission to learn about a new wine, grape, or region – and you have to admit, wine education is always a “grape experience”~
And now…this weekend’s wines for under $20!
**Morro Bay White Oak Estates Sauvignon Blanc “Sur Lie” 2012 – This Sauvignon Blanc from Morro Bay Vineyards in Acampo, California is a perfectly nice wine at a reasonable price. With colors of pale lemon and green, aromas of citrus, lemon, and honeysuckle wafted from the glass. Loads of citrus including more lemon, lime, and pineapple on the palate with a touch of minerality and a clean, crisp finish were lovely and this wine could be paired with a variety of light appetizers or just to sip while pondering what to make for Friday night’s dinner! “Sur lie” indicates that this wine was aged on its lees which is the sediment of dead yeast cells that gather at the bottom of the tank once fermentation is completed. Aromas and flavors are enhanced and sur lie ageing may give more body and complexity to the wine. I purchased the Morro Bay Sauvignon Blanc at Whole Foods for only $10 ~ a terrific value for a weekend or even everyday wine.
**Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 – This past weekend I attended a party where this lovely bottle was on the wine bar for guest enjoyment. Loving wines from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, I was happy to pour myself a glass and “cheers” to the evening with good friends! You’ll love the aromas of black cherries, vanilla, and plum as well as tastes of blackberries, rich red cherries, more plums, and spice. I enjoyed the tobacco notes with a touch of smoke which helped balance the fruit on the palate. The smooth tannins and structure were just what I expected from a wine from Alexander Valley Vineyards and the price? $19.99 and most likely, less… ~
Cheers to finding affordable wines! ~ Cindy
