Now that the holidays are past, I tend to look for value wines to ease my somewhat lightened wallet. That means budget friendly wines ideal for everyday drinking. These wines from my tastings over deliver quality for the price.
Three producers emerged with multiple recommendations.
Several brands from Bogle Family, a longtime wine company focused on value: 2022 Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) open-knit, sweet fruit; 2021 Phantom Proprietary Red Blend (petite sirah and zinfandel, $18) surprisingly concentrated; 2022 Juggernaut Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($20) attractive apple, pear, vanilla.
From 689 Cellars line of brands: 2020 Submission California Red Blend ($20) bold, fruit-forward; 2021 Submission Mendocino Pinot Noir ($20) smooth, generous, easy drinking; 2022 Ramsey Pinot Noir ($20) elegant, ripe berry flavors; 2023 Ramsey Chardonnay ($20) bright citrus, green apple; 2023 Submission Chardonnay ($20) intriguing citrus, tropical fruit.
From The Wine Group stable: 2023 Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) blackberry, mocha, soft palate: 2022 Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) jammy red berries, soft tannins, smooth finish; 2022 Benziger Chardonnay ($16) fresh, creamy pear, tropical note.
Below are the other wines that stood out. These are all fine choices for daily use.
Cabernet Sauvignon
2023 Greenwing Columbia Valley ($20) from the Duckhorn portfolio, bright red berries, nice structure
2021 Barnard Griffin Columbia Valley ($18) loaded with dark berries, slightly spicy
2022 Bread & Butter California ($16) nicely luscious, robust with soft tannins
California Red Blend
2021 Avivo ($24) organic sangiovese and syrah from Lodi, bright red fruits, subtle herbal notes
Pinot Noir
2022 Wente “Baily Hill” Central Coast ($20) juicy red berries, herbal, supple
2024 Greenwing Willamette Valley ($20) pretty red and dark fruits, pleasant spice
2022 Leyda Reserve Chile ($15) delightful cherry, tender palate
Argentine Malbec
2022 Bousquet “Gaia” ($25) organic, biodynamic, fresh, lively berries, dusty tannins
2023 Dona Paula ($15) vivacious fruit, good body, some mineral and spice
2020 Anakena ($12) for those who like juicy, spicy wines
California Chardonnay
2022 Starmont ($22) lively apple, apricot, pineapple
2022 Unshackled ($20) hints of sweet apple, pear, and pineapple
2023 Bread & Butter ($16) crisp citrus, tropical fruit, hint of almond
Bubbles
Campo Viejo Cava ($13) traditional method, nice touches of apple and yeast
Adami Garbrl “Garbél” Brut ($20) really fine for an entry-level Prosecco
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Brut Cuvee ($20) bright, refreshing