What is your favorite bottle of wine under $20 US?
September 18, 2006 1:56 PM Subscribe
What is your favorite bottle of wine under $20 US?
Red, white, any region. Bonus points for links to view and/or purchase your favorite online.
Red, white, any region. Bonus points for links to view and/or purchase your favorite online.
This post was deleted for the following reason: what is your favorite x chatfilter.
Gumdale Reserve 2004 Chardonnay from Australia: $10.99 in Northern Virginia. One of the smoothest Chards I've tasted at that price point in a long time.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 2:05 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 2:05 PM on September 18, 2006
My choice of < $20 wine is yellow tail, specifically a href="http://www.yellowtailwineusa.com/wines/cabernet_sauvignon/">their Cabernet Sauvignon. I find most cheaper wines too fruity tasting or have that extra hint of rubbing alcohol in them which, imho, YT fairs faily well at. Plus, it's the only wine I've found I can down in a night and not feel any ill effects.
posted by jmd82 at 2:05 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by jmd82 at 2:05 PM on September 18, 2006
Big House Red is my standard answer to this question, and you can actually find it in most stores for around $10.
Andrew Rich has never made a bad wine - the Coup d'Etat is amazing and about $20.
posted by pdb at 2:07 PM on September 18, 2006
Andrew Rich has never made a bad wine - the Coup d'Etat is amazing and about $20.
posted by pdb at 2:07 PM on September 18, 2006
2001 Penfolds Limited Release Shiraz, $10. Incredibly delicious, and the price is outstanding.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:08 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:08 PM on September 18, 2006
Wow did I bork that. It worked in Live Preview, I swear! And I swear I haven't been drinking. Yet.
Dangit, I see now...thet bracket for $20 screwed up my formatting.
Fixed Link
posted by jmd82 at 2:08 PM on September 18, 2006
Dangit, I see now...thet bracket for $20 screwed up my formatting.
Fixed Link
posted by jmd82 at 2:08 PM on September 18, 2006
VF Lasira - trying to find a link online but can't at the moment.
posted by agregoli at 2:08 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by agregoli at 2:08 PM on September 18, 2006
Gray Monk Pinot Gris, usually to be had for $13 Cdn or so in BC liquor stores.
posted by solid-one-love at 2:09 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by solid-one-love at 2:09 PM on September 18, 2006
Mouton Cadet white Bordeaux. Inexpensive, consistent, delicious.
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:11 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by ikkyu2 at 2:11 PM on September 18, 2006
Aside from an unforgettable name, Fat Bastard has one of the best Shiraz's around. They retail for about C$14 here in Ontario (probably around US$10 in the U.S.). Fat Bastard wines are actually French, not American, though I'm told they've been tweaked to appeal to the American palate.
posted by ernestworthing at 2:11 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by ernestworthing at 2:11 PM on September 18, 2006
Response by poster: Ah, my apologies utsutsu, thanks. And thanks to everyone for their great links so far!
posted by aebaxter at 2:12 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by aebaxter at 2:12 PM on September 18, 2006
Blackstone Pinot Noir. Best Pinot in the $12-15 dollar range I have ever tasted, hands down. Last year's is better than this.
I'm also partial to Bonny Doon's wines. Good solid California reds and whites.
Louis Jadot's Beaujolais Villages is a damn serviceable light red that goes with almost anything.
If you can find a La Crema in that price range, go for it.
posted by middleclasstool at 2:20 PM on September 18, 2006
I'm also partial to Bonny Doon's wines. Good solid California reds and whites.
Louis Jadot's Beaujolais Villages is a damn serviceable light red that goes with almost anything.
If you can find a La Crema in that price range, go for it.
posted by middleclasstool at 2:20 PM on September 18, 2006
Goats Do Roam, a Rhone-style blend from South Africa. Maybe not my all-time favorite, but it's very popular and unlike other wines with a gimmicky name & label, the schtick isn't there to cover up any faults in the wine itself.
posted by sonofslim at 2:22 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by sonofslim at 2:22 PM on September 18, 2006
Call me unrefined, but I never get tired of Fetzer's Gewurztraminer, well chilled. Goes well with savory chicken dishes, or with rich cheeses. Fruity but crisp, with a hint of effervescence. (Don't pay more than $8 for it.)
The current fad around here is Charles Shaw (colloquially, Two Buck Chuck), particularly the Cabernet, but the reviews are highly polarized between "What a fabulous wine for two dollars!" and "I wouldn't drink this if they paid me". I found it to be a perfectly average general-purpose wine with no particularly outstanding or offensive characteristics, well matched with leftovers, canned spaghetti sauce, and other low-key meals.
posted by leapfrog at 2:36 PM on September 18, 2006
The current fad around here is Charles Shaw (colloquially, Two Buck Chuck), particularly the Cabernet, but the reviews are highly polarized between "What a fabulous wine for two dollars!" and "I wouldn't drink this if they paid me". I found it to be a perfectly average general-purpose wine with no particularly outstanding or offensive characteristics, well matched with leftovers, canned spaghetti sauce, and other low-key meals.
posted by leapfrog at 2:36 PM on September 18, 2006
La Crema Chard is also good. Lots of malo: malolactic fermentation, a second fermentation process first popular with French white burgundies, it gives wine a velvety creamy texture. This wine is under $20.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 2:44 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 2:44 PM on September 18, 2006
Recently I've been enjoying Folie à Deux's 2004 Ménage à Trois red wine ($10-12), which is fruity, just complex enough, and delicious despite (or possibly because of) the groan-inducing gag name.
posted by RogerB at 2:45 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by RogerB at 2:45 PM on September 18, 2006
My favorite white: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
My favorite red: Kendall Jackson Merlot (if you're willing to spend a little more, the Reserve series is even better)
Also, a second on the Two Buck Chuck. It's not the most complex wine out there, but if you're looking for something that's just good to drink and that you don't mind your friends drinking more than their fair share, you can't beat it.
posted by jknecht at 2:52 PM on September 18, 2006
My favorite red: Kendall Jackson Merlot (if you're willing to spend a little more, the Reserve series is even better)
Also, a second on the Two Buck Chuck. It's not the most complex wine out there, but if you're looking for something that's just good to drink and that you don't mind your friends drinking more than their fair share, you can't beat it.
posted by jknecht at 2:52 PM on September 18, 2006
fwiw, wineass might be a handy resource.. they only review stuff <=$15. (it was on Projects, even.) haven't tried any of their suggestions, but the reviews are kinda fun to watch.
posted by mrg at 2:56 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by mrg at 2:56 PM on September 18, 2006
Here's some fave varietals, because I always just buy what's on sale within the grape family and enjoy the vareity: Fave White: Verdejo! Crisp, grapefruity, great with rich fish and cheese but can handle Thai and Indian food.
Fave Red: sangiovese Rich, creamy, chianti on steroids.... Oh, if only I weren't pregnant and could have a whole lot of either!!!
posted by DenOfSizer at 3:00 PM on September 18, 2006
Fave Red: sangiovese Rich, creamy, chianti on steroids.... Oh, if only I weren't pregnant and could have a whole lot of either!!!
posted by DenOfSizer at 3:00 PM on September 18, 2006
Sean Thackrey's Pleiades: hard to find unless you get it from the man himself, but consistently bonkers Rhône-style, berry and mint and god-knows-what.
posted by holgate at 3:10 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by holgate at 3:10 PM on September 18, 2006
La Vielle Ferme, despite that damn screw-cap, is a consistant and nice, drinkable, but non-boring red. I pick up the Jadot Beaujolais Villages frequently as well.
I usually just scan the shelves for wines under-12-bucks that are Rhone-region French wines, Australian Shiraz or Shiraz blend, or a Montepulciano.
(For reference, I don't like Cali reds and generally very much prefer red wine to white.)
posted by desuetude at 3:20 PM on September 18, 2006
I usually just scan the shelves for wines under-12-bucks that are Rhone-region French wines, Australian Shiraz or Shiraz blend, or a Montepulciano.
(For reference, I don't like Cali reds and generally very much prefer red wine to white.)
posted by desuetude at 3:20 PM on September 18, 2006
This isn't a direct answer to your question, but: If you're looking for variety, novelty, and affordability, I strongly recommend joining a wine-of-the-month club. We get two terrific and interesting bottles a month from K&L Wines in California for $29.95 plus shipping. You sacrifice some control over what you buy, but in return you get convenience and great new wines you might not otherwise hear about. They also have $17.95 and $49.95 options. I'm sure there are plenty of other online retailers offering similar plans.
As for a direct answer, see my suggestions in the prior thread linked above. I'll add the Joseph Phelps Pastiche, which is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay blend that we drank a lot this summer. It's light but tangy and interesting, and it goes great with food.
I respectfully suggest that you be careful with the Two Buck Chuck and Yellowtail. Both brands are cheap and easy to find, but you get what you pay for -- and you can definitely do better at the Yellowtail price point. Two Buck Chuck has an unbeatable price, but it's just not very good (I know others will disagree, but that's how it is; believe me, my wallet wishes I liked it!).
On a more positive note, wine.com's "90+ rated wines under $20" can be a good source of ideas, although beware of some of the more exotic ratings sources.
posted by brain_drain at 3:29 PM on September 18, 2006
As for a direct answer, see my suggestions in the prior thread linked above. I'll add the Joseph Phelps Pastiche, which is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay blend that we drank a lot this summer. It's light but tangy and interesting, and it goes great with food.
I respectfully suggest that you be careful with the Two Buck Chuck and Yellowtail. Both brands are cheap and easy to find, but you get what you pay for -- and you can definitely do better at the Yellowtail price point. Two Buck Chuck has an unbeatable price, but it's just not very good (I know others will disagree, but that's how it is; believe me, my wallet wishes I liked it!).
On a more positive note, wine.com's "90+ rated wines under $20" can be a good source of ideas, although beware of some of the more exotic ratings sources.
posted by brain_drain at 3:29 PM on September 18, 2006
Becker Vineyards' Tres Dames Claret ... very peppery, excellent with tex/mex fusion cuisine.
Penfolds' Koonunga Hills is exceptionally drinkable.
I'll second the Menage a Troix and the Goats Do Roam.
I can't believe that someone said two buck chuck.
posted by SpecialK at 3:39 PM on September 18, 2006
Penfolds' Koonunga Hills is exceptionally drinkable.
I'll second the Menage a Troix and the Goats Do Roam.
I can't believe that someone said two buck chuck.
posted by SpecialK at 3:39 PM on September 18, 2006
2 Buck Chuck is fine table wine, perfectly drinkable, and lots better than anything you can get in a box or a jug. It's not something to bring to your boss's dinner party, but that doesn't make it bad.
One brand I've been drinking a lot of lately is Bogle, specifically their chard and their cabernet. Runs about $8-13 depending on the store and is a really good, clean choice.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 3:46 PM on September 18, 2006
One brand I've been drinking a lot of lately is Bogle, specifically their chard and their cabernet. Runs about $8-13 depending on the store and is a really good, clean choice.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 3:46 PM on September 18, 2006
My girlfriend and I drank about nine delicious, crisp, fruity bottles of Relax Riesling this summer (although I hate the way it is marketed-you'll see what I mean on the link, it's like "Wine for Doofus Americans").
posted by Kwine at 4:03 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by Kwine at 4:03 PM on September 18, 2006
You can't go wrong with Egri Bikaver - just don't mind the translation.
posted by wandering steve at 4:18 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by wandering steve at 4:18 PM on September 18, 2006
General rule of thumb I've found, though there are certainly exceptions:
The more work they put into the bottle's design to make it stand out, the less work they put into the wine to make it stand out.
posted by middleclasstool at 4:24 PM on September 18, 2006
The more work they put into the bottle's design to make it stand out, the less work they put into the wine to make it stand out.
posted by middleclasstool at 4:24 PM on September 18, 2006
Le Grand Cros's Jules wines are very nice and will run you about $14 here in New York. I was only able to find one blog post about them through Google, but their rose is one of my summer basics.
I keep meaning to update my Cork'd wine journal more often; right now there are four wines, including the Jules, in your price range.
I really like Faustino VII, which is a Spanish wine, very velvety, kind of feels like a good Zinfandel.
Made from Tempranillo and Grenacha, which is apparently the Spanish version of grenache. $12-14 or so.
Four Vines makes an outstanding old vine Zinfandel. I haven't seen it in the store lately but it is really an amazing value at ~$15 or so. Better than many $20 or $30 Zinfandels.
You can get many nice Proseccos for under $20; I like Giovello and it's ~$11.
There are a ton of great values out there now, inlcuding a lot of Spanish and more exotic Italian wines. I'd post more, but I know them more by label than name. Yet another reason I should be updating on Cork'd (any of you Mefites on there? I could use a "drinking buddy").
I know aebaxter is in Austin, but if any other New Yorkers are reading this, you should check out Sea Grape. I have never gotten more consistently good and interesting wines, or found more knowledgeable salespeople. It's a real treasure (which means I'm there almost nightly).
posted by lackutrol at 4:46 PM on September 18, 2006
I keep meaning to update my Cork'd wine journal more often; right now there are four wines, including the Jules, in your price range.
I really like Faustino VII, which is a Spanish wine, very velvety, kind of feels like a good Zinfandel.
Made from Tempranillo and Grenacha, which is apparently the Spanish version of grenache. $12-14 or so.
Four Vines makes an outstanding old vine Zinfandel. I haven't seen it in the store lately but it is really an amazing value at ~$15 or so. Better than many $20 or $30 Zinfandels.
You can get many nice Proseccos for under $20; I like Giovello and it's ~$11.
There are a ton of great values out there now, inlcuding a lot of Spanish and more exotic Italian wines. I'd post more, but I know them more by label than name. Yet another reason I should be updating on Cork'd (any of you Mefites on there? I could use a "drinking buddy").
I know aebaxter is in Austin, but if any other New Yorkers are reading this, you should check out Sea Grape. I have never gotten more consistently good and interesting wines, or found more knowledgeable salespeople. It's a real treasure (which means I'm there almost nightly).
posted by lackutrol at 4:46 PM on September 18, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
- Toasted Head Chardonnay usually $12-14, can be had on sale for $10 also at BevMo
posted by toomanyplugs at 2:05 PM on September 18, 2006