The Best Inexpensive Wines Available Now

Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon or the more voluptuous Cuvee Alexandre Merlot are great wines ! I also enjoyed the Morning Star Chardonnay produced by Chain of Ponds from Adelaide Hills, South Australia - a burgundian (Puligny Montratchet) chard clone at a saner price.

Here's an incredible deal on a 2000 Bordeaux (one of the best vintages in a long time):

Château La Grange Clinet (Premières Côtes de Bordeaux) 2000

This is a spectacular wine and will cellar nicely for 5-10 years. I bought it after tasting it at my wine shop for.... only $8 a bottle! Bought two cases, naturally. After I got home, I checked Wine Spectator. Not that I go by their thinking or ratings, but James Suckling gave it a score of 88.

Try Talomas from California. Its a collaboration between Rosemount of Australia and Robert Mondavi. The Cab/Merlot and Shiraz / Cab blends are both excellent. Can be found for about $13/bottle.

Tropical treat recently tasted -

Yalumba Viognier

"On the crisp side, with pretty honeysuckle and spice notes around a nice core of pear and citrus flavors, finishing bright." - 88 Points Wine Spectator May 15, 2003"

Not particularly good at making comments myself, but was struck by how unique this tasted - assertive notes up front, w/a body that stands up to Asian cuisine. Definitely a tropical delight to pair with summer fare (although tasted in winter).

About $9 on sale at NH liquor stores - probably $10-12.

Bigest surprise I have had in years at a recent "wine tasting" were a Chardonay by a small Nevada County (Calif) winery called Indian Springs. Light (for a Chardonay) very fruity, little after taste, moderately priced at $9. However THE BIG SURPRISE (I liked it much more than 2 different l986 Cabs I brought!), was an imported Spanish red wine, a 2001 Rioja by Castillo Labastida. Full bodied - no harshness whatsoever - fruity. At $6 a bottle! I went to the market and bought two cases. Served it over the hollidays - every one loved it.