I often get comments from readers that I don’t write enough about affordable, everyday wines. Usually described in the wine magazines as “good values,” these days that generally refers to wines that deliver good quality for $20 or less. But I know many readers wish that meant $10 or less. Well, inflation is a reality and while there are countless wines that provide correct varietal character, clean fruit and a sense of character for a reasonable price – my definition of “good value” – in my opinion it is extremely difficult find them at $10 or less.
Still, I kick off this column with a collection of just such wines. As with many value wines they carry a “California” appellation since they contain fruit from many areas of the state. Many other value wines will list a county appellation like Sonoma or Santa Barbara. Don’t expect fancy single vineyard expressions. Do expect tasty, inviting wines that you’ll swear are worth more than you paid for them.
Oak Grove. Founded in 1999, Oak Grove is sort of like a European négociant in this case searching all over California to source their fruit. The white wines are typically light and refreshing. On the other hand, the red wines in my tasting – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz, and Petite Sirah – are full flavored and easy drinking. All are 2013 “Family Reserve” wines and priced at $8. What Oak Grove has achieved here is remarkable at this price.
Wente Vineyards. Family owned since 1883 in the Livermore Valley, the fifth generation is continuing the tradition of good value everyday wines. Wente was a pioneer of Chardonnay in California and released the first varietally labeled Chardonnay in 1936. They apply that expertise to many other varietals, including these fine values.
- 2013 Morning Fog Chardonnay ($15)
- 2012 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)
- 2013 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc ($15)
- 2011 Sandstone Merlot ($18)
- 2012 Riverbank Riesling ($15)
Murphy-Goode. Located in the Alexander Valley region, Murphy-Goode is a family-owned winery – twice. Founded 30 years ago by three friends, the winery now is part of Jackson Family Wines, while the original families are still involved. Another producer of a wide range of wines, for the purposes of this column the value wines carry a California appellation. These include a solid 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15), an inviting 2012 Merlot ($15), a silky 2013 Pinot Noir ($15), a fresh 2013 Pinot Grigio ($13), and a fruitful 2013 Chardonnay ($14).
Also look for the 2012 Homefront Red ($15), a nice six varietal blend whose sales benefit Operation Homefront, providing emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.
Rodney Strong Vineyards. Founded in 1959 by Broadway dancer Rodney Strong and owned by Tom Klein since 1989, the winery has had the same winemaker in Rick Sayre since 1979. Throughout all this time, the winery has built its reputation on delivering quality and value at all price levels. This includes its Sonoma County designated wines – a characterful 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20), a lush 2012 Merlot ($20), and a surprisingly complex 2013 Chardonnay ($17).
Renwood. This longtime Amador County winery has built a well-deserved reputation for Zinfandel but also can be a good source of affordable wines made from Rhone and Italian varieties. The value Zinfandels include the jammy, spicy 2012 “Premier Old Vine” Amador County ($20) and the briary, red fruited 2012 California ($15). The 2012 Clarion Red Blend ($20) combines equal parts zinfandel, petite syiah, syrah and marsanne into a seductive whole.
Byron. One of the viticultural pioneers of Santa Barbara County having planted the first vineyard to vinifera grapes in 1964, Byron has been in the forefront of winemaking achievement in the area ever since. The 2012 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County ($19) and 2013 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($16) are fine introductions to the region.