Sometimes, I think I don’t write enough about affordable wines. Of course, what’s “affordable” is relative. Usually described in wine magazines as “good values” or “everyday wines,” these generally are defined as wines that deliver good quality –correct varietal character, clean fruit and a sense of character for a reasonable price – nowadays usually for $20 or less. Don’t expect fancy single vineyard expressions. Do expect tasty, inviting wines that you’ll swear are worth more than you paid.
Kendall-Jackson. From the original brand Jess Jackson (who passed away in 2011) started in 1983, Kendall-Jackson has grown into one of the world’s largest family-owned wine companies. The “Vintner’s Reserve” line is still the company’s backbone and these new red releases are as exemplary as the white wines the brand is best known for.
- 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24)
- 2013 Merlot ($19)
- 2013 Summation Blend ($17)
- 2014 Syrah ($17)
Rodney Strong. Founded in 1959 by Rodney Strong and owned by Tom Klein since 1989, they have had the same winemaker in Rick Sayre since 1979. The winery has built its reputation on delivering quality from Sonoma’s best appellations. This includes its Sonoma County designated wines.
- 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)
- 2012 Merlot ($20)
- 2013 Chardonay ($17)
Murphy-Goode. Located in the Alexander Valley region of Sonoma County, 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. The fresh white wines below carry a California designation.
- 2014 Chardonnay ($14)
- 2014 Sauvignon Blanc “The Fume” ($14)
- 2014 Pinot Grigio ($14)
Silver Palm. This relatively new label is focused on sourcing grapes from California’s coastal regions. Grapes for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, which are labeled North Coast, come mostly from Mendocino but also Napa and Sonoma. The Pinot Noir is sourced from the Central Coast vineyards, mostly Monterey with some Santa Barbara.
- 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19)
- 2014 Merlot ($18)
- 2014 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($18)
- 2014 Chardonnay ($15)
Wild Horse. Located in San Louis Obispo County, this thirty-year-old winery was one of the pioneers of contemporary grape growing in the Central Coast. Originally focused on grapes from Paso Robles, they now produce a wide range of wines from vineyards throughout the Central Coast. The basic Central Coast line presents good introductions to the bounty of this area stretching roughly from Monterey to Santa Barbara.
- 2012 “GSM” ($15)
- 2014 Pinot Gris ($15)
The Federalist. The Federalist pays homage to our country’s Founding Fathers and their love of wine. The wines are crafted from grapes grown in Sonoma County and Lodi. The labels feature tributes to Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, John Adams and Ben Franklin. They even reference the Aaron Burr/Alexander Hamilton duel but curiously none reference Thomas Jefferson, the Founding Father most associated with wine. Notice the price on these Lodi wines.
- 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.76)
- 2014 Zinfandel ($17.76)
Josh Cellars. Founder Joseph Carr created this value line as a tribute to his father. Supplementing his namesake flagship wines, these are blended from North Coast grapes, especially Mendocino and Lake counties.
- 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2013 Legacy Blend
- 2013 Sauvignon Blanc