Each month I will review five wines in the so called “value” category of fifteen dollars or under.

Of the wines sampled this month, I did not find any stunners. Perhaps my favorite of the group was the Washington Hills Rainier Red. This is a non-vintage wine that is predominantly composed of Cabernet Franc. The especially appealing aspect of this wine to me was that I bought it for under six dollars. With my expectations appropriately lowered, I thought this wine over-performed. While not by any means a complex or overly interesting, it was well put together. This would be a great wine for pouring at BBQ’s. It is a true quaffer.

To see last month’s wines, go here.
Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

+

 Hogue Cellars Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005

 A strong nose marked by coffee grounds, black pepper, earth, and boysenberry aromas. The nose is at times interesting and at times almost a bit off-putting. On the taste, it is a nice, even, medium-bodied wine with a good finish. Smooth tannins round out the back end. Consider if on sale. 81% Cabernet; 9% Cab Franc; 7% Merlot; 2% Syrah; 1% Lemberger.

 $15

+

 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

 Don’t particularly care for the nose on which a smoky aroma is predominant. Not bad but not my style. Fairly light in color. Taste is very fruity but well put together. A decent wine for the money overall.

 $9

+

 Washington Hills Rainier Red NV

 Nose is marked by sour cherry and cranberry. Opens up and expands nicely on the palate. This is an inoffensive, easy-drinking wine that is straight down the fairway. Surprisingly good for the money. A good BBQ swiller. 41.5% Cab Franc; 39.5 % Cabernet; 10.6% Syrah; 6% Pinot Noir; 2.2% Merlot. Recommended.

 $8

.

 Three Rivers River’s Red 2006

 A green, stemmy, off-putting nose, also marked by some type ripe berry and mineral notes. The taste is decent but not much there on the mid-palate or finish. Fairly light bodied. 48% Syrah; 23% Cabernet; 18% Cab Franc; 9% Malbec; 2% Petit Verdot.

 $15

.

 Canoe Ridge Trout Trilogy 2004

 Slightly brownish in color, as if a much older wine. Blackberry, a touch of spice, and traces of chocolate on an overall good nose. Too much alcohol on the finish.

 $10