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

The first two wines this month are from Lone Canary, a Spokane, Washington winery. Lone Canary released their first vintage in 2003. Winemaker Mike Scott was previously the winemaker and general manager for Caterina Winery.

The next wine is the Apex II Cabernet. Apex II is the second label for Apex Cellars which is located in Prosser, Washington in the Yakima valley. Apex is now a joint venture with the giant Precepts Brands (Giant Wine Co, Waterbrook, Sol Duc, among many others). Precept also owns Washington Hills who produces the next wine on our list.

The final wine is from Sageland Vineyards. Sageland has been making wine for over ten years now. The winery is located in Wapato, Washington in Yakima Valley. The Four Corners Cabernet refers to the “four corners of the Columbia Valley” – the Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and the Walla Walla Valley.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

+

Lone Canary Winery Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2007

Clear in color with dust and cut grass on the nose. The taste is smooth and full with touches of honey and tropical fruit on the finish. Don’t care for the nose but otherwise a very good wine for the money. 14.1% alcohol. 1,975 cases produced.

$10

.

Lone Canary Winery Bird House Red NV

Prune is predominant on the nose and taste along with spice, soy, and menthol. The wine has the taste of a somewhat aged red. 55% Syrah; 22% Cabernet; 21% Merlot; 2% Sangiovese.14.3% alcohol. 490 cases produced.

$13

.

Apex II Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2004

Spice, tobacco, and dried fruit on the nose. On the taste, the wine is smooth but a bit thin, although soft tannins round it out a bit. 13.6% alcohol. 1,467 cases produced.

$15

+

Washington Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Bing cherry aromas laced with oak and traces of spice. Overall, an enjoyable nose. Firm tannins on the taste. Perhaps a bit astringent. 13.5% alcohol. Purchased for $7 at Pete’s.

$11

+

Sagelands Four Corners Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2006

Lots of black cherries, Bing cherries, and chocolate on the nose. Fruit forward on the taste with some oak, spice and velvety tannins on the finish. Overall, the nose is better than the taste which is a little light. Still, not bad for the money if on sale (I purchased for $8). 14.1% alcohol. Purchased for $8 from Pete’s.

$13