As the economy continues to falter, I have been increasingly focused on looking for Washington’s best value wines. I define these as wines that list at no more that $15 but can frequently be found on sale for a good bit less. On of my personal favorites is the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot. The 2006 release of this wine will be the subject of tomorrow’s January Virtual Tasting (Note: We will also be sampling the 2005 vintage in case this is what you find on the shelves). This wine retails for $12 but can frequently be found for $8 and is always enjoyable and some years phenomenal.
I am interested to hear what your favorite Washington value wines are. What is your go-to wine(s), house wine, favorite table wine etc? Leave a comment listing your favorites. I will report my take on some of these wines in future posts of my monthly Five Under Fifteen. Also feel free to send along non-Washington favorites.
I’m a fan of Chinook table red, which sells for around $14. Also been drinking a Spanish grenache called Quo for $10. The Columbia Crest Two Vines seem like a pretty good deal across the board.
Kiona Lemberger
Finspot, I agree on the CC Two Vines. I will check out the Chinook. Haven’t had their wines in a while. Where are you picking up the Quo?
Haven’t tried Kiona’s Lemberger in a long time. I remember Michael over at City Cellars turning me on to it many years back (he is always great with the under $10 recommendations btw). Sadly, I opened a bottle about a month back and it was tainted. Need to get another bottle and give it another try.