This months wine newsletter is about wines from around the world that over deliver. We are living in “The Golden Age of Wine” and there’s outstanding values coming from all parts of the globe. Whether its Old World countries like Spain or France or New World producers like New Zealand or our own USA, bangs for your buck are everywhere if you just take time too look. With modern technology like temperature controlled fermentation or better plant material through clonal research, the wines being produced today are quite superior and only getting better. I’m amazed by the progress in South America in wine quality in just the last 10 to 15 years and in less than 30 years New Zealand has become the star producer of Sauvignon Blanc throughout the world. Spain’s less sung wine regions are now putting out fabulous wines that are well worth the search and still don’t cost much compared to the quality that’s in the bottle. On the domestic front we’re starting to see areas like Monterey and Paso Robles in California churning out great bottles of vino at prices a common man still can afford. Of course let’s not forget about our own Pacific Northwest with Washington State leading the charge with Merlots, Syrahs and Rieslings that are incredible wines that are still awesome values. The complexity and food friendliness of these wines always impresses me. Germany has had a long string of great vintages and in France Bordeaux has seen some of the greatest modern day vintages since 1961. The timing couldn’t be better for wine drinkers to find great wines for great prices. Don’t be afraid to step outside your wine comfort box, you just might stumble onto something you’ll love. For example if you enjoy Italian Pinot Grigio it’s time to grab a Albarino from Spain just to mix it up a little and let your senses explore a new exciting smell and taste. This list of wine I will now give you is only the tip of the wine iceberg and if you’re unable to find one of these specific wines don’t sweat it. Just ask one of the friendly Westside Liquor employees in any of the 9 stores and they will find you a great wine for a fabulous price that will surely fit the bill.

1) Snowqualmie Winemaker’s Select Riesling 2007, Washington State – Vintage after vintage this wine is always too good to be true. Apricot, peach and apples explode out of the glass onto the tongue. A semi-sweet wine but so balanced with acidity that it sings flawlessly in the mouth. Pair with some spicy Asian dish or just enjoy chilled down with friends. 

2) Veramonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Chile – Watch out New Zealand this SB from Chile rocks the house. Year after year this producer makes a Sauvignon Blanc from the cooler Casablanca Valley that’s probably one of the world’s greatest values for this varietal. No Lie! Pair it with some grilled shrimp and you’re sure to find Nirvana. The place not the band. 

3) Protocolo 2005, Spain – This all Tempranillo based red is awesome for the price. Cherry, raspberry, strawberry and a touch of earth and spice make this a stunning wine for all types of food. Year after year it gets a best buy from the greatest wine critics. If you enjoy Pinot Noir give this one a try. Pair with grilled pork or grilled stuffed mushrooms. Give it a chill in the summer heat.

4) La Vieille Ferme Red 2005, France – The Old Farm is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. A traditional Rhone blend made by the famous Perrin family of Chateau Beaucastel. This is their everyday wine they make and it’s incredible for the price. Spicy red fruits with a touch of Old world earth make this one of the greatest values in the Rhone. Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast give it a “Best Value” and “Best Buy”. Pair with some cheddar and homemade stew. Don’t forget the crusty bread. 

5) Punto Final Malbec 2007, Argentina – This wine is produced from vines more than 50 years old which adds to the complexity of the wine. Black raspberry and blackberry coat the mouth with a full and pleasing mid-palate. Great structure and length on the finish. This wine shows why Argentina has become the modern day home for the Malbec grape. Wow! Pair with some grilled Tri-Tip.

6) Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Paso Robles California – A gold medal winner in California in 2007. Pretty good for a wine that sells for $9.99. If you love food friendly cabs this is your bottle. Blackcurrant and black cherry with a touch of vanilla and oak. Pair with almost any red meat off the grill. Yummy!

Hope you find some gems!
Jeff Anderson
Sommelier