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"Stellar Red Wines for Under 25 Dollars"
Today fabulous wines are being made all across the globe. Finding these gems seems to be getting easier and easier to do. Our own domestic bottles are some of the finest in the world and have proven this over and over again in competition. The "Golden Age of Wine" has arrived and we're smack dab in the middle of it. More quality wine is being produced today than ever before in the history of man. I have the opportunity to taste new wines every week and both "Old World" and "New World" wine producing countries are delivering the goods. Believe it or not cooler weather is just around the corner and so this newsletter will focus on some supreme reds. All of these wines have amazing depth and complexity and for the price rock. The line up features wine from Italy, Chile, Washington State and two from California. These are all excellent food wines and will pair great with everything from stuffed mushrooms to grilled steaks. Be sure to grab one of these gems for your next wine dinner.
1) Poliziano Rosso Di Montepulciano 2009, Italy - This is one of the top producers in Tuscany and for the money is hard to beat. The Carletti family established the winery in 1961 and started to produce outstanding wine in the 1980's. Enologist Federico Carletti and consultant Carlo Ferrini do amazing magic with this wine. Aromas of cherry and chestnuts float out of the glass. Flavors of raspberry, spice and black cherry sing on the palate with a plush mouth feel. Long lasting finish with real personality. Pair with grilled pork medallions, stuffed manicotti or hard Italian cheeses.
2) Steltzner Claret 2008, Napa Valley - The Steltzner family has been producing low production wines from the Napa Valley since 1965. The wine is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A traditional Bordeaux blend coming from California. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine structure. The Merlot fill out the middle and the Cabernet Franc lifts the aromatics. Aromas of cinnamon, cherries and vanilla float out of the glass. Flavors of more cherries, blackberry and cedar coat the palate in a velvety mouth feel. Super nice lasting finish and complexity well beyond its price tag. Pair with grilled rib eye, Leg of lamb or just with some nice aged white cheddar.
3) Desert Wind Ruah 2009, Washington State - This is one of my personnel favorite red blends coming from Columbia Valley for under 30 bucks. The grapes are sourced from the famous Wahluke Slope and is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Aromas of currant, cherries and cedar fill the air. Succulent flavors of blackberry, blueberry, toasted nuts and a hint of vanilla coat the palate. Concentrated with fabulous depth and long finish. A must try for all lovers of reds! Pair with venison, grilled Tri-Tip and BBQ ribs.
4) Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Chile - This country has a great track record for making super Cabs at super prices. This famous French family bought land in Chile in the 1990's and has been producing great wine since. For the money this wine is hard to beat. Dark purple color shows its youth. Aromas of strawberry, spice and plum explode out of the glass. Flavors of dark fruits, chocolate coat the palate with a nice lasting finish. Decant before drinking if you have the time. Super serious wine for the money. Pair with grilled red meats, chili and hearty stews.
5) Sebastiani Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma - This family has been making wine for over 100 years and the wine is coming from the excellent 2009 vintage. This Pinot Noir has fabulous aromatics and over delivers for the price. Mark Lyon has been making wine for over 30 years and does an excellent job with this grape. The wine has wonderful aromas of strawberry and sandalwood. Silky flavors of cherries and oriental spice coat the palate with nice structure. A real gem in the world of Pinots. Pair with stuffed mushrooms, roast chicken, grilled Salmon or with some nice Brie cheese.
Hope you find a favorite in the bunch!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson
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