VALUE WINES

AT IMBIBE

NV Mumm Napa Brut Prestige - $14.99

When the temperature outside starts rising, I start looking to a bottle of bubbles as the perfect refreshment for Spring. Tantalizing notes of melon, spice and toasty vanilla dance in the glass and pair perfect with just about any food or shows equally as well on its own. Mumm Napa is another case of a great French Champagne House looking for another place perfect to produce amazing sparkling wine, and their Brut Prestige is better than some bottlings at twice the price. Pick up a few bottles and you'll be convinced!

2011 Margerum Rose - $14.99

Doug Margerum is easily one of the best winemakers on the Central Coast and one that produces consistently great bottlings year after year. You may remember the Margerum name from our Top 100 List when his M5 Rhone Blend won us all over. Just in time for Spring, his Rose of Grenache is beautifully balance and simply a fun wine to drink. Hints of strawberry crème, lime zest and a pleasantly crisp finish make this one to stock up on.

2011 il Campo White Blend - $15.91

We at Imbibe have been a longtime fan of winemaker Brian Terrizzi with his homeruns like the Broadside Cabernet and Chardonnay, and the lineup from Giornata. This year we were pleased to find out about a great white blend that is made for outdoor barbecues and relaxing with friends. Made from a blend of Fruliano, Chardonnay and just a splash of Moscato, this bottling is light and fresh with flavors of stone fruit, vanilla and lemon. And at only 12% alcohol, it is one of the most drinkable whites that we've tasted in a very long time. In fact, I think you'll like this so much, I'll make you a deal. Buy 11 bottles and I'll give you the 12th one for a penny.

2010 Alamos Red Blend - $9.99

Many  fans of Imbibe know that we love our imports.  This week we came across a new bottling from one of our favorite Argentine producers, Alamos.  This red blend is comprised mainly of Malbec, but also has a few other grapes in the mix to add depth and complexity.  When you are looking for a wine that is bold, but balanced and incredibly smooth, the Alamos Red Blend should be stocking your wine shelf.  This bottle is packed with flavors of cherry, plum, spice and sweet oak.  This one with burgers is outstanding! 

2009 Las Rocas Garnacha - $11.99

Las Rocas Winery is one that not only producers world-class Garnacha, but also one that has a great story made to pair.  Started in 1962 as a growers' co-operative, Las Rocas is made out of grapes from more than 350 different local growers.  This amazing fruit combined with a winemaking style that is very hands-off and you have a recipe for some delicious wine.  This is everything that Grenache should be, black raspberry, black pepper and toasty new oak.  And for those looking for something a little bolder, try their Vinas Viejas bottling made from all Old Vine Garnacha.

2008 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon - $49.99

Now I know that this wine may not sell for under $20 a bottle, but it is quite possibly one of the best value wines on the list this week.  Since 1996, Ramey Wine Cellars has been taking risks and making wines in styles that others would advise against.  With a goal to always "swing for the fences," winemaker and founder David Ramey continually hits homeruns.  This year, his 2008 Cabernet was recognized with 95 points by Mr. Parker.  Loaded with deep dark fruit, beautiful violet florals and spicy cedar, this is a bottling that you have to taste to believe.  The value here is that usually to get the same quality you have to spend twice the price or more!  Get yours today!