When you don't want to part with the big bucks that most Chateauneuf du Pape commands, savvy wine buyers go to it's lower priced cousin Gigondas. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it shows light concentrated fruit, a herbalness of mint and rosemary, with a gamey, rustic and smoky finish. With the extra dollars you save when purchasing Gigondas, you won't have to worry about skimping on quality.

 

  This may very well be the "Economy Buster" of the year. A tasty Malbec from Argentina, a Reserve at that, for a quarter of it's normal price. Lots of up front plum and black currant fruit, mixed with vanilla and white pepper, add the supple flavor of French Oak and you've got yourself a nice plush palate pleasure. Really impresses when allowed to open up after a few hours (or instantly with the use of a Vinturi) It's gold at a penny stock price.

 

This varietal is always my number one pick when one wants to think outside the typical Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc white wine box. Complex flavors of peach, melon, honeysuckle, mango and orange blossom blend well with floral aroma's and a soft creamy coating that sits long on the palate. Not a "Best of Show" compared to it's more expensive competition but definitely ranks as "Best in it's Class" for wines in it's affordable price range.

 

Always one of the stand out zinfandel blends year in and year out, Paul Draper again hits the mark with this current release. This blend of 80% Zinfandel - 16% Petite Sirah - 4% Carignane is a heavenly creation from one tough vintage. After Spring rains, Summer heat spikes and damaging harvest rains, it just goes to show that these century old Sonoma Old Vines can produce magic when Mother Nature doesn't want to cooperate. Big, luscious and well structured, Ridge fans can look forward to a zin-zin proposition.