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Bold, Affordable Gold Medal WinesBy Darryl BeesonValue is the virtue, especially with wine. These reds grabbed Gold Medals and more, recently, at a prestigious international wine competition. The amazing news is the range of pricing- $6.99 to $18. Ventana Vineyards "Due Amici" Arroyo Seco This is a winery to watch. This 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, a sort of Cal-Ital combination, won a Gold Medal and Best of Class at the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (Their Sauvignon Blanc took a Gold Medal at the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition). "Ventana named this blend "Due Amici" Italian for "two friends"- The two friends are the two grape types that we used to make the wine, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon." says owner Doug Meador. "Grape varietals when blended add dimension and attributes from both of the varietals. In this case we retained the fresh red berry flavors from the Sangiovese grape however by adding Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend, we obtain some spicy qualities and a richer body than if we used only the Sangiovese by itself." To learn more, visit www.ventana.com. Napa Ridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2000 This affordable red was a Best of Class and Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The fruit flavors are ripe and approachable. The complexity exceeds what might be expected at this simple price. There are firm layers building this nice Cabernet. Napa Ridge was created as a label, having no involvement of estate vineyards. The grapes have come from other appellations, not always Napa. This winner hails from Napa sourcing, possibly a sign of tougher economic times in which all things Napa don't exactly sell on the first offer. Thanks to Napa Ridge for bottling such a winner for only $12. Shrewd. Montpellier Vineyards Merlot, California 2001 This downright cheaply-priced red took a Gold Medal at the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This label has garnered a great reputation of fruit forward, well crafted wines. There is ripe plum and a velvety structure. There is complexity and concentration. This red will match successfully with a wide array of foods, from burgers and pizza to steak and gourmet. The price-to-value ratio is unbelievable. Domaine Laurier Winery Reserve Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2001 Pinot Noir is difficult to master at most any selling price. This Pinot, full of red fruit brightness, captures the beauty of this graceful grape. This bottle of velvet in the form of liquid will pair with both seafood and meat. The price allows it a go with a juicy burger. Note that this elusive red captured a Gold Medal at the 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The price is amazing. In 2004, a record breaking 565 California wineries entered a total of more than 2,500 wines into the event. To learn more, visit www.winejudging.com. Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications. |
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