Best Buys $10 And Under

95 pts Wine Advocate
The red flagship 2006 Viña Tondonia Reserva was inspired by the vineyards of the Médoc but produced with local grapes, 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, which achieved 13% alcohol in 2006. It always matures in used American oak barriques for some six years. The oldest of all the reds I tasted, it was also the one with more freshness, which speaks to the quality of the vineyard. This takes the lion's share of the 400,000 bottles the winery produces, with some 220,000 bottles filled over a period of 12 consecutive days in May 2014.

93 points James Suckling
An amalgam of redcurrant and blackcurrant aromas with cedary and leafy tones, dark berries and pepper and plenty of oak strut. The palate has a deep vein of black-fruit flavors, as well as plum and chocolate. Bold extract. A blend of Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley. Drink now.

The nose has sandalwood, floral aromas, spice, green tea, and vanilla. On the palate, there's a lot of aromatic wood, cedar, cloves, tea, citrus zest, spice, and a touch of smoke. The spice, smoke, green tea, and wood linger through the finish.

Long aging process in seasoned casks produces the noteworthy mineral character and a harmonious, smooth and coherent array of aromas. Elegant, floral, and mineral style with notes of creamy milk chocolate, orange zest and a touch of spice. Fruity grapes on the finish.

The Talisker Storm is made from whiskies of different vintages. The distillery managed to keep its typical character and also create an experience with strong and marine flavors. It bears no age statement but is stronger and more intense than the 10-year-old. Nose: mellow smokiness, briny, fresh clean notes, and pronounced pepper. Palate: medium bodied with tongue-coating sweetness, nutty smokiness and spice notes. The flavor is elegantly drawn out with a good balance between sweetness, smoke and salt, which is all the more evident when a little water is added. Finish: clean and of medium length, warming, with a lasting, smooth aftertaste, in which peaty burnt embers can be found. - Maritime and Smoky -

The use of the smaller cask size, which ensures increased contact with the oak, creates a soft and velvety edge to complement Laphroaig’s distinctive peatiness. On the nose the sensation is toffee and caramel, caused by the vanillas and tannins of the American oak, plus a dryness from the wood oil. The finish is long and alternates between the sweetness and smoke. 48% abv - Peat and Fruit -

The darkest and most intense whisky in their extra-matured range, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban has spent 10 years maturing in American white oak casks, before being transferred into ruby port pipes from the Quintas or wine estates of Portugal. Extra maturation in these port pipes creates a complex balance of sweet and dry flavors and an intriguing contrast of smooth and crisp, cooling textures. Non chill-filtered for additional aroma and mouthfeel. Nose: dark mint chocolate, tangerines and Seville oranges mingle with sandalwood and walnut before giving way to a spicy finish of pepper and nutmeg. Palate: mint chocolate and walnuts envelop the palate like velvet, with additional notes of sweet Seville oranges. Finish: long-lasting silky aftertaste leaving dark chocolate mints and traces of orange. 46% abv - Rich Fruit and Spice -

Distiller Notes
Vibrant amber-gold. The nose is fresh and beautifully light, sherried fruit combined with a tempting spicy sweetness and a int of sappy oak. The palate is full-bodied with a delightfully sherried fruit, oak and delicious sweet sensations. The finish is long and flavorsome, with a lingering spiciness.

"Similar to the Classic in its tropical fruit and honeyed vanilla, but with more depth, emerging nuts, and dried spice. Thicker too-with a slightly oily texture. A noticeable improvement from the Classic. This 12 year old is worth the few extra bucks. It's the most rounded and balanced of the three new whiskies." Whisky Advocate

Nose: creme brulee with a burst of citrus and nuttiness, and a touch of green leaf. Palate: smooth and sweet with hints of tangerine and lime. Finish: gingery and slightly drying with a pleasant lingering nuttiness. 40% abv - Fresh Fruit and Vanilla -

Nose: Rounded and subtly smoky (applewood), with creamy toffee, aniseed and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance: lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. Palate: A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Long and sweet, with floral overtones and malty, biscuit notes. Finish: Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke. 46% abv - Rich and Peaty -

"Straw-gold color. On the nose, sweet toffee, citrus notes, seaweed, and spice complement a powerful peat smoke infusion. In body, it is thick and oily. On the palate, a somewhat sweet maltiness up front is run over by a powerful peat smoke locomotive. Again, the whisky is enriched with citrus and pear notes, spice, and seaweed. The finish is powerful, long, and warming. The smoke lingers for minutes, if not hours." 93 pts Whisky Advocate

"Pierre Ferrand Renegade Barrel is a rare example of double-matured Cognac. Aged in a combination of classic oak casks and chestnut-wood barrels, this is rich with a hint of sweetness." - thewhiskeyexchange.com

96 points Vinous
A mentholated freshness introduces the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, as a vibrant wave of crushed cherries, mint leaf, clove and dusty roses make up its absolutely gorgeous bouquet. This is silky and enveloping yet lifted and full of energy, with crunchy red berry fruits that leave a crackle of primary concentration toward the close. It finishes pretty saline and spicy in character, leaving edgy tannins to mingle with a residual bump of acidity that maintains a wonderfully fresh sensation as tart cranberry notes fade. This is one of the most exciting young renditions of Voliero I have ever tasted. It captivates with its precision and spry personality while holding depths of complexity in reserve. Wow.

Organic

94 points Wine Advocate
The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape ratchets up the intensity from the Coudelet, adding more pronounced Mourvèdre-derived notes of truffle and tree bark to go with ripe black cherries and plums, crushed stone and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied in the mouth, with ample concentration and richness, this gently tannic wine finishes long and velvety, with echoes of licorice and dark fruit. It's a standout from a difficult vintage.

96-98 points Wine Advocate
The 2020 Larcis Ducasse has a deep purple-black color, leaping from the glass with bold notions of redcurrant jelly, plum preserves, kirsch and red roses, followed by hints of licorice, fragrant earth and spice cake, with a touch of woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with fragrant red berries and profound black fruit preserves, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and lovely tension, finishing very long and fantastically layered. Absolutely, stunningly singular. (05/21) Lisa Perrotti-Brown

98 points Vinous
The 2020 Larcis Ducasse is a real showstopper. Bright and vertical in feel, the 2020 possesses tremendous energy to match its super-classic build. Beams of tannin and acid give the wine its shape. Dark cherry and pomegranate fruit are pushed forward, with a kick of blood orange acidity that lends freshness. Graphite, dried herbs, menthol, spice and cedar emerge with some coaxing, but the 2020 is very young and very primary. That of course bodes so well for its future. The 2020 is quite simply a thrilling Larcis and one of the very finest values in all of Bordeaux. (12/22) Antonio Galloni

Organic

97+ points Vinous
The 2020 Barbaresco Pajor?? is a textbook wine from this site. A wine of depth and stature the Pajor?? is so impressive even just bottled. Dark cherry plum lavender spice and menthol race across the palate as the 2020 shows off its obvious pedigree. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of spice balsamic-infused nuances that build into the palate-staining finish. The 2020 is shaping up to be truly magnificent.

Hand-crafted in the village of San Baltazar Chichicapa, cradled by low hills in a broad, arid valley. Agave: Espad?. Naturally fermented and twice distilled in wood-fired copper stills. Nose of sweet roasted agave & toasted corn, palate of dried fruit & sweet almond, finish of chocolate & mint. 48%abv - Producer's notes

Very elegant, complex, and stylish. Honeyed and silky in texture, with toffee, toasted marshmallow, nougat, maple syrup, banana bread, and a hint of toasted coconut. Bright fruit and golden raisin blend in nicely with the layers of sweetness. Impeccable balance and very approachable. Classic Irish whiskey! Whisky Advocate 96pts

The Knob Creek 100 proof is a mix of older and younger Bourbons with the aim of creating a 9 year old flavor profile. A good introductory premium Bourbon.

The Glenfiddich 12 is a benchmark Scotch and familiar favorite helping to establish the Single Malt category years ago.

Color: Golden Nose: Distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted and delicately balanced. Taste: Characteristic sweet, fruity notes. Develops into butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavors. Finish: A long smooth and mellow finish. (Producer’s Note) - Dried Fruit and Nut -

Hand-crafted by the tropical riverbed in the village of San Luis Del Rio where the Red Ant River flows. Agave: Espadin. Naturally fermented and twice distilled in wood-fired copper stills. Nose of roasted pineapple & bright citrus, palate of mango, cocoa, dried chiles & a touch of salinity, finish of cigar smoke & lots of fruit. ABV 47. - Producer's notes

"A new addition to the permanent Balvenie range. Lovely bright gold color. Layers of sweetness (the characteristic Balvenie honey, along with vanilla fudge, nougat, and rich toffee) peppered with dried spice and a hint of tropical fruit (papaya, guava, tangerine). Nice viscosity with good grip on the finish. I really like the balance and complexity of this whisky. A very solid effort and the price is right." Whisky Advocate - Malt and Honey -

#63 On The Wine Spectator's Topp 100 Wines Of 2024!

93 points Wine Spectator
There's a subtle succulence to this graceful Champagne, framing flavors of peach skin, ripe pear, Marcona almond and orchard blossoms. The fine, detailed mousse is raw silklike in texture. Finishes with minerally fleur de sel and oyster shell notes. Disgorged December 2023. Drink now through 2029.

94 points Wine Advocate
The 2019 San Vicente was produced with Tempranillo Peludo, a special strain of Tempranillo planted from a massale selection in 1985 in the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Like all their reds (except the carbonic maceration ones), the destemmed grapes fermented in French oak vats, and the wine matured in new oak barrels (90% French, 10% American) for 20 months. This wine is quite regular, and I found similar wines in 2019 and 2018, the two vintages that I tasted together, combining power and elegance and juicy fruit with good ripeness but without excess and good acidity and balance and fine-grained tannins. - Luis Gutierrez,

One finca and one 18-hectare vineyard supply the Tempranillo fruit for this ultra modern, 90% new oak-aged red from clay-limestone soils at 580 metres. - Tim Atkin

Organic

90 points Vinous
The 2019 Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs L'Arbre, from a parcel in Pouillon, is seriously impressive. Bright, focused and super-polished, with tons of aromatic presence, L'Arbre shows a refined, elegant side of Meunier that stands apart from the typically bigger style found in most mono-varietal bottlings. There's tons of energy and vibrancy. The 2019 feels a bit severe, but some of that may be attributable to its recent disgorgement. Naturally the vintages are different, but the 2018 version is quite a bit more open.

100% Pinot Meunier from the single parcel of Voyet in the Marne village of Pouillon, this is the Cuillier family's most historic vineyard. Sandy soils over limestone. The winery embraces regenerative principles of cover cropping and low-/no-till farming to increase soil organic matter and to preserve and enhance biodiversity. Applies homemade composts to enrich soil and incorporates Vitiforestry, which is the intentional integration of trees into the vineyards (a.k.a Agroforestry when integrated into other agricultural crops). Indigenous yeast fermentation in small stainless steel tank. Aged in tank for 12 months followed by 36 months sur lattes. No fining or filtration, disgorged by hand, zero dosage.

95 points James Suckling
This smells like walking into a high-class store, where a huge basket of peaches and nectarines is standing on the counter. Super-elegant and precise with a spot on balance of racy acidity, wet stone minerality and delicate fruit. Very long and pristine finish. Drink or hold. (7/2022)

93 points Vinous
The 2022 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett does not really want to show itself on the nose. But the palate presents immediate clarity and poise. This is laser-straight elegance, stone and citrus. This shows such pedigree, such clarity. So poised, so mouth-watering, so stony.