Best Buys $10 And Under

Vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, pears and toasted bread with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is dry with a rich, creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish. - Winemaker's notes - PJ

Organic / Natural

The New York Times article on the 2020 vintage: 20 Under $20: Minimal Effort, Maximum Pleasure.
In most cases, wines with gimmicky names like Nat Cool are a turnoff. They reek of marketing, more than careful winemaking. But Dirk Niepoort is a visionary producer, so don’t look at the label, just drink. This is a delicious thirst quencher made of the baga grape, not complex. It’s easygoing and low in alcohol at 12 percent, with aromas and flavors of flowers and earthy red fruit. And it comes in a liter bottle.

Very light in color, the 2021 vintage of this wine offers a frank and expressive aromatic profile full of freshness and floral notes. It showcases the character of the Baga grape variety and Bairrada region superbly, with beautiful aromas of strawberries, dried roses and some spice. The wines minerality is reminiscent of the vines calcareous soils and unmistakable Atlantic climate. Fresh, direct and very seductive, this wine is light on its feet and so easy to drink, it will entice you to have another glass. It makes a very versatile food wine just add a good meal and good friends! Serve chilled. All work is done by hand implementing organic and biodynamic principles, utilizing natural fermentation with wild yeast. No sulfur is added. Nat Cool is naturally cool and funky. It represents an innovative concept initiated by Niepoort, in which various producers came together to create light and easy-to-drink wines. In the Bairrada region we have produced the DrinkMe, the first Nat Cool, where we try to showcase a different and elegant side of the Baga grape variety. An incredibly light and accessible wine which just begs to be enjoyed. Welcome to the Nat Cool world! -Winery

The baga vineyards are farmed organically and are located in Bairrada. All work is done by hand. Soil is calcareous clay. They utilize natural fermentation with wild yeast. No sulphur is added. 11% abv

A firm, dry rosé, offering cherry compote flavor and moderate concentration, backed by an aftertaste of rhubarb. - WS82

94 points James Suckling
Medium ruby hue, with a bright and racy nose thats full of pretty berries, redcurrants, fresh strawberries and potpourri. Medium-bodied and naturally juicy on the palate, showing lots of crunch and drinkability. Fresh, transparent and silky. Drink or hold.

93 points Wine Advocate
They are going for lower yields and less bottles of the 2020 La Montesa and slowly putting prices up, as they feel the wine is more serious than what the perception of the affordable price makes it. 2020 is a powerful vintage; it's structured and textured, the oak is very nicely integrated (12 months in barrel, but the powerful wine absorbed it completely), and it's powerful with 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.55, a little darker than in previous years. The tannins are very fine with a subtle chalky texture. There were 2,319 barrels that resulted in 672,000 bottles, 10,000 magnums and some larger and smaller formats. It was bottled from April 2022.

#69 On The Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines Of 2024!

91 points Wine Spectator
A rich version, bordering on creamy, this peach-, apple- and stone-inflected white is complex and long, with fine balance and a long aftertaste that resonates with fruit and mineral notes. Drink now.

A direct and considerable freshness - the density and richness of the fruit mingle with the superb acid vitality giving a wine with a frisson and a magnificent persistency. Stunningly balanced, this is an extremely appetent wine! Ideal as an aperitif.

Organic

Ameztoi?€?s Txakolina is the wine that has come to define the traditional style of Txakolina from Getaria. Light, crisp, refreshing, and low in alcohol, Ameztoi Txakolina is bottled with a touch of residual carbon dioxide gas to give it its natural, signature, spritzy style. It is produced exclusively from indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grapes from the Ameztoi estate, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain?€?s rugged northern coast. A joyful wine with signature salty and briny notes, crisp acidity, low alcohol, and refreshing spritz naturally complements the region?€?s exquisite seafood. The vines were planted from 1918 to 1989.

Ameztoi is one of the top producers of Getariako Txakolina. They own 20 hectares of vines in the best location. From the vineyards one can see the town of St. Sebastian and understand the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on local viticulture. Made from the indigenous grape varieties of Hondarribi Zuri and its red companion Hondarribi Beltza. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and bottled with residual carbonic acid that gives the wine its natural spritz. 10.5% abv

Organic

Stadlmann produces a singular riesling that takes advantage of the calcareous soils and temperate climate of the Thermenregion, rendering a classic, flinty expression of the varietal, leading with crisp, ripe green apple and notes of alpine flowers. Fermentation lasts 12 days in stainless steel tanks, with lees ageing for two months. As with all of the wines here, it is produced organically and biodynamically. 12.5% abv (Rosenthal Wine Merchant Import)

93 points Wine Advocate
The 2021 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It has pretty tones of blueberries and black cherries with nuances of lavender, thyme and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, chalky and refreshing, with surprising depth of crunchy fruit and floral sparks across the long, juicy finish.

92 points Vinous
The 2021 Armé is a tasty Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Marietta. Gravel, scorched earth, tobacco, incense, leather and menthol add layers of nuance to a core of dark-toned fruit. This somber, virile red packs plenty of intensity into its mid-weight frame

Organic

#43 On The Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines Of 2024!

93 points Wine Spectator
This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There's also an appealing grip on the finish.

Organic

93 points Vinous
Masses of crushed cherries and cloves give way to nuances of spiced citrus peels and cedar as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is round and pliant on the palate, with a balanced inner sweetness contrasting its mineral-tinged acids and tart wild berry fruits. Grippy tannins mount toward the close, yet fail to slow the 2018?€?s momentum, as notes of salted licorice are left to resonate under an air of dried roses. This is a deep and characterful rendition of Col d'Orcia?€?s Brunello, but patience will be required to unlock all of its charms.

Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character. Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry, and satiny with a light toffee flavor. 45%abv

Juniper and bright spice on the nose, some floral hints as well. Mild, fresh, hints of lavender and cream on the close. Nice, smells a touch contemporary in style, but the presence of juniper is immediately detectable. The flavor is actually rich and thick, it spreads thickly and evenly throughout the palate. Florals on the front. Viscous citrus, bright juniper build in the mid palate, - The Gin is In

45%abv

El Tesoro uses 100% estate grown agave, allowing the agave to grow longer than most to peak maturity and double distilling to proof without adding water after the final distillation. The reposado is aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for nine to eleven months which create a sweet and smoky flavor, with hints of vanilla and oak. 95 Points and Finalist - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019. 40%abv

Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is blended in small batches and finished in French oak port wine casks for between three to six months. You’ll detect notes of subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup and toasted nuts on the nose with vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate on the palate. Finishes sweet with hints of Madeira. 43.3%abv.

“A light, breezy aperitif for white wine lovers. This golden-orange liquid has a tart apple and citrus scent, with a touch of honeysuckle behind that, and a honeyed flavor with a dry, faintly spiced finish. Light-bodied and drinkable, made even more so with the addition of lime juice and club soda. Pair with cheese or charcuterie” 93 pts, Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker Notes:
14 Hands Merlot offers classic Washington aromas of blackberries, plums and black cherries. Expressive flavors of berries and cherries are joined by subtle nuances of mocha and spice. While soft and approachable, this wine maintains a firm backbone of tannins.

#76 on The Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023!

93 points Wine Spectator
Lovely, with a mix of persimmon, white peach, hazelnut, green tea and singed alder notes all moving together in streamlined harmony. The long, elegant finish has nice latent energy. Drink now.

Organic

The delightful one liter bottle has only 12% abv. There is no malolactic fermentation. This is a crisp, refreshing Gruner Veltliner with notes of herbs, minerals, citrus, stone fruits, and excellent acidity.

#10 on The Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines Of 2024!

94 points Wine Spectator
Oozing with character, this succulent and mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers accents of freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now through 2036.

95 points Jeb Dunnuck
A bright straw color, the 2022 Chardonnay Russian River Valley is fresh and aromatic with notes of flinty, ripe, fresh apple, candied lemon, a savory, lightly herbaceous touch, and a hint of wet stone. Medium to full-bodied, it?€?s elegant and long on the palate, with a delicate saline touch and a balanced feel throughout. It is phenomenal wine and shows off the versatility of this vintage with ease. Drink it over the next 10 or more years.

94 points Wine Spectator
Oozing with character, this succulent and mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver. Offers accents of freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now through 2036.

Organic

92 points Vinous Media
The 2021 Chianti Classico is a potent, deep, structured wine that hits so many right notes. Readers will find a structured, expansive wine loaded with personality. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and licorice are all amplified in this super-classic Greve Chianti Classico. This is a standout.

91 points Wine Advocate
Made with certified organic fruit, the Castello di Verrazzano 2021 Chianti Classico is faithful to Sangiovese with a mix of cherry aromas, earth and iris root. The wine reveals a mid-weight texture that definitely falls on the more delicate and elegant side of the spectrum. With an ample 150,000 bottles released, the wine shows medium-rich concentration and a fresh acidic signature. Nice job.

Organic / Natural Wine - This wine may be reductive when first opened, aeration is recommended.

93 points Wine Advocate
The village red from La Orotava 2020 7 Fuentes was produced with Listán Negro and 5% Castellana Negra from up to 25 different vineyards, mostly from the center and east of the valley where the grapes are mostly red, with vines ranging between 10 and 200 years old at altitudes of 300 to 700 meters on different soils, all volcanic but with more or less clay, silt and sand. It fermented with 10% full clusters in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured for eight months, 70% in concrete and 30% of the volume in used 500-liter oak barrels, then it was blended and kept in stainless steel until bottling. It has moderate alcohol, 12.65%, and mellow acidity. 2020 was a warm year with a very early harvest and good yields after a small crop in 2019. This is herbal and a little reductive, with a polished palate and fine tannins. 58,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2022

"This "crazy value" Napa Cab was sourced from a couple of top "Cult" wineries in the Valley (SHHH...their wines sell for between $75-150/bot!). Deep, rich and plush with classic Napa Cab fruit, it drinks like a wine costing 2-3 times as much! The Hardin Cabernet Sauvignon is a combination of top valley floor and hillside sites, it's a blend of 98 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 Cabernet Franc aged in French oak (20 new) for about 22 months. A wine that displays the outright richness and power of the vintage. Deep, intense, plum, dark cherry and spice are prevelant right away on the nose and palate. But the signature of the vintage is then on full display with minerality, balancing structure and a vibrant, fresh core that lifts the fruit and carries the wine. A classic Napa Cab that will drink well for many years."~Distributor Notes

Organic

20% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Carignan More Syrah than usual due to new plantings which gives a soft texture and sweeter finish than recent vintages. Less Cabernet than usual and more than usual Carignan. Black and red raspberries, followed by the tell tale Provencal smell of garrigue. Warm, round tones of sandalwood, chocolate and caramel coat the tongue with hints of nutmeg and black pepper. Ripe, round tannins provide beautiful definition without being too bold. - Winery notes

92 pts Vinous
Bright, dark medium ruby. Lively aromas and flavors of crushed blackberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and mocha. Densely packed, fine-grained and savory, with its ripe, creamy flavors complicated by a wild gamey quality. As rich, concentrated and deep as this wine is, it's not over the top. This outstanding Malbec finishes ripely tannic and long, with compelling sweetness of fruit. (14.9% alcohol; this wine represents a blend of vineyards and altitudes in Calchaqui Valley; aged for 15 months in a mix of one- to ten-year-old French barriques).

El Tesoro uses 100% estate grown agave, allowing the agave to grow longer than most to peak maturity and double distilling to proof without adding water after the final distillation. The blanco is unaged and bottled immediately after distillation to capture the essence of the agave. This traditional, agave-forward tequila has aromas of agave with notes of honey and green olive. There is sweetness on the palate with agave and white pepper. Double Gold Medal - International Spirits Challenge 2020. 40%abv

"Somehow this 12 year old-a mix of sherry and American oak's overlooked by malt lovers heading straight to the mental world of a'Bunadh. This is Aberlour at a crucial point in its growth: you've lost the maltiness of the 10 year old, but there's none of the heavy toffee and licorice of a'Bunadh or older expressions. Here it's sweet fruits in charge: red apple, black currant, plum. The sherry has added depth, the American oak honey. Length and balance." Whisky Advocate, 40% abv - Malt and Honey -