Best Buys $10 And Under

Organic / Biodynamic

100% Malagousia, a native Greek variety that was near extinction, fermented in stainless steel tanks. Extremely aromatic with notes of green apples, waxed lemons and green tea. Fresh and saline, with a medium body and a waxy texture that finishes dry. Bring on the shellfish! 13% abv

8.3g/l RS and 8.5g/l acidity. The Muller Estate Trocken comes this year from old vines from 1983 at the top of the Niedermenniger Herrenberg, a red slate site. Vinified dry in 2/3 stainless steel, 1/3 Fuder barrels. Energetic, crunchy, mineral, and far more serious a wine than it has to be -- as always!

Organic / Biodynamic

91 points Vinous
The 2020 Les Choisilles offers a floral and pear-like aromatic character. It's round and ripe with good grip on the finish, which could be a result of the vintage having had little juice in it; the wines have excellent structure and fruit purity by Rebecca Gibb on 6/2022. Drinking window 2022-2032.

Old vines from the vineyards of Les Epinais, La Taille aux Loups and Clos au Renard. The wine is named after a type of black flint called choisille. Vinified sec in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts. Aged in a combination of tank and used demi-muids. The 2020 has 4.2 grams per liter residual sugar per liter and 3.75 grams per liter of Total Acidity.

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

96 points Wine Spectator
Gorgeous from the start, with cassis and violet notes leading off, followed by additional waves of black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as sweet tobacco and iron. Shows subtle savory and cedar hints that stay in the background, as the iron note pierces through the fruit on the finish. Almost approachable for the fruit, but wait if you can. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2040

96 points Vinous
The 2020 Lynch-Bages, the first vintage vinified at the new winery, has a beautifully-defined bouquet with a strong estuarine influence, brine and seaweed infusing the black fruit. It's almost understated at first, but it opens wonderfully in the glass - quintessentially Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite concentrated that is counterbalanced by a fine bead of acidity. The saline note on the finish is superb, lingering in the mouth. What an absolutely delicious Lynch-Bages for the long-term. Neal Martin

96 points Vinous
The 2020 Lynch-Bages is a real powerhouse. Elevage appears to have amplified the virile, brooding qualities that were present in barrel. In so many vintages, Lynch-Bages is a wine of elegance and finesse. Those qualities may emerge here too, in time. Black cherry, plum, espresso, licorice and lavender add to an impression of brooding intensity. Formidable tannins will take years to soften. The 2020 is a gorgeous wine, but it is also a very atypical Lynch. Antonio Galloni

Organic

100% Cencibel, the local clone of Tempranillo. The alluring aromatics immediately envelop the senses, fresh red berries and subtle floral components waft from the glass. The dark core gives the impression of power and heft but the solid backbone of acidity provides lift, a weightlessness on the palate. Texturally lush with juicy blackberry and currant characteristics and a long finish that is dry. The balance from start to finish in this wine demonstrates the touch of a talented winemaker. This wine will surely earn a plethora of new fans.

Organically grown grapes in the village of Villarrobledo and El Provencio. 75+ year old vines (Castilla-La Mancha). Hand harvested. The grapes are destemmed, and then fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tank. Maceration lasts until the end of alcoholic fermentation, with regular wetting of the cap. The wine is then pressed into centenarian local clay tinajas (amphora). The wine ages in tinajas for 3 months followed by 2 months in used French barrels and then 6 months in bottle before release.

On the nose it displays prominent aromas of apple, guava and passion fruit. The palate is wellrounded and juicy with hints of vibrant, fresh pear which has a lingering aftertaste.

Owned by footbal great Charles Woodson.

Finally, a dessert wine that is not cloyingly sweet. This beautifully aromatic, floral with white fruit notes, delicate dessert wine does not lack acidity (which can be common in this style of wine). The wine is graceful on the palate, not overly viscous, displaying delectable notes of ripe peach, tangerine, apricot, and white flowers. Nearly impossible to turn down a glass of this.

100% Muscat of Alexandria. The oldest variety in the Muscat family and one of the few remaining genetically unmodified vitis vinifera cultivars remaining in the world today. The Phoenicians transplanted this grape from Alexandria, Egypt to Málaga approximately 2,800 years ago.

Late harvest (partially dehydrated) bunches are whole cluster pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentation occurs in small (1,500L) stainless steel tanks. When fermentation reaches 10% alcohol, the temperature of the tank is dropped dramatically to halt fermentation. A small amount of SO2 is added to stop fermentation.

Ravines Cabernet Franc is deliciously fruit-forward and spicy with perfect balance, soft tannins and a round mouthfeel. A polished style with ripe red and black fruits, sultry spices, earthy aromas and a peppery finish. - Winery

Plymouth gin has been produced in its Plymouth England distillery since 1793. Due to a higher than usual proportion of root ingredients it has perhaps a more 'earthy' feel on the palate as well as a softened juniper flavor. Double Gold - San Francisco World Spirits Competition

New - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from The Prisoner Wine Co.

"The dark amber-hued non-vintage East India Solera is essentially an old Oloroso blended with an old Pedro Ximenez, which gives it a sweet character. It offers more mature notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, spice box, raisin and chocolate beer nuts, and its terrific balancing acidity cuts through the sweetness. This delicious effort is best drunk after the meal." 96pts WA

A blend of 12-year-old Don Nuno Oloroso (80%) and San Emilio PX which is also about 12 years old. One of the great icons of Lustau. Its aging process mimics that of some 17th century wines developed during transatlantic journeys to distant Spanish colonies. To achieve this, after aging separately in their own soleras, the Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez that comprise it, are combined and undergo a second aging process in a solera of 33 barrels at the Sacristia de Bodegas Lustau, with its elevated humidity and temperatures that replicate the climatic conditions that the wines would have experienced on their journeys.

Emilio Lustau SA was founded in 1896 by Don Jose Ruiz-Berdejo. In the beginning, Lustau was essentially an Almacenista, a modest estate with small holdings that sold most of its wine to large exporting Bodegas. It was not until the 1950s that Lustau became Emilio Lustau SA, and it joined the prestigious ranks of a select group of exporters of Sherry. In the early 1980s, Emilio Lustau SA, then under the management of the late Rafael Balao, became one of the most innovative companies in Jerez, launching the "Almacenista" line and creating the distinctive bottle that we know today. Lustau is now widely considered one of the finest producers of Sherry, with their Almacenista line breaking new ground in hand-crafted, boutique wines. These Sherries, drawing on rare and marvelous wines held by small producers, are some of the finest Sherries made today.

Lustau offers a wide array of Sherries; bone-dry Finos are wonderful matches with garlic-y shrimp and langostinos. Racy Amontillados balance power with finesse and are wonderful with nuts, olives, cheeses, and jamon Serrano. Powerful Olorosos can be served during a meal and match well with traditional soups and stews. Of course, the wide range of dessert wines from Lustau are unparalleled; the elegant East India Cream Sherry is as soft as silk, the Moscatels offers a delightful citrus edge that keeps the wines lively on the palate while the dark Pedro Ximenez is best served as a "syrup" over vanilla ice cream, pancakes or waffles.

Kosher

Winemaker Notes:
A well structured Bordeaux with berry fruit and a touch of graphite on the nose. It's lovely and soft, with fresh fruit and a touch of spice on the palate, as well as excellent clarity. Medium bodied, smooth and well-balanced with fine tannins and a herbaceous note on the finish.

Beneath the pure dark fruit, the intense depth of flavor, the energy, and the enticing Proven??al aromatics lurk a wildness?€?perhaps owing to the large percentage of Mourv??dre?€?that is never tamed. Or as importer Kermit wrote, "there is always something wild and unpredictable about it, spirited, shall we say, yet it is honest and impeccable, full of warmth and finesse."

USA- Adds a kick to soft drinks or juices, or can be used in any rum- or vodka-based cocktail. The high alcohol content makes it ideal for cooking to extract the flavors of the food.

Mellow mahogany in color and classic Bowmore smokiness, perfectly tempered with caramel, chocolate and fruit aromas. Fruit and chocolate balanced with a light smokiness- incredibly complex. - Distiller's Notes. "Best in Show Whisky" and double gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Competition

Though the formula is a secret, the botanicals in the perennially popular Tanqueray are thought to be just four: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root and liqourice. The lack of a citrus botanical makes it slightly drier that some other gins. According to company lore, it was Frank Sinatra?€?s favorite gin.
47.3%abv

Winery Notes:
"Dark garnet red with a purple hue. The nose of this opulent blend is incredibly flashy with abundant aromas of red currant, raspberry, blackberry cobbler, spice and a hint of underbrush. The French oak is subtle, yet present. This powerful wine boasts copious amounts of juicy, ripe red fruit characteristics and is extraordinarily soft and supple. In addition, hints of lingering milk chocolate and cherry truffle notes dance on the back palate."

Winemaker Notes:
This full-throttle bottle is a true Dark Horse original. Bringing together a carefully selected collection of California grapes, winemaker, Beth Liston has found a way to balance big fruit flavors with deep, dry, mouthwatering notes. An instant hit, this Cab loves any party or holiday gathering where there’s a chance to mingle with all kinds of tastes.
A velvety smoothness to those firm tannins. The deliciously dry "big tannin" feel paired with fruity aromatics. Amplified layers of dark berry fruit.

Winemaking Notes:
The pinot grapes that go into the Cherry Pie Tri-County Pinot Noir are harvested at night to keep them cool, which creates stable sugar levels and better levels of acidity, as well as ensuring the fruit is less bruised in transport to the winery. The grapes are then fermented in individual county lots and brought together in the blending process. Cherry picking the best lots from the various counties, the wines selected are those that best exemplify the characteristics of each county’s terroir.

Tasting Notes:
The 2017 Cherry Pie Tri-County Pinot Noir jumps from the glass with aromas of sweet toasty oak with macerated cherries, cranberries and a hint of strawberry. On the palate, this wine is a juicy attack of Rainier cherries, well-balanced with a long, silky smooth finish.

Semi Sweet Red

"Kinda Dry transports you to an orchard on a crisp, fall day. Fresh tart apples greet you, waking the palate up. But give it a second and it transforms into a friendly finish that is an ideal picnic companion. We think of it as our perfect casual sipper. Like your favorite jeans, our Kinda Dry is ready for anything". -Brooklyn Cider House

Organic

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

90 points Wine Spectator
A mix of honeysuckle, crab apple, lemon, pine and earth flavors highlight this intense white, which is fresh and balanced, leaving a saltiness on the languid aftertaste. Drink now through 2028. 2,500 cases made, 520 cases imported.

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

93 points Wine Spectator
Offers cherry and plum fruit framed by earth, mineral and wild herb flavors. Poised between elegance and power, this red is beautifully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish. Best from 2026 through 2042.

Organic / Natural

?€?Burbuja?€? comes from a pure Palomino plot of 40-50 years old vines named
?€?Plantalina?€? in Balba??na Alta, which is the most ?€?Sanluque??o?€? vineyard of Jerez due to its
proximity to the sea but still boasts the concentration of Jerez. This vibrant vineyard has been
farmed organically for more than 15 years and is of great quality.

Very little winemaking here as this classic ?€?M??todo Ancestral?€? wine is bottled
prior to finishing the alcoholic fermentation and before finishing the total consumption of sugars.
The wine next rests horizontally so the lees are in contact with the wine for an additional 8
months. Then, the bottles are positioned ?€?boca abajo?€? face down so the lees settle into the neck of
the bottle from where they rest for three weeks before disgorging quickly, refilling the bottle
with the same wine from any loss, and finally crown-capping. Released immediately. This delicate and lacy single vineyard ?€?Pet- Nat?€? Palomino has soft pillowy bubbles that are floral and fresh - the subtle aromas entice with notes of hay, apple pear, lanolin, aloe and sea
spray reminiscent of a long day at the ocean. On the palate, the salty plush foam has just the
perfect amount of structure and fizz to awaken the palate and express its organic, sunny terroir
and natural state of the Palomino grape. A delightful naturally sparkling wine.