The most November 2018 issue of Wine Enthusiast listed the magazine’s “Top 100 Best Buys of 2018.” This is the annual article that notes the editors’ favorite wines for $15.00 or less. It includes wines from 16 countries with more than 35 different grape varieties represented. This list boasts an average bottle price of just over $12.00 and an average rating just under 90 points (100-point scale).
The following is a breakdown of the 100 Best Buys by country…
Argentina 4… Australia 4… Austria 4… Bulgaria 1… Chile 4… France 13… Georgia 1… Germany 5… Greece 1… Israel 2… Italy 9… New Zealand 2… Portugal 9… South Africa 2… Spain 10… United States 29.
The November issue of the Wine Enthusiast is still available at your local Barnes & Noble and other sources… But here are just a few of my personal recommendations from the 2018 100 Best Buys…
2012 Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel (California, $12.00): Listed as the Enthusiast’s number one bargain, Bogle always represents great value and the 2012 Zin is no exception. This wine is polished and smooth and an incredible bargain at $12.00. Ranked 1; Rated 90.
2016 Golan Heights Winery Mount Hermon Red (Galilee, Israel, $13.00): Hints of vanilla on the nose open to flavors of dark fruit. It’s easy and smooth on the palate with a nice finish. Kosher. Ranked 5; Rated 92.
2016 Loosen Bros. Dr. L Dry Riesling (Mosel, Germany, $12.00): A fantastic bargain that is crisp and concentrated with a refreshing lime acidity and mineral backbone. Ranked 9; Rated 90.
2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling (Columbia Valley, Washington State, $9.00): Another winner from Ste. Michelle. This Riesling drinks off-dry but still retains a mouth-watering acidity. Ranked 14; Rated 89.
2016 Alois Lageder Pinot Blanco (Alto Adige, Italy, $14.00): Creamy and delicious on the palate, this wine is produced by one of my favorite Italian wineries. Always a good bet. Ranked 19; Rated 91.
2017 Adolf & Heinfrich Fuchs Grüner Veltliner (Burgenland, Austria, $10.00): Slightly creamy on the palate, this Grüner is a marvelous alternative to the usual ho-hum Chardonnays and Pinot Grigios. Ranked 25; Rated 89.
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington State, $15.00): Produced by one of the most reliable wineries in Washington State. Chenin Blanc can be dry or slightly on the sweet side. This one is bone-dry with plenty of fruit flavors and a strong acidity on the finish. Ranked 29; Rated 91.
2017 Estancia Pinot Grigio (California, $12.00): Estancia is a long-running value-oriented brand that never fails to deliver. A light-bodied wine with fresh fruit flavors and a crisp, clean finish. Ranked 41; Rated 89.
NV Marietta Cellars Old Vine Lot 66 Red (California, $14.00): A down-home fruit-driven wine that maintains an appetizing texture and never seems to get tiring on the palate. The WE suggests you stock up. At $14.00 a bottle, who could resist. Ranked 44; Rated 90.
2015 Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (California, $10.00): A sturdy, flavorful well-made wine that will go quite well with red meat and other hearty dishes. A steal at $10.00 a bottle. Ranked 56; Rated 88.
2016 Château Souverain Merlot (California, $13.00): From a reliable California producer, this wine is smooth and supple with a touch of spicy oak, mild tannins, and softy acidity. Ranked 67; Rated 89.
2016 Wine by Joe Chardonnay (Oregon, $14.00): An easy-going bargain white that is perfect for all-purpose everyday quaffing and widely available. Ranked 74; Rated 89.
2016 Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile, $12.00): This is an exemplary value-priced Cab that exhibits a hint of dark spice and cassis. A major bargain. Ranked 84; Rated 88.
2016 Cline Estate Grown Syrah (Sonoma Coast, California, $13.00): Velvety but intense on the palate, this fairly-priced red has a nice tannic backbone with hints of leather. Ranked 90; Rated 88.
Cheers!
TAD
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