OK, enough already. I get it. Everyone wants recommendations for good wines at a reasonable price. You can stop writing now.
I guess I have forgotten who my audience is (not really, but more on that later). During the last month or so, I have written about several wine themes where the wines have ranged — key word, ranged — in price from $15 a bottle all the way up to $50. And many of you have let me know you want me to write a column about wines that are affordable.
Most of the e-mails I have received lately are from hard working — and judging from the time the e-mails are sent — early-rising federal employees who have reminded me that the government employs a lot of people who make a decent, but not “Wall Street,” living. Ann from Arlington summed it up by calling this “a company town.”
The point was most recently — and unexpectedly — driven home when I called my attorney (and wine mentor) to discuss a legal matter. As usual, his wonderful assistant, Mencie, answered the phone in her polite, sing-song voice, but as soon as she discovered it was yours truly on the other end of the line, her demeanor quickly changed.
“I have a bone to pick with you, Mr. Greenberg,” she said. “I listen to you on the radio. I read your columns. I am a fan, but your recommendations are too expensive. You think everyone works on billable hours? What about me? Why don’t you recommend a nice bottle of wine that I can buy and not worry about how I am going to retire?”
Since I had never heard Mencie howl, I suppose I should listen.
Now, in my meager defense, I do try to include a range of prices when I review wines from a region or winery. But yes, sometimes the recommendations do creep up the price scale a tad. The good news is that there are plenty of good — and even a few very good — wines that won’t break the $15 barrier and offer affordable enjoyment, even on a limited budget.
So, for those who have politely reminded me that this “company town” needs a good deal every now and again, I have dug through an assortment of tasty wines that retail below $15. And Mencie, please tell your boss to bring in a bottle of wine for you. I am sure that somehow, it will end up on my tab. Retail prices are approximate.
2007 R.H. Phillips Toasted Head Chardonnay, California ($12)
I don’t normally think of California when I think of value oriented chardonnay, but this one hits all the right notes. The palate expresses bright and tangy tangerine, nectarine and pear fruit on a medium-bodied frame. The abundant acidity provides a crisp and refreshing finish where just a hint of papaya glides in.
2008 Willm Gewuerztraminer, Alsace, France ($12)
I really like Gewuerztraminer for its wonderful versatility. This inexpensive French gem is sure to make a hard day a little easier when you get home and enjoy the comforting bouquet of Lychee and honeysuckle and the lovely flavors of apricot, green melon and pineapple. The medium body has plenty of crisp acidity to keep it all in check and the hint of honey on the bright finish adds just the right touch of sweetness.
2006 Kilikanoon “The Lackey” Shiraz, Claire Valley, Australia ($14)
Australia was once known as the land of wine values, but as demand crept up, so did the prices. But this massive fruit bomb is still a great value from the land down under. It features a concentrated nose of dark plum and black pepper, leading to flavors of ripe cherry, blueberry and plum on the expansive palate. Notes of dark chocolate and blueberry jam meld beautifully with hints of black pepper on the lengthy finish.
2007 Bodega Alto 3 Malbec, Catamarca, Argentina ($15)
There are a lot of great values coming out of South America. Argentina is home to this bold and rustic malbec, which offers loads of earthy dark fruit, including flavors of black cherry and dark plum. A touch of green pepper and notes of vanilla and cocoa shine through on the pleasant finish.
2006 Cousino Macul Cabernet Sauvignon — Antiguas Reservas, Maipo, Chile ($14)
Another gem from South America — this one from Chile — is not only affordable, it’s collectable as well since it can be cellared and enjoyed for up to 20 years. If you drink it today, you will be rewarded with scents of black fruit and cigar box on the nose and flavors of black cherry, cassis, mint and chocolate. Notes of cedar and cherry liqueur play off of the soft tannins that provide a delightful finish.
