quote:

Originally posted by ditka311:

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Originally posted by Darlene:
Also, the Coppola Rosso.

One of my favorites as far as daily drinkers go and just good all around. Usually get this for $7-9. I am drinking a 2004 Antinori Santa Cristina, also in that price range.

If you can find them: Tintara 2002 Cabernet and 2004 or 2005 Ferrari and Carano Fume Blanc. One of the best that I like is Casa Lapastolle cabernet from Chile. Also great for a great price is Alto Las Hormigas bonarda.

Just slightly out of this range I like the Buehler cabernets (about $23) and if you can find them, their zinfandels.

$7-$9...a great price for, as you say, a great 'daily wine.

Has anyone else tried the Old Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2005? I found it at Trader Joes for 4.99 and I think it's as good as the Bonny Doon Cardinal which costs more than three times as much. Just curious to see what others thought.

Chateau Ste. Michelle -- Indian Wells vineyard. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon (which is EXCELLENT) and the Merlot (which is very good) can be had for under $20 ($18 and $12 or so respectively).

If you like fruity reds I would try the 2004 or 2005 Water Wheel Memzie. 90 or 91 points by RP and you should be able to find it for $12-14. Plenty of fruit with this one.

If you like a slightly more structured red but still heavy on the fruit, try the Pillar Box Red. You usually can find it for around $10 and also another 90 or 91 by RP.

Both of these wines are Australian Shiraz based blends and are good for everyday drinking and bringing to a friends for a BBQ.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2004 is a stupid good buy right now. Best sub $10 (about $8.50 on sale) red wine I've ever tried. Stock up if you can find it.

There are (at least) two threads about this on the "Wine Conversation" forum as well. I believe one is called "Daily Drinkers" and one is called "Best wine under $25" or something like that. I remember there being some great suggestions in those, so might want to do a search...

But, I'll copy here what I posted there. My favorite sub-$20 wines are:


2004 Juan Gil Jumilla ($14) - I drink this quite often. Great QPR!

Dr. "L" Riesling ($10), the 2005 or the new 2006, both quite nice and refreshing, though distinctly different. This is my wife's favorite daily drinker.

2003 Poggio d'Arna Toscana Rosso ($12, $9/case) - I keep this stocked at the house. Fantastic stuff!! Needs a good hour or 2 in the decanter to get going, but this is as good as some Tuscans I pay $20-30 for, EASY!

I like J Lohr Syrah

Liar's Dice Zinfandel

Ooo, almost forgot. There's a pretty nice non vintage blend called 6th Sense Syrah. It's made in Lodi, CA, and while I'm not a huge fan, it get raves from a lot of my friends. It can be had for $15 bucks, and is pretty commonly found.

A Mano Primitivo (Italy) about $10.
Kartauserhof Steinterrassen Gruner Veltliner (Austria) < $20.

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Originally posted by indybob:
Ooo, almost forgot. There's a pretty nice non vintage blend called 6th Sense Syrah. It's made in Lodi, CA, and while I'm not a huge fan, it get raves from a lot of my friends. It can be had for $15 bucks, and is pretty commonly found.

I have tried this one, and I enjoyed it. I also second the Pillar Box comment from above, but it does need some time to breathe before consumption.

Does anyone have any Italian table wine style reds they've enjoyed, offhand?

The Argyle Willamette valley pinot noir is great for under $20!

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One of the best that I like is Casa Lapastolle cabernet from Chile

I will second that.

Parkers Estate 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Been picking this up for about $10. Solid choice for the price.

2001 2003 palazzo del torre is pretty tasty, about 18 bucks a bottle.

Jacob's Creek Shiraz Reserve 2004 ($12)
Teela Zinfandel, Barkow Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley - 2005 : $16
Rotllan Torra Reserva (Priorat, Spain) 2001 ($18)

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Originally posted by Semeleoes anyone have any Italian table wine style reds they've enjoyed, offhand?

Di Majo Norante seems to fire on all cylinders in the bargian Italian categories. Good QPR, either the sangiovese, or the Cabernets. Also, look out for Frescobaldi Nipozzano, for a bit more money (under $20 on sale). It's a really nice Sangiovese, and is perfect with some crusty bread, good Parmesan, and EVOO. Let us know if you find others.

2005 Hayman & Hill Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir --- great fruit, silky texture (SF Chronicle Top 100 2006)--- incredible buy from one of CA's hottest Pinot regions $17

The whole line from Cycles Gladiator (Hahn Estates) offers exceptional flavor and true varietal characteristics for cheap-o wines. <$10

For a great Zin, you cannot beat the great old-vine style from Kunde Estate in Sonoma $15

Overall I like Sebastiani sonoma cab and chard for under $15.