Got a family reunion coming up next month and am responsible for buying about a half case of red wine for a steak dinner (ribeyes, skirt steaks). Budget is around $30 / bottle, any suggestions?
Stylistically, I really like Mount Eden cab, but that is over budget. I’ve also liked the '08 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza in the $30 range, just wish it had a bit less oak. Looking for good acidity, good fruit, and present but not harsh tannin. The every day drinking Italian sangiovese based wines in my cellar seem a bit rustic and/or devoid of fruit to be crowd pleasing.
This is an easy one. Contact Calluna Vineyards and pick up 6 bottles of the 2015 Calluna Vineyards Cuvée (CVC). The 2015 is the current release and is excellent. 51% Merlot, 19% Cabernet, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot. A Bordeaux blend that is perfect with a steak.
You may find it locally or through the web, if not contact Calluna directly.
A couple easy to find, but young ones, if you like napa cabernet- 2016 Girard, Beringer KV, Mobdavi napa ( or the 2015). Have tried all, pretty good for the price and with steak, and for the unknowing.
North Coast Cab has been on a roll since 2011. Should be fairly easy to get a good cab from one of these good years for $30 or less. Took for entry level Cads from Sebastini, Louis Martini, Mondavi, Beringer or Kendall Jackson. Check out CT notes or critic reviews.
A handful of ideas that come to mind that are readily available at retail:
Carpineto Vino Nobile Riserva 2013
Felsina Berardegna Chianti Classico Riserva 2015
Lopez de la Heredia Viña Cubillo 2009
Chateau Moulin de Tricot Haut Medoc 2014
The Robert Mondavi Napa is under $20 a bottle in these parts (Costco) and is very, very good at the $30 threshold. Lots of estate fruit in the cuvee and possibly some declassified To-Kalon may have made it in.
Plus, wherever you find it, that outlet should have cases of it.
Based on your like of Mount Eden I’d say Freemark Abbey. It’s above $30 but occasionally I can find a sale and a coupon that will get me into the $30 range.
My first thought too, but there is the oak situation. You should be able to get the entry Ridge Zin (3 valleys?) for that price and perhaps one of the single vineyard jobs for not much more. Should be a fan favorite at a fam dinner. I’d go for the rioja if it were up to me though
A bold, pungent wine, the 2014 Armé offers a decidedly old school influenced profile of dark stone fruit, black olive, herb, tobacco and licorice. Cool and savory, but with considerable depth, the 2014 Armé is another knock out wine from Scot Bilbro. Generous dollops of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec round out this dark, fleshy red. Readers looking for a value priced California Cabernet will flip out over this wine. This is a very serious wine for the money. Last tasted, 4/17. Rating, 92.