Adding a link to Bodegas Ponce tasting notes here. I can’t speak to the US pricing, but I’d imagine many are around this mark. I had another bottle of the entry level Clos Lojen last week (US$9!) and was much more positive than my note in the link, further emphasising what great value I think these wines are.
I was gonna tag the usual suspects, but they already thumbs up.
Copertino something from a co-op. I haven’t had this in a bit but if it’s available locally worth a buy. Pet peeve that the PLCB doesn’t stock this.
Cantina Sociale Cooperativa di Copertino. Negroamaro. Inconsistently available in NY, but when I see it I buy it. Outstanding value and ages well.
2021 Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick, $20 at Costco and a really good Bordeaux blend for the money.
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I second this. Great call. $15-17 or so in ATL.
Working through an assortment of about twenty bottles mostly from Costco or Trader Joe’s. I previously posted about the very solid 2019 Kirkland Premier Cru Chablis. A few more bottles into this and I have yet to not enjoy a wine. I would not turn down a second glass or hesitate to buy more of any of these. All are dry whites and all are recommended.
2023 LaCheteau Pouilly Fume. Not the same taste as across the river, but a tasty wine.
2022 Kressman Monopole Bordeaux. Sauv. Blanc. Not complex , but very enjoyable.
2023 Saint Celine Chablis. (Brocard?) . Fruit forward works here. Had me at hello
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€13. Hard to beat at that price.
Medium clear ruby, nose medium intensity. Flavors and aromas include cassis, cedar, black cherry, blackberry. Medium tannin, medium acidity, medium+ intensity, medium+ body, just high on alcohol at 14%, medium+ finish. Not complex but completely correct. Well balanced and an excellent choice with pulled pork barbecue, sausage with peppers and onions, cheddar cheese and pickles. Very good wine.
I need to know more about Blaye Cote de Bordeaux (formerly Cote de Blaye). This 2019 is a winner. I give it no less than 88 points.
I went through a lot of that in the vintage 2000.
Continuing to taste through my Costco/Trader Joe’s mystery box…
2019 Gerard Betrand Languedoc Kosmos Red
This might be $10. Pretty decent but not complex GSM . Ripe fruit, savory. Well balanced. Enjoyable to sip. Good with food. My first glass had me connecting to a vermoouth like liqueur from 30 or more years ago - St Raphael. They share more than a high ABV, which was 14.5 % for this wine.
Recommended
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This Spanish white has been a banker for me over several vintages. But WSPro suggests that it sells for between US$12 and US$45 depending on where you are! Definitely a great wine if you can find it under US$20.
- 2025 Bodegas Valdesil Valdeorras MonteNovo - Spain, Galicia, Valdeorras (04/09/2026)
I've enjoyed several previous vintages of this wine, and this is a good one. There's no pretension here: this is a straightforward godello, built to be drunk young and fresh.
The nose is very fresh and strong on minerals and white flowers and some slately minerality.
The palate is crisp, drying, refreshing, slate-y minerality, but also with a floral note that keeps it from being too austere. The finish is clean, slightly drying and a bit more-ish.
Overall this is a very good wine, best as an aperitif to get the juices flowing. And at the ~US$15 that I paid it is excellent QPR. (89 points)
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A very decent everyday white Rhone today…
- 2024 Les Vins de Vienne Côtes du Rhône Les Laurelles - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (06/09/2026)
I previously enjoyed the 2022 (qv) and this is in a similar vein (albeit with a rather different blend of varieties) and perhaps even a notch up.
50% rousanne, 30% viognier, 20% clairette. 4 months on lees in the vat.
On the nose: white flowers, unripe tropical fruit. The palate is soft, floral, more of the tropical fruit (guava?), very clean, light acidity; just a hint of bitterness (in a good way) on the finish.
Overall this is a very quaffable white CdR - easy-drinking, not heavy or cloying. Excellent QPR at the ~US$12.5 that I paid. (89 points)
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