The challenge presented by my sons was to taste wines that they could afford, in the $15-25 price range, and that were available from most wine or grocery stores. I purchased 6 wines, 2 of each varietal, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and then my tasting partner, Paul, and I began tasting.
We compared Wild Horse Pinot Noir, 2008 ($16.99) and a Pinot Noir from La Crema, 2008 ($18.99). We both thought the Wild Horse Pinot was more intense and had a better structure and a longer finish. The Wild Horse Pinot was a good buy. We have tried the La Crema before (other years) and we have liked it, however, this La Crema was weak. Both wines had the same level of alcohol (13.9%)
Wild Horse Pinot Noir, 2008 ($16.99) 92-94 pts
Pinot Noir from La Crema, 2008 (18.99) 89 pts
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| Pinot Noir |
The next day we tried a Stag's Leap Merlot, 2007 ($24.99) and a Wild Horse Merlot, 2006 ($15.99). The Stag's Leap Merlot (14.6 % alcohol) was the best wine of the tasting- it had a lovely bouquet, a nice finish and was well structured, and despite being higher in alcohol than the Wild Horse (13.9%), did not taste 'hot'. The Stag's Leap Merlot is a good deal. The Wild Horse Merlot was uninteresting, but inoffensive. That evening we both started wondering why we don't drink more Merlots.
Wild Horse Merlot, 2006 ($15.99) 89 pts
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| Merlot |
Finally, on the third night, we tried a BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 ($14.99) and a Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 ($27.99). Cabernets at this price point are always a gamble. Paul thought the BV was the better of the two, but I felt the Clos du Val opened up after giving it some time to breathe. Both wines were young. I thought the BV was hot (14.5% alcohol) even after allowing it to air. I thought the Clos du Val (13.9% alcohol) was acceptable, smooth, but not very interesting. I would not give it a strong recommendation, especially at this price. It is going to be difficult to find a decent Cabernet Sauvignon in the $20-30 range, but we will continue to taste and evaluate.
Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 ($27.99) 90
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| Cabernet Sauvignon |
In summary, I would look for the Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2008 or the Stag's Leap Merlot 2007.
Next up, this weekend we will be going to an Italian wine tasting and I will have my camera and will be taking notes. I will be looking for accessible wines that might be available for purchase at most grocery or wine stores.
Yours in taste,
Adrienne
