2001 Torre di Ciardo by Marchesi Torrigiani

Basically this is a Super-Tuscan for a bargain! This was recommended to me by one of the staff at Wine Expo in West LA. Beautiful deep plum colors and aromas of dark cherries and spices.


The taste was very big and intense. Lots of dark berry flavors, spices and even a little bit of smokey undertones. The wine had a nice tannic finish and opened up very nicely in the glass. Was just tasting and did not have any food with this wine. However, it would definitely handle a big juicy grilled steak or a nice veggie lasagna. For the price of $10.99 a bottle (yes, only $10.99 a bottle)...this is a steal!

20andUnder Score: B+

Sebeka 2006 Shiraz - Western Cape - South Africa

I have discovered another great valued wine from South Africa. Sebeka Wines is a fairly new label under the "direction" of U.S. giant EJ Gallo. Having only been in the US since March of 2007, I would be curious to see how they compare with some of the same California varietals in the same price points.

There is quite a bit of information on their website, http://www.sebekawines.com/. Basically this 2006 Shiraz is a very nice tasting, jammy and spicey wine. The nose was dark blackberries and currants (a little bit of alcohol detected on the nose as well). It was packed with a lot of fruit, spices and a bit tannic but very well rounded overall. For $5.99/bottle (purchased at http://www.vons.com/), you can't go wrong! The wine would be great with grilled pork and roasted root vegetables. The website says they feel that the wine will be great for up to 5 years....I would have to say no more than 3 years however. Drink up now!!

20andUnder Score: B+

Herding Cats 2006 Merlot/Pinotage - South Africa

This Merlot (80%)/Pinotage (20%) blend from South Africa may become one of my favorite table reds to keep on hand. Great blackberry and ripe black currants were detected immediately on the nose. Nice dark juice - very vibrant. Taste is blackberry but not overly fruit forward. Nice balance for this $5.99/bottle wine from Pavilions (http://www.pavilions.com/). Herding Cats is a great value and very tasty. Don't be afraid of its screw top lid. Would be great with hamburgers or a good old fashioned meatloaf!

20andUnder Score: B

Sterling Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Napa Valley

Today I was fortunate to be invited to a Memorial Day party at my friend Patty's house her in Southern California. The menu was simple: grilled meats, salads, some baked beans and some great desserts. In addition to beer and some champagne we also tasted some great wine.

The wine I want to mention today is from Sterling Vineyard (http://www.sterlingvineyards.com/) in Northern Napa Valley in Calistoga. The 2006 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc had a tremendous grassy/herbal nose. Very refreshing taste with notes of clean pears and apples. This wine had fermented in mostly stainless steel giving it a very bright and simple taste.

I picked this up at the neighborhood Vons (http://www.vons.com/) for $12.49 a bottle. What a bargain!!

20andUnder Score: B+

2004 Zonte's Footstep 2004 Verdelho (Australia)

I do not have a photo of this wine label. I had picked up a chardonnay and thought I would see how this Australian white compared since it was only $6.99 from Wine Expo in West LA.

To be quite honest the nose on this wine reminds me of jet fuel. It may have just been this bottle or maybe it's just too late to drink this wine. (I actually looked up some tasting notes from others and it had been doing okay - not sure what has happened here). But I really couldn't get past the nose...I tried to taste some but that aroma was stuck in my mind.

I have to give this my lowest score. I do not recommend this wine at all!

20andUnder Score: F

2004 Windemere Chardonnay - Edna Valley

What an absolutely refreshing chardonnay!!! The Windemere 2004 Chardonnay Edna Valley is one of the better value wines that I have come across in a long time. The nose was full of fruits like melon and mango. The taste was just as exciting. This wine exploded in my mouth with tastes of bright melon flavors and honey. Very buttery - the French oak balances this wine perfectly.

The even better news about this is I found it for only $7.99 a bottle in West LA. The Wine Expo at 2933 Santa Monica Blvd. is known more for their champagnes and Italian selections but will often times carry gems such as this wonderful chardonnay. I plan to go buy more of this!!

20andUnder score: A

American Idol Finale Night with a nice priced Rioja!

Campo Viejo 2003 Reserva Tempranillo (www.campoviejo.com)

What an interesting wine to taste while watching American Idol's seventh season finale you may ask? Just like American Idol, I was sure I would enjoy it no matter what the outcome. I love Rioja's and have not had one in a long while. This wine is from one of Spain's best producers - Campo Viejo (http://www.campoviejo.com/).

The wine began with a very fruity and intoxicating and earthy/smokey aroma - much like a good California Pinot Noir. It had a nice full flavor in the mouth - mostly ripe blackberries with a touch of vanilla. The acidity was felt on the sides of the tongue and gave me the impression I had just enjoyed a sampling of orange peel.

After the first taste I decided to decant to see if it would further open up - it did so within the hour. This bottle did not last as long as the two hour American Idol (www.AmericanIdol.com) finale. What is even better is that this wine cost only $11.99 at my neighborhood Pavilions.

20andUnder Score: B+

Toasting with Mumm Napa NV Blanc de Noirs

My first review is also a toast to my decision to begin my blog! As Mumm Napa (http://www.mummnapa.com/) is one of my favorite wineries to visit on Silverado Trail I could not help but debut with the Blanc de Noirs (NV). This soft and encouraging pale salmon sparkling wine is perfect as a stand alone or stacked up against a nice spicey Thai dinner. On this momentous evening I chose to enjoy it with some asiago cheese and sourdough "baguette style" bread. Very simple and as always delicious! I immediately tasted black cherry and strawberry but without an overwhelmingly fruityness. The chardonnay definitely gives this wine it's backbone.

I picked up this bottle at my neighborhood Pavillion's for $14.98. A great bargain and also would make for an excellent gift.

Remember I rate my wines on the letter grading scale and give this a resounding: A-

20andUnder Wines - For the Wine Lover on a Budget!

How many times have you been to the grocery store or local wine store and have seen countless bottles of wine under $20 but not sure what to get? I have tasted many great wines over the years and am on the constant search for the best wines available for under $20. Not only do I want to point you towards the right lable, but also where the best buys are.

I will be reporting on neighborhood stores, wine bars and restaurants. I'll write about tastings that are under $20. You will see my favorite winery picks. And please note that my scoring is kept very simple...very old school. I use a letter grading system with +'s and -'s!

So get ready to taste and explore some new wines and even some old familiar wines with me.

Cheers!
Anthony