tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45009886745769251552023-11-15T11:08:57.769-08:00chitownwineguychitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-50177218173423613762016-12-28T17:49:00.003-08:002016-12-28T17:49:33.851-08:00The Paring 2012 Red Blend $24.99This past weekend I tried a very nice value wine..The Paring 2012 brought to you by the makers of Jonata, (Screaming Eagle). It's a value bc of the quality.5<span style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot </span><span style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Aged/French oak </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #171717; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Winemaker's Notes:</strong><span style="color: #171717; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> Dark and brooding cabernet sauvignon-based beauty. Gobs of smoky black fruit. Dusty herbal notes emerge with air. Remarkably powerful fruit on the attack followed closely by massive structure. Ample fine-grained tannins</span>chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-76286254333607003992015-09-18T16:01:00.002-07:002015-09-18T16:01:52.093-07:00Value Alert! Dona Paula Black Edition Red wine 2013Ok,ok....I know it's been awhile, but it's also been a long time since a really good wine for a great price has come to my attention. The Dona Paula Black Edition 2013 Red is a blend of 60% Malbec, 37% Cab, and 3% Petit Verdot. James Suckling from Wine Spectator gives it 90 pts and I agree. Great balance, smooth tannins, and a smooth finish. $9.99 #binnys#stockup#redwine#valuewine#redblend#malbecchitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-58523839723631757752015-03-05T18:00:00.000-08:002015-03-05T18:01:34.704-08:00Binny's Value Red: 92 WA rating 85% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano $11.99<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">I'll start by saying I've already purchased 3 bottles of this, and can't keep it in stock. Bodegas Abanico Hazana Vinas Viejas 2012. R.Parker said it tastes like a $35-40 bottle, and I'd say he's pretty spot on. Good luck at finding this at Binny's or wherever you shop. If you are a Tempranillo fan, I'd recommend a case of this stuff won't disappoint for any occasion @ $11.99/bottle.#binnys#redwine#tempranillo</span></span></span>chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-21824723434834305602014-07-26T08:19:00.000-07:002014-07-26T08:20:21.140-07:002013 Grenache $9.99 90-91 Rating<h1 itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #6f6f5c; font-family: 'Open Sans' !important; font-size: 27px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 32px; margin: 10px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
"Herencia Altes Garnatxa Negra 2013" "Wow..Grenache with a Pinot like personality"90-91 Parker rating + $9.99 @ #binnys= Giving it a try. #redwine#binnys#grenache</h1>
chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-40265718742168579212014-01-07T14:35:00.003-08:002014-01-07T14:35:45.120-08:002011 Rutherford CabernetAnother solid effort checking in from Napa Valley is the Rutherford 2011 Cabernet. The producer states: "Fragrant boysenberry, currant, spearmint and dried herbs. Rich flavors of currant, boysenberry and caramel". I think it is a solidly balanced Napa Cab that is a good value for the price. Currently $14.99 at Binny's. #redwine#cabernet#binnyschitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-29355390551044881972013-07-11T10:07:00.002-07:002013-07-11T10:07:43.062-07:002010 Jargon Pinot Noir!Quick Hit: 2010 Jargon Pinot Noir-Great value pick for around $10-$12. Very solid, decent body, black cherry, and concentration at this price! #pinotnoir#valuewine#jargonwineschitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-92072909251804820072013-04-01T18:27:00.002-07:002013-04-01T18:27:45.787-07:00I've been meaning to mention this 2010 VALUE CAB for a month now! The 2010 Columbia Crest H3 (Horse Heaven Hills). It's listed for $11.99 at most places, and for the price I "just can't get enough"....ok ok so I liked Depeche Mode at one point in my life...Anyway, this wine is widely available, but I would still stock up for all occasions. Smooth tannins, good concentration, 90 pt WS rating...Need I say more? #H3#ColumbiaCrest#redwinechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-74709184329160862162012-10-10T13:25:00.000-07:002012-10-10T13:30:58.444-07:002010 "Absurdly priced" ZinfandelI recently received one of those "mass" emails touting the 2010 Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Zinfandel. It quoted one of my favorite wine publications, Wine Advocate, calling it "absurdly priced". Well, luckily for me, Binnys had it in stock. I immediately bought 6 bottles, because I respect their opinion. While there are not many peppery or spicy notes, I think the depth and concentration merit the 91 rating. Give it a try before they are sold out! Only $11.#Binnys#Zinfandel#wineadvocate#redwine#winevaluechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-79980564611986232642012-08-26T05:35:00.001-07:002012-08-26T05:38:10.527-07:00*EVERYDAY CHIANTI VALUE!*I have seen this rated between 87-90. I give the Folonari Chianti 2010 an 87. It's a lightweight, fruity Chianti that delivers what you would expect, however, I found in at Binnys for $11/1.5 liter bottle! A.K.A this is a GLUGLUG pour this during the week or over the weekend with pizza wine.#binnys#folonari#chianti#redwinechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-55639281136919921732012-04-14T15:35:00.000-07:002012-04-14T15:35:50.599-07:002010 Turley Old Vines Zin...Outstanding value @ $25...with a catchNow is the time to get on those winery lists that were once unattainable when the economy was booming. One example is Turley. I've always wanted to try their wines, but always found them difficult to find or too expensive. Just recently, I was accepted on their wine list and was pleasantly surprised to see 3 of their Zin's priced between $20-$40. The first one that I have tried is the 2010 Old Vines. It has very classic Zin flavors of pepper and spice with a nice, smooth, well rounded finish. After tasting, I immediately went to my computer to se if I could get more, but they are sold out!!(Of course). Online it is going for $45 (still not crazy for this wine)....So sign up now for any of those Wineries that you thought you could never get in on!!#turley#redwine#zinfandel#zin#winevaluechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-58547585762908322302012-03-04T17:38:00.000-08:002012-03-04T17:38:53.357-08:00Two Quick Hits from Trader Joe's....$7-$9The 1st wine that I am going to mention is Salice Salentino Riserva 2007. I had to try this wine 2x to make sure it was as good as I had thought. Made up of 80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera...It doesn't matter it's just plain great for a medium bodied, nicely balanced wine for $7.00. Next is a 2010 Zin from Sonoma, that is also a great value- 2010 One Man Band. All of the things you love about a nicely priced Zin (and 15% Petite Sirah) at $9.00. Stock up!! #traderjoes#redwine#redwinevaluechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-28070588034822389782012-01-29T07:26:00.000-08:002012-01-29T07:26:09.417-08:00There are a couple of ways to discover value...2008 Sterling Cab is oneA friend recently gave me a bottle of 2008 Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon and it was a pleasant surprise. The surprise came after first trying it, and then discovering that it can be found at most stores (Binnys) in the Chicagoland area for $16.99. I was afraid it was going to be around $25-30 for this easy drinking Napa Cab. Nice and smooth flavors of Plum and Cherry, along with a nice finish...I could easily drink this more often, and will.....I was surprised also to find that Wine Spectator only rated this an 87. Tastes like a 90 to me. #sterlingwines#cabernet#redwine#binnys.chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-39893530372452687602011-12-24T19:22:00.000-08:002011-12-24T19:22:33.778-08:00Pennywise 2009 Cab not "pound foolish"Just recently tried this respectable Cab priced around $11.00. It won't blow you away but it's fine for a try and an everyday drinker. "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px;">This is a big Cabernet with character from some of the best appellations in California. Our 2009 Cabernet is mostly from Paso Robles and Clarksburg. The Paso Robles leg brings classic Cab nuances to the blend with the currant, cranberry fruit, as well as earthy tones. The Clarksburg leg brings mouth coating tannins and chocolate notes. Lodi Syrah was added for additional fruit and subtle herb flavors, as well as to tone down the chewy tannins. Napa Merlot was added for complexity and complementary notes to the Cabernet as they do in classic Bordeaux blend."</span>chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-6559010067056212152011-10-29T12:50:00.000-07:002011-10-29T16:02:36.432-07:00The Crusher 2009 Petite Sirah is a strong value at $12.99I've always been a fan of Petite Sirah ever since I enjoyed my first bottle of Carver Sutro at a friends house in San Francisco back in 2005. The grapes for this inky deep-purple colored wine come from the lesser known Clarksburg appellation in the Bay area. The blackberry jam, and raspberry fruit is nicely followed up with a surprising depth and concentration at this price point. One of my favorites in this price range.#petitesirah#thecrusher#don&sonschitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-63925449005077325512011-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:002011-10-10T08:35:10.917-07:00If you haven't tried Liberty School Cab for around $10....The 2008-09 Liberty School cabernet sauvignon can be found in local grocery/liquor stores right now for around $10. (from their website)- "In the early 1980’s, Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles caught the attention of renowned Napa Valley vintner Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards. In search of Cabernet for his second label, <em>Liberty School</em>, Wagner approached Hope Farms as a fruit source. As growers over the next decade, the Hope family helped build the brand’s solid reputation for quality and value." Nice everyday wine, with black cherry, plum, decent depth and firm but nice tannins.#libertyschool#wine#cabernetchitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-88290291159144195162011-09-10T10:11:00.000-07:002011-09-10T10:11:40.427-07:00$9.99 Portillo Malbec (Finca) Nice Buy!!!I recently tried this smooth tasting, full bodied Malbec that I found at Whole Foods. It is a 2010 that is ready now for your backyard barbecue to stand up to any grilled red meats. Nice fruit with plum and blackberries present. The tannins are nice and soft, not as harsh as some young Malbecs.chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-86817347761789080912011-08-06T19:03:00.000-07:002011-08-06T19:03:15.407-07:00Luckily I followed a Server's advice...2008 Rock & Vine MalbecI wasn't looking for a Malbec. Many times I find them a little too harsh and tannic. Not this time. The nice woman that was our server at #Parisclub in Chicago seemed adamant about their 2008 Rock & Vine Malbec. She said it had a nice finish...she was right. It was full bodied and velvety. The tannins were smooth, with raspberry and black pepper and full-bodied but not harsh. Great for a $12 glass at a high-end place. Nice pour too. However, when I researched the wine, I found out that they only sell direct at ninenorthwines.com or to restaurants. That didn't stop me! They also offer a Cab for the same price that I'm going to try at $22/each not including shipping. #ninenorthwines #Parisclub#rock&vine#malbecchitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-7480305301613296132011-06-18T07:37:00.000-07:002011-06-18T07:39:13.819-07:00VALUE ALERT! 2009 Red Rock Winery Winemaker's Blend $11....The 2009 Red Rock Winery Winemaker's Blend Reserve is a nice blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. While I am an avid Cab drinker, the value priced Cab's tend to be quality challenged in the finish, fruit, and concentration departments. That's why I was excited to see Petite Sirah in this blend. I was hoping that it would give the needed concentration /flavor boost that some of the lower end wines struggle with. I was also hoping the Merlot might smooth out some of the rough tannic edges from the Cab and Petite Sirah. Well, it worked. This wine exhibits notes of blackberry and plums with a little spice, along with a noteworthy finish. I like the depth/concentration at this price. I'd give it an 89...Definitely one to look for at your local shop.chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-17463519281534793452011-05-20T19:29:00.000-07:002011-05-20T19:29:36.374-07:002009 Layer Cake Shiraz has strong pedigree and is only $15Jayson Woodbridge (Hundred Acre fame- if you don't know, you need to) and his team have developed an AWESOME everyday drinker in their 2009 Shiraz. The full blackberry fruit, light smooth tannins, and depth and concentration are unmatched at this price point. This will go nicely with grilled meats. I will be buying a case of this a.s.a.p. and you should too.chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-39595174849879816872011-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:002011-05-07T08:46:25.810-07:002008 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny is a value...Even at $60I usually try to talk about value wines, but value is relative, right? In this economy, buying a bottle of wine over $30 seems to be a splurge. However, when I spotted the lofty rating (97 WA) and price of $60, the rating/ price calculator in my head screamed BUY!! I brought the bottle to a dinner party last weekend, with excitement, to try. Needless to say, the wine blew me away. The rich blend of black fruits and cherry, smooth tannins, and complexity all came together beautifully in great balance. One of the litmus tests of how good a wine is, happened at the party. My friend let his wife try some....and she didn't give it back! (he wasn't happy!). When you find a wine like this, the tough part comes when you realize that you only have one bottle left! I'd recommend trying to find this wine and stock up, or get on the mailing list a.s.a.p.!chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-78478368243408244382011-04-16T14:45:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:45:02.182-07:00Nice 2007 Cotes du Rhone for $18.99The 2007 Jean Louis Chave Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur is a smooth blend of Grenache and Syrah. It has an excellent concentration and richness that displays nice red fruit and spice. The medium tannins give it a nice balance. This wine lies somewhere closer to the Pinot Noir spectrum, and is very drinkable now. <br />
#wine#cotesdurhone.chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-75909641010047623092011-04-10T17:23:00.000-07:002011-04-10T17:23:50.915-07:00This Spanish Red isn't Ludicrous...It's Ludovicus!This 2009 Spanish red comprised of 35% garnacha, 30% tempranillo, 25% syrah, and 10% cabernet sauvignon is full of ripe berry and cherry flavor. The wine has nice concentration, along with plenty of finish and depth. The tannins are moderate. Made in the Terra Alta region, this wine is to be enjoyed now and over the next few years. Definitely one of my favorite $10 bottles right now....found at Binny's. #binnys#spanishred#tempranillo#winechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-37907695165951121382011-03-27T06:44:00.000-07:002011-03-27T07:01:21.711-07:00If you are looking for a tasty Zin that is priced low ($8)......A good friend of mine recommended the Dancing Bull 2009 Zin, and having already tried their Cabernet offering, I thought I'd give it a try. I have to say that I might reach for the Zin ahead of the Cab if I'm looking for a bargain wine for a very casual meal. Of course, the type of meal matters somewhat, and this would probably go better with some spicy Thai food or pork/barbecue. Though the wine lacks concentration, the taste of spice and pepper, along with sufficient fruit are nice at this price.#wine#zinchitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-44595049426258191282011-03-21T16:15:00.000-07:002011-03-21T16:15:25.970-07:00You won't be embarrassed opening this under $14 Napa Cab...The Avalon 2008 Napa valley Cab is a great example of the bargains that can be found in the $15 and under range. This wine exhibits cherry and dark berry flavors, along with tannins that are more smooth than expected. The hint of merlot helps give the wine more of a Bordeaux drinkability at a young age. Stock up for the more casual events now before it's gone!chitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500988674576925155.post-74179592212334854152011-03-01T16:10:00.000-08:002011-03-01T16:10:35.914-08:002008 Napa Cab for $25?I recently found this little gem at the local Dominick's grocery store for $25. It's a 2008 Raymond Reserve Cabernet. Plenty of fruit forward dark cherry and blackberry are present with a very nice finish. As we recalibrate our pricing, I'd imagine this bottle in the $40-$50 range a few years ago. I'd stock up for times when good friends who like wine stop by. It's drinkable now or over the next few years. #winechitownwineguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171315186477353239noreply@blogger.com0