This little guy doesn’t have a guilty bone in his body. Neither should you. Here is this week’s $15 or less offering.
No-Guilt Wednesday is not about compromising on quality. It’s all about drinking good wine that does not break the bank, eating good food and of course, it’s about sharing with the ones you love.
There are many wonderful wines out there that fall in the $15 and under price category. I am a big fan of the wines of Chile. But, IMHO, this one does not measure up. I calls ’em as I sees ’em.
Calina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($12). A lead pencil brambly quality on the nose. But the dark blueberry-like fruit lacked the brightness that I normally hope for– it seemed a bit overwhelmed by the oak treatment. The wine finishes with some drying tannins and seems to lack balance as a result. There are better values out there. Rated *1/2
It does not seem right that I leave you with that for this week. This has happened before and we found a back up that was not only serviceable, it left the starter gathering splinters on the bench! So let’s see what other goodies might be found in Sybarite Sauvage’s cellar.
For this, I am going a lot closer to home. And to switch it up a bit, we are pulling back from the reds and reviewing a white from Northeastern Connecticut (you read that right).
Sharpe Hill Ballet of Angels White (N.V.) ($10). According to the winery’s web site, this is a “secret blend of 10 grape varieties”. Secret? Are you kidding me? This is Connecticut wine, folks– let us know what is in the bottle. Your secret is safe with us. Anyway, notes of apricot and peach with a viscous mouth feel, pleasant acidity reminiscent of key lime pie on the finish. Not overly complex, but still a lovely wine to have with Asian cuisine in the middle of this or any week. Rated **
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Keep Up This Amazing work. Love the craziness and REAL wine lovers values.