Princely Wines at Pauper Prices
Getting More than You Pay For
By: David Jones
California has been witnessing the effects of an unprecedented hyper-planting of vineyards in the 1990’s. Parallel production increases are occurring globally. Consequently, our own abundant juice is being challenged by market-seeking product from as far away as the South of France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, Chile and Australia.
Working this glut of raw material is an increasingly large and highly educated pool of viticulturalists and enologists. Under-priced juice vinted by talented professionals has led to some surprisingly good wine being sold below intrinsic value.
As a judge for many major competitions, I have been witnessing a growing percentage of Gold Metal winning wines costing $10 or less. This is even more notable in light of the diminution of the value of our dollar internationally. Concomitantly, today’s price-sensitive consumers, tired of paying more for their wine than their dinner, are seeking affordable quality.
For those who wish to excel at engaging price-conscious wine acquisition, my best advise is to access wine competition results as early as possible to learn of the “deals” and “steals” before the masses. Buy one bottle immediately. If your tastes match those of the judges, secure ample product before word spreads.
At this years’ (2005) prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition we judged over 3,100 wines, mostly from California, but with submittals from Oregon, Washington and Idaho as well. In this, as in most competitions, Gold Medals are reserved for wines showing exceedingly well within their classification (sparkling, desert, varietal, price …).
For any wine priced at or below $10 to win Gold is noteworthy. For the following wineries to have more than one submittal rise to the occasion is beyond the call of public service and speaks highly of the brand:
Bogle (2 Golds)
2003 Chardonnay, California ($9)
2003 Merlot, California ($9)
Cypress (2 Golds)
2003 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($10)
2003 Merlot, Central Coast ($10)
Forest Glen (3 Golds)
2004 White Merlot, California ($7.99) – “Best of Class, Blush Wines”
2003 Merlot, California ($9.99)
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($9.99)
Jan Kris (3 Golds)
2003 Chardonnay, Estate ($9)
2003 Zinfnadel, Estate (9.99) – “Best of Class, Zins under $14”
2003 Syrah, Estate ($9.99)
Cartlidge & Browne (4 Golds)
2003 Pinot Noir, California ($10)
2002 Zinfandel, California ($10)
2003 Merlot, California ($10)
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($10)
HRM Rex Goliath (4 Golds)
2003 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($8.99)
2003 Shiraz, Central Coast ($8.99) – “Best of Class, Syrah/Shiraz under $14”
NV (non-vintage) Merlot, Central Coast ($8.99)
NV (non-vintage) Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast ($8.99)
While the above-delineated treasures may not display the complexity and intensity of their loftier-priced brethren, each is varietally correct and exhibits breeding and character belying its nominal cost. And remember that the “suggested retail price” is usually a ceiling, with most of these affordable ferments widely available at a discount.
To your health and to your wallet!
About the Author
David P. Jones
David P. Jones is a native San Franciscan with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geography from U.C. Berkeley. He taught at several Bay Area colleges, then built and sold the largest sightseeing company in San Francisco. David now indulges his passion for wine as a writer, judge, lecturer, consultant, and event planner doing business as Wine Works (wineworks@earthlink.net).
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