American Wines Under $15

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 As you probably have noticed, I am an avid viewer of NBC’s the Today Show.  I DVR all 4 hours…why they ever thought America needed to see another hour of dancing anchors and never-ending segments on how to better your relationships, your sex-life or your self-esteem is beyond me.  But they did and so I have my thumb readied at “Fast Forward”.  I do stop for politics, news, movie reviews and yes, I admit it, the occasional newly born bear cub.  I always take a look at their food segments, which I often wish were filled with less giggling, scene stealing anchors and more substance, but within those 5 minute segments you can get some good recipes, information and more is usually available on-line.

Food and Wine’s senior editor, Ray Isle tasted over 300 American wines…hopefully he received a little assistance…and shared 5 great American wines under $15.  There was a Chardonnay for as little as $6.  Isle said that these are the type of wines that you end-up taking a second look at the price tag, because you are shocked that it cost so little.  He suggests that these are great to purchase by the case for your everyday drinking or for entertaining:

1. Chardonnay: 2005 Pine & Post Washington Chardonnay ($6)

• Washington State is producing absolutely terrific wines lately, and they’re usually less expensive than California wines of similar quality. Not just Chardonnay, too—also reds like Cabernet and Syrah, and Riesling
• This Chardonnay is crisp with spicy oak notes balanced against lively apple and apricot fruit, and it’s only $6!

2. Riesling: 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling ($12)

• This is another Washington State wine. And it’s a Riesling. Rieslings have been growing hugely in popularity over the past couple of years, partly thanks to wines like this one. Most people think of Riesling as sweet, but dry Rieslings (like this one) are incredible food wines
• This one has great acidity, apple-and-peach fruit, and a zesty finish.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon: 2005 Hayman & Hill Napa Valley Reserve Selection Cabernet ($15)

• So: it’s almost impossible to find Napa Valley Cabernet for under $20 these days — it’s the most prestigious Cabernet region in the U.S. — but somehow these guys did it.
• Aromatic mint notes and firm black-cherry fruit define this polished Cabernet.

4. Pinot Noir: 2006 Castle Rock Mendocino Pinot Noir ($12)

• Pinot Noir is the hottest grape variety out there; it’s so popular there aren’t even enough grapes to satisfy demand. This means a lot of cheap Pinots are made from pretty bad fruit, but these guys at Castle Rock must have great connections, because all of their Pinots—which are all affordable—are really good.
• This one’s medium-bodied, with nice herbal notes.

5. Petite Sirah: 2006 McManis Family Estate Petite Sirah ($11)

• This intense, firmly tannic red comes from a family that’s been growing grapes south of Lodi since 1938.
• Lodi is a great up-and-coming value region. It’s got a warm climate and long history of grape growing, but for years most of the grapes grown there were sold to big producers like Gallo; now more and more good, affordable brands are popping up that are based there.

Food and Wine magazine has even more varieties to share, read more.