Western Wine Awards 2010: Best Values

Ranging from $15 to $30, these wines promise the best quality for your dollar

Best Value Bordeaux

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Best Value Wines: Bordeaux

Fidélitas 2008 “Optu” A classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with stone fruit, lemon verbena, and minerality. (Columbia Valley; $30)

Best Value Viognier

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Best Value Wines: Viognier

Jorian Hill 2008 Viognier A lively, textural Rhône white, full of honeyed apricot, quince, and lemon on a long, clean finish. (Santa Ynez Valley; $30)

Best Value Pinot Noir

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Best Value Wines: Pinot Noir

Tantara 2008 “T. Solomon Wellborn” Pinot Noir A tangy root-beer edge turns flashy red fruit—strawberry, rhubarb—into a crowd pleaser. (Santa Barbara County; $20)

Best Value Chardonnay

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Best Value Wines: Chardonnay

Landmark 2008 “Overlook” Chardonnay Toasty apple and bright melon come together with unusual balance in a ripe, concentrated Chard. (Sonoma and Santa Barbara Counties; $28)

 

Best Value Cabernet Sauvignon

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Best Value Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon

Bella Vetta 2006 Ami’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon An elegant Cab with dark berry, cherry, and chocolate flavors along with cassis and supple tannins. (Howell Mountain; $29)

Best Value Pinot Noir

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Best Value Wines: Pinot Noir

La Crema 2008 Pinot Noir This consistent deal delivers complex layers of wild strawberries, dried flowers, spices, herbs, mushrooms, and earth. (Sonoma Coast; $24)

Best Value Chardonnay

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Best Value Wines: Chardonnay

Truchard 2008 Chardonnay A rich white—think butter on popcorn—with zesty lemon, pineapple, pear, and crisp apple. (Carneros Napa Valley; $30)

Best Value Cabernet Sauvignon

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Best Value Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon

Clos du Bois 2007 Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Elegant (floral) to earthy (mushroom) aromatics against a black currant and cherry backdrop. (Alexander Valley; $22)

Best Value Pinot Noir

Photo by Jeffery Cross

Best Value Wines: Pinot Noir

Ponzi 2008 “Tavola” Pinot Noir Light-bodied and lively, with cherry and berry flavors spiced with coriander and cloves, followed by an earthy finish. (Willamette Valley; $25)

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