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West’s Best Wine 2011: Steals

At $15 and under, these bottles are sure to please your palette and your pocketbook

written by Sara Schneider
1 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Whites: Winner

Gruet Nonvintage Blanc de Noir
Wild strawberries pop with rich, yeasty bubbles. (Lower Rio Grande New Mexico, $15)

2 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Whites: Runner-up

Liberty School 2009 Chardonnay
Spicy apple and pear with a touch of pineapple and toasty brûlée balanced with bright acidity. (Central Coast, $12)

3 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Whites: Runner-up

Clayhouse 2010 "Adobe Pink"
Strawberry and raspberry spiked with citrus and minerality. (Central Coast, $15)

4 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Reds: Winner

Project Paso 2009 Red Wine Blend
Plump cherries and strawberries are laced with chocolate in the Grenache blend. (Paso Robles; $14)

5 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Reds: Runner-up

Hahn 2009 Syrah
Intriguing herbs, black olives, and white pepper put this dark-berried Syrah on the wild side. (Central Coast; $12)

6 /6 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Reds: Runner-up

Waterbrook 2008 Merlot
Brambly black currant and berries with a dusting of cocoa and cracked pepper. (Columbia Valley; $12)