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February 2006
Our panels tasted 1,726 new-release wines for the February 2006 issue,
and singled out a range of inexpensive wines for the value offered. W&S critics Patrick J. Comiskey, Joshua Greene and Tara Q. Thomas then tasted these wines and rated them for their quality-price ratio. These 10 wines - designated "Good Value" or "Exceptional Value" - represent the best overall quality for the lowest price. Suggested national retail prices have been quoted by the winery or importer, but prices in your area may vary considerably. If you shop carefully, you may be able to find these wines at a significant discount to the price listed here. |
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WHITES
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GV
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Man Vintners
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$9
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2005 South Africa Chenin Blanc
Tart and crisp as biting into a cider apple, this young chenin has a spark of fresh flavor for oysters or clams on the half shell.
Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL
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GV
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Kendall-Jackson
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$10
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2004 California Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Clean flavors of litchi balance a fresh, mineral acidity, placing this wine with sole Veronique.
Kendall-Jackson Vineyards & Winery, Geyserville, CA
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EV
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Beaulieu Vineyard
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$11
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2004 California Coastal Estates Chardonnay
A clean, chamomile-scented chardonnay, this cuts the ripeness of its fruit with spicy acidity. Chill for a pork chop smothered in caramelized onions.
Beaulieu Vineyard, Rutherford, CA
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EV
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Jacob's Creek
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$13
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2003 South Australia Reserve Riesling
Decant this and the wine's richness develops, along with an elegant acidity that's tied into the gingery fruit. That acidity lends the wine the sort of brininess that's delicious with anything from the raw bar.
Pernod Ricard USA, White Plains, NY
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REDS
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GV
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ForestVille
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$6
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2002 California Cabernet Sauvignon
An easy red-fruited cabernet, this is priced right to keep around the house as a dinner-table quaffer.
ForestVille Vineyard, Sonoma, CA
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EV I
Concha y Toro
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$7
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2003 Mendoza Xplorador Malbec (Argentina)
Surprisingly ambitious for a $7 malbec, this offers delightful black cherry flavors supported by muscular tannins and bright acidity. Pour it with chorizo.
Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY
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EV
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Altos Las Hormigas
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$9
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2005 Mendoza Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda (Argentina)
This offers super-fresh cherry and blackberry aromas with floral notes and a touch of green spice. An excellent partner for planked salmon.
Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY/Vin Divino, Chicago, IL
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EV
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Twin Fin
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$10
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2003 California Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark cherry fruit gives this crowd-pleasing cabernet freshness, its medium weight a good match for grilled pork loin.
Twin Fin Wines, Gonzales, CA
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GV I
Sagelands
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$12
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2002 Columbia Valley Four Corners Cabernet Sauvignon
Rich and meaty, deep and chewy, with black cherry and plum flavors edged in burnt caramel and earth, this has plenty of grip for a hearty lamb stew.
Sagelands Winery, Wapato, WA
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Santa Rita
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$12
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2003 Rapel Valley Reserva Carmenre (Chile)
Despite the hot vintage, this carmenre has the build and strength of a marathon runner, its spicy, herbal aromas prevailing over a core of dense, black fruit. For roast duck with cherries.
Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL
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