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October 2006
From the 1,321 new-release wines our panels tasted for this issue, our critics singled out these ten
(all $15 or less) for their remarkable price/value ratio. Suggested national retail prices have been quoted by the winery or importer,
but prices may vary, and you may be able to find these wines at a significant discount in your area. |
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REDS
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GV
I Fish Eye
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$9
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2004 California Shiraz
Sweet, ripe raspberry flavor lifts the meaty texture of this shiraz. It's a good choice for just about anything grilled, from ribs to salmon.
Fish Eye Winery, Ripon, CA
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GV
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Quara
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$19
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2004 Cafayate Valley Malbec (Argentina)
Give this some air to release the ripe red fruit and the sweet spices from the grip of the oak. Tense and strong, it's ready now for barbecued meats.
A.V. Imports, Columbia, MD
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EV
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Night Owl
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$12
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2004 Monterey County San Bernabe Vineyard Shiraz
he dark plum and blackberry flavors in this shiraz come together in a long, cocoa-tinged finished. A pleasant companion to grilled pork tenderloin.
Night Owl Wines, Manteca, CA
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GV
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Château Barrail Chevrol
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$14
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2003 Fronsac (France)
A fragrant, tender merlot, this shows its freshness in scents of herbs and minerals, its warmth in its solidly built tannins. For roast duck.
Victoire Imports Co., San Leandro, CA
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WHITES
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GV
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Columbia Crest
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$11
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2003 Columbia Valley Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon
Savory herb and spice aromas are matched by flavors of dark cherry and fig. For a rib eye steak.
Columbia Crest Winery, Paterson, WA
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EV
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Martín Codax
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$12
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2004 Bierzo Cuatro Pasos Mencía (Spain)
This austere red has a deep mineral character that recalls schist and coal, and delicious dark cherry flavors. For sausages.
Eric Solomon Selections/European Cellars, Charlotte, NC
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GV
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Georges Dubouef
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$12
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2005 Morgon (France)
Bold and juicy, this wine's red cherry and tart cranberry flavors develop more refinement with air. Pour it with steak tartare.
W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY
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EV
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Meridian
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$10
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2005 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Here's a smartly styled coastal chardonnay with the briskness of a cool Pacific breeze on a sand dune and lasting green pear flavor. Clean and ready to chill.
Meridian Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA
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GV
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Carmen
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$12
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2005 Casablanca Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
Herbal and citric, this is a fine example of Casablanca sauvignon. Its minerality, lime flavors and solid structure make it a match to ceviche.
W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY
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GV
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Clay Station
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$13
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2004 Lodi Viognier
Sweet Mandarin orange flavors fill this gentle, balanced white. Chill it for Chinese dishes like General Tso's chicken.
Delicato Family Vineyards, Manteca, CA
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