Good Cheap Wines

Centine is an Italian wine, made of a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of plum and raspberries, low tannins, and great structure make the 2004 Banfi Centine very well-balanced and enjoyable. If you haven’t tried Centine before, at this price and rating the Banfi ‘04 is the perfect place to start.

Winery: Castello Banfi
Vintage: 2004
Type: Centine
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Ratings: THE WINE ENTHUSIAST: 89 points
Price: $9.99

This refreshing Chardonnay begins with aromas of ripe green apples and lemon. On the palate, creamy pear and tart peach flavors are followed by a smooth vanilla finish. Try serving with veal chops.

Winery: Greg Norman Estates
Vintage: 2004
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Santa Barbara, California
Ratings: THE WINE NEWS: 89 points
Price: $12.29

Deep flavors of dark cherry and red plums bring this velvety Chilean Merlot to life. And with a lasting peppery finish that pairs well with many meats and fine cheese, you won’t want to miss out on this Wine Enthusiast Editor’s Choice!

Winery: Vina Concha y Toro
Vintage: 2004
Type: Merlot
Region: Puemo, Chile
Ratings: WINE ENTHUSIAST: 90 points
Price: $18.29

The polished yet true-to-type ‘04 Banfi Chianti Classico delivers flavors of ripe fruit and sweet earth; excellent melding of the new and old worlds. If you enjoyed the ‘03 vintage, you’re definitely going to want to give the ‘04 a shot.

Winery: Castello Banfi
Vintage: 2004
Type: Chianti
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Ratings: WILFRED WONG: 90 points
Price: $13.29

The ‘04 Cambria Katherine’s Chardonnay reveals a flamboyant nose of orange blossoms, lemon honey, and wet stones; tropical fruit characteristics also emerge on the palate. And despite not being a fan of eating wet stones, I gave this Chardonnay a try and really enjoyed it.

Winery: Cambria
Vintage: 2004
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Santa Maria Valley, CA, USA
Ratings: ROBERT PARKER, JR: 90 points
Price: $16.79