Good Cheap Wines

Martin Zahn’s 2005 Pinot Blanc, in the sleek green bottle, is a light and fruity treat, great with spicy ethnic cuisine. Soft fruit flavors play on the tongue before making way for a smooth, dry finish.

Winery: Martin Zahn
Vintage: 2005
Type: White
Variety: Pinot Blanc
Region: Ribeauvillé, France
Ratings: Wine Messenger: 91 points
Price: $13.75

The dry, medium bodied 2005 Bernardus Chardonnay opens with aromas of peach and tropical fruit, followed by flavors of ripe pineapple, apple notes, and a long, creamy finish. It’s not often you’ll find a wine rated at 95 points for less than $20. Try a bottle while you still can!

Winery: Bernardus
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Monterey, California
Ratings: WINE NEWS: 95 points
Price: $16.99

Full of ripe fruit flavors, the stand-up 2005 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay is a well-focused wine; nice weight on the palate with a bright finish. Perfect alongside grilled chicken.

Winery: Beringer Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA
Ratings: THE WINE NEWS: 89 points
Price: $16.49

Don’t be fooled by the cheap price, as a gold medal winner in the 2007 California State Fair Wine Competition, the 2005 Smoking Loon Syrah definitely deserves a try. This mouth-filling, well rounded wine goes great with any type of barbeque, especially spicy dishes like Teriyaki Chicken.

Winery: Smoking Loon
Vintage: 2005
Type: Syrah
Region: California, USA
Ratings: THE WINE NEWS: 90 points
Price: $8.99

Even those who are not typically fond of whites will enjoy this beautiful unoaked French Chardonnay. With a palate rich in ripe apples and subtle pineapple flavors, this fresh white wine pairs perfectly with crustaceans and fish, as well as chicken and light cheese.

Winery: Macon-Lugny
Vintage: 2005
Type: Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Ratings: WILFRED WONG: 90 points
Price: $10.49