Cheap Good Wine 2005 Vintages

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

The grapes used in the 2005 De Martino Organic Cabernet Sauvignon are organically grown in their own “Isla de Maipo” estate. For vinification, they have used only the grapes own yeasts during fermentation and a minimum of sulphur. Pairs well with red meats and pasta.

Winery: De Martino Estate
Vintage: 2005
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Maipo Valley, Chile
Ratings: WINE & SPIRITS: 91 points
Price: $11.99

Rated #27 on the Wine Enthusiast’s Top Values of 2006, the Brassfield Sauvignon Blanc is 89% Sauvignon Blanc and 11% Semillon. The Semillon adds a touch more body, resulting in a somewhat dry wine with a surprisingly smooth finish.

Winery: Brassfield Estate
Vintage: 2005
Type: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Clear Lake, California
Ratings: WINE ENTHUSIAST: 91 points
Price: $13.79

Tempranillo is the most important red wine varietal for both everyday and world-class Spanish wines, and some studies have shown that it is actually a relative of Pinot Noir. Aromas of blackcherry and blueberry, with a silky texture and soft tannins, this excellently balanced Spanish red can be enjoyed over the next 3-5 years.

Winery: Bodegas Arrocal
Vintage: 2005
Type: Tempranillo
Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
Ratings: ROBERT PARKER, JR: 90 points
Price: $16.79

The 2005 Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc is Sauvignon Blanc blended with a small amount of Semillon and Viognier. On the nose, expect fresh aromas of grapefruit and lemongrass. On the palette the Semillon adds a touch of sweet apple to a crisp citrus base. A great summer wine, serve it chilled with salad and light white fish.

Winery: Chateau St Jean Winery
Vintage: 2005
Type: Fume Blanc
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: WINE SPECTATOR: 91 points
Price: $10.99

Like all Rieslings, the Fess Parker 2005 is semi-sweet (3.5% residual sugar), but not to be mistaken for a dessert wine. Floral aromas and hints of orange and lychee nut are followed by crisp flavors of peach and pineapple in the mouth. Serve slightly chilled alongside spicy Asian food, soup and salad, or fruity desserts.

Winery: Fess Parker Winery
Vintage: 2005
Type: Riesling
Region: Santa Barbara County, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 California State Fair Wine Competition
Price: $11.99

From the grapes of California’s Russian River Valley, the 2005 Hanna Sauvignon Blanc opens with cool aromas of fresh citrus and melon. With flavors of gooseberries, mown grass and lemon, the wine is reminiscent of a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Winery: Hanna Winery
Vintage: 2005
Type: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: WINE & SPIRITS: 94 points
Price: $15.99