Hundred Dollar Taste, Under $20?? BELIEVE IT!!

   Before I started learning a bit more about wine like most people I always associated price with quality. Yet in the wine world that is simply not true. The truth is, you can get expensive taste for bargain prices. Here I will feature 5 wines that will not only satisfy your palate but also your wallet. The following wines are all under $20, perfect for gifts or to share with friends, family or that special someone.

Caoba Malbec Reserve- This Malbec comes from the legendary region of Mendoza in Argentina. A deep purple color, it is complex with aromas of red berries. On the palate you get Cherry marmalade, plums and raspberries. The delicate sweetness and round finish will please any Malbec lover.

Red Handed California Cabernet Sauvignon- Not only is the name catchy but so is the taste. Rich dark berry and plum flavors will hit you right away on the front of your palate.  The long finish is a sign of true quality.

Bonaventure Merlot- This fuller bodied Napa merlot has great color with dark fruit, with refined tannins. Notes of chocolate and earth will be sensed on the finish.

Cameron Hughes Chardonnay- This chardonnay has a brilliant golden color with aromas of pear and apple. Oak aging gives it medium mouth feel with citrus and vanilla notes. This chardonnay culminates in a great finish, and for 9.96 it is an exceptional value.

Via Amanti Soave Classico- This straw colored Italian white has outstanding aromas of citrus and honey suckle. Light and crisp on the palate, this wine is a perfect alternative to a pinot Grigio.  

The Pacific Northwest does Kosher! Introducing Pacifica

  In the past year, I have been on a kosher wine journey.  I have had the privilege to try over a hundred different kosher wines. Most of them are incredible and every bit as delicious as anything in the non-kosher world. The myth that kosher wines are just not as good as non-kosher wines is just that, a myth. I have tasted roughly the same amount of kosher and non kosher wine this year and I must say that the kosher world has really magnificent selections; especially this year.

      In 2012, Phillip Jones and his wife, Sheryl, in cooperation with Royal wine corporation, released the Pacifica collection. The Jones have already earned respect for their New Zealand produced Goose Bay varietals. Now, they bring that same diligent dedication to their pacific northwest based Pacifica. The Jones are the first all Kosher winery of the Northwest. The unique climate of the region provides exceptional acidity, giving these wines a distinct flavor profile.

      The Meritage is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It is full bodied and rich, yet silky with notes of black cherries and chocolate. The grapes come from Pepperbridge and the Seven Hills Vineyards, which is located in the Walla Walla Valley in Washington. These vineyards are known for producing the best Washington State wines.

     The pinot noir is a light, well balanced elegant wine. On the palate, you will get  notes of red cherries and the earthiness of the Pacific northwest. The long lasting finish of this pinot is further evidence of true quality. 

Neither of these wines are Mevushal but not to worry because in 2013 the Pacifica family will be introducing a Cabernet-Merlot blend which will be Mevushal. These wines are great for any occasion and perfect for expanding your palate.