Bargains at any time of the year!

Our regular feedback from readers splits pretty much down the middle. About half of you say “you should really do more recommendation columns,” and the other half says “you know, you kind of do too many recommendation columns.” We appreciate all the feedback we get from folks, but this tells us we probably have it pretty close to right.

However, this week I am straying from my normal “rules” and doing another recommendation column. My motivation is simple: I am seeing and tasting so many great bargains, it seems important to share them. Especially given their prices; and especially at this time of year, when so many of us are entertaining large groups; and even more so, as all who have tried these are returning to buy them. So here they are our top values!

About six months ago, we had one of our great local distributors taste us on the wines from 10 Span. The name of the winery refers to the wing span of the California condor, and a portion of the proceeds goes to reestablishing condor habitat. $10 also just happens to be the price. The wines are shockingly good for this money. We have the 2013 Cabernet in the shop all the time, and the 2014 Chardonnay occasionally. The wines are rich and tasty, varietally correct in both cases and a joy to drink.

In a column earlier this fall, I talked about the 2014 Chateau Teulon red blend. I really love this wine it is jammy and rich on the palate, with lovely coffee and earthy aromatics, and a steal for $11. From the Rhone appellation of the Costières de Nîmes, it shows all of the hallmarks of a classic Côtes du Rhone blend, and we frankly can’t keep it in the shop. After my first comments, we quickly ran the distributor out of the wine, but thankfully they have reloaded the wine in sufficient quantity to keep us well-stocked.

Appellation Wine Company has long been one of our favorites. They have a substantial portfolio from wineries scattered throughout the state of California, all producing really great wines. They recently introduced the 2014 True Myth Chardonnay for $15, priced well below their other Chardonnay offerings and a tasty alternative. It is wonderful, with apple and pear flavors with balanced butter and oak notes.

This next wine is nothing new to our regular customers; it has been in the top three for bottles sold for over a year now. I continue to be blown away at how good the wine is. The 2013 Christopher Michael Red from Washington, $14, is a classic blend of Bordeaux varietals with extraordinary depth and sophistication at this price. The wine is firmly structured with plenty of fruit flavors and subtle nuance to garner the attention of the most sophisticated of palates.

While the 2013 Cougar Crest Viognier, $17, is priced higher than our regular value priced “bar” of $15, we have for some time now been buying the wine at a reduced price from the distributor, normally the wine sells in the $20 range. While I am unsure about the reasons for the price cut, I am grateful, as this Viognier is one of the best, viscous in the mouth and loaded with tons of peach flavors and no oak. It is a bargain, given the caliber of the “juice.”

Another wine I have purchased at a steep price reduction is the 2011 (a great year in Europe) Puerto Vieja Crianza, from Bodegas Riojanas in Spain, $12. The wine is all Tempranillo, and true to its Old World roots, it is earthy on the nose, while the palate is juicy and ripe with cherry flavors. We’re not sure how long this “deal” will hang around, but it represents a compelling value while we have it.

Finally, what would the holidays be without great “bubbly?” Veuve du Vernay from France makes both a brut and a brut rosè, and the rosè is currently in our wine club. I am frequently amazed at the great values in French sparkling wines when they do not originate in Champagne. The Veuve $14 for the brut and $15 for the rosè is an example of that. Had it been from Champagne it easily would be twice as much, but for entertaining the holiday crowds it is perfect, dry with fine bubbles and lovely fruit flavors. It is perfect for even your largest holiday toasts!

We hope to see you here at the shop during this festive season, for these and other great bargains.

If there is a topic you would like to read about, or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d’Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and tabletop décor shop by Costco in Coeur d’Alene. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles and other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.