Thirsty Thursday is the quest to drink good, cheap wine that is $10.00 and under. Want some more recommendations? Check out the past cheap wine posts on Thirsty Thursday.
It’s an interesting time to be a wine buyer and drinker.
The economy has forced several wineries and wine makers to “discount” their normal $20 – $25 wines into $15 and under wines.
Which means that we will see lots of “new lines” from established big wine makers. This is an effort to not discount their flagship or mid-tier wines, while also getting rid of the large amount of juice they have in barrels.
And one of those lines is the 2008 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Amitage Red Blend from Washington.
Our wine lady, Betty, says this is actually the same juice as the previously released “Evos” line from Columbia Crest that used to be about $20 per bottle. (Love Betty.)
The Amitage Red Blend is a well-balanced red wine made from 64% Merlot, 19% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Malbec. And because of this “kitchen-sink blending” you receive a wine that has no distinguishing beginning or end – but a perfect experience from start to finish. I especially enjoyed the floral and ripe fruit nose – which can be hard to find with under $15 wine.
A definite by itself or with food kind-of wine – think a good juicy burger or patio steak.
Unfortunately, as a 2008, it is a drink now (don’t hold on to it) wine. But if we keep seeing these “higher-end” wines at a lesser price, I’ll gladly do my part to drink a bottle or two right now.
Don’t forget to use the Thirsty Thursday Wine List when creating your wine shopping list.
Note: This wine should be available at most liquor outlets. Please be responsible when you drink wine – and never drive drunk…seriously, that is just stupid in this day in age.
What about you? Have you tried anything interesting? Leave a comment or link up – because life is too short to drink bad wine.
I LOVE St. James Winery’s anything! They use the actual fruits (ie. Strawberries, Blackberries) to make their wines. I get mine at Hyvee for a little under 10 dollars a bottle. DEAL!
Also, I actually don’t know how much they cost, because it’s owned by a business associate, and frankly, he’s never charged me; but I know the prices start at around 10 dollars a bottle. I love the wines from New Oak Winery in Wellington, MO. I don’t think you can get them anywhere but at the actual place. Found a link up at http://www.catchwine.com/wineries/missouri/new_oak_vineyards/
I hope this is helpful. 🙂