Well I like to recommend wines and many smart consumers take advantage of my independent reviews. These are 3 wines that a six pack or case will be a perfect addition to your cellar.
Well maybe should have said under $40.00 as all of these are available for under that price point.
- 2022 Mark Ryan Cabernet Sauvignon The Dissident – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (6/8/2026)
Day 1: Glasvin Kane. Not many better blends on the planet then this one. The fact they are using New French Oak and it is integrated this quickly is a testament to their wine making. Wood, blueberries, dust, cherry, dark chocolate, spices, earth and dried flowers. Super complex and tasty. 93 points
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, 1%
Day 2: Outstanding and one of the best Bordeaux Style Blends under $40 in the US. Cassis, wood, spices, cherry, dark chocolate, spices, earth and pencil lead. Medium plus finish. 93.5 points
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot (79% new French oak, 21% used French oak. 18 months in barrel).
Recommendation: One of the best blends under $40.00. (93 points)
- 2020 Achával-Ferrer Quimera – Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo (6/7/2026)
Day 1: Glasvin Kane. Natural cork. Cassis, blueberries, dust, floral, minerals, dark chocolate and coffee beans. Super complex and long finish. Outstanding value. 94 points
Day 2: Rocking as well with minerals, dust, blueberries, menthol, wood, cherry, leather, spices and earth. Medium plus finish. Wow! 94 points
Day 3: Yes again and this is such a great buy and they still have a ton at Total Wine in Bloomington. I think I have bought 85% of what they have sold.
Recommendation: Easiest purchase under $30 of the year with the exception of Gravel Bar. (94 points)
2021 Gravel Bar Winery Alluvial Columbia Valley – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (6/3/2026) Day 1: Glasvin Universal. When opening the dill from the American oak is a bit strong. Decant for at least an hour and it blows off. Cherry, wood, minerals, spices, floral and dark chocolate. Wonderful wine for the price. 92 points Day 2: Almost every time these are better on day 2 and 3 and this is no exception. These need a strong decant. Blueberries, cherry, wood, spices, dark chocolate and minerals. Medium plus finish. 93 points Day 3: Similar and holding form. Cherry, wood, earth, blueberries, dark chocolate, spices and minerals. Medium plus finish. 93 points Recommendation: Try a bottle and you will thank me. (93 points) |
