Wine Reviews: Wines Under $30
For our next wine panel, we asked panelists to taste and rate wines under $30. These could be any style from anywhere in the world, so long as the SRP was under $30.
As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine’s retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). Unless noted otherwise, prices reflect a 750-ml. bottle. If you are a beverage professional with a specialty in wine who is interested in participating in the panel, please contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x225.
RATING SYSTEM
Five Stars (92-100): A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship.
Four Stars (86-91): A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.
Three Stars: (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.
FIVE STARS
(96) Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
A stunning Sonoma Chardonnay. Great acidity with just a hint of oak. Nuanced program of 75% pure stainless fruit blended with 25% barrel fermented with secondary malolactic. Aged on the lees for just six to eight months. Stelvin closure makes it easy to enjoy. Time for fresh Gulf seafood! ($23.99)
(96) Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (CA)
Sleek and vibrant with notes of orange blossoms, honeycrisp apple and Key lime blossom in the mouth, while lingering on the long, refreshing finish. A remarkable wine that will keep you coming back for more. ($29.99)
(96) Tiraki Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (New Zealand)
A brilliant pale gold with green hints, the nose is dominated by an attractive blend of tropical and exotic fruits. The palate echoes the nose, highlighting the quality, with complex and elegant fruit, with a combination of weight and texture, confirming the level of care used to produce this outstanding wine. ($22)
(96) Château La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Rouge 2022 (France)
The blend of grapes used to create this wine may be “typical,” but the wine is far from that. From one of the leading producers in the Rhône Valley: bright ruby/garnet in the glass, the nose and palate of red fruit, hints of spice and plenty of regional herbal notes. The wine is supple, with enough weight and texture to add to the complexity, and long, elegant finish. ($28)
(95) Planet Oregon Rosé Bubbles 2023 (OR)
This 100% pinot noir-based sparkling wine is a delight to smell and taste. Produced from high-quality Willamette Valley fruit, the wine is carbonated, post bottling. The bubbles are quite fine, and not aggressive, while the long finish confirms the quality level of the wine. ($24)
(95) Tapiz Sparkling Malbec Rosé NV (Argentina)
A surprisingly and wonderfully elegant sparkling wine, produced from 100% malbec. The nose provides subtle red fruit, and in the mouth, the fine bubbles and balanced acidity make for a delicious glass of sparkling wine. A great value, given its sophistication. ($20)
(95) Cantina Terlano Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2023 (Italy)
Explosive tropical fruit rains down on the palate with flavors of kiwi, lime and tangerine leading the way. Round and full bodied with a never-ending finish. A stunning wine that would love to be paired with fish, white-sauced pasta and salads. Wonderfully underpriced. ($24.99)
(95) J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
The second release with the new elegant label and screw top, and it does not disappoint. Kristen Barnhisel continues her winning streak, and lets the vineyards speak. She utilized eight clones for this vintage, including the famed Wente clone. 62% malolactic fermented, with lees stirred weekly, then aged in a blend of French, Hungarian and American oak for up to nine months. Rich, viscous mouthfeel with complex notes of kiwi, nectarine and apple. Subtle notes of oak lead to a long lingering finish. Perfect for grilled chicken with a rich sauce. ($10.99)
(95) Yealands Estate S1 Single Block Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (New Zealand)
This is an absolute dynamic wine with fantastic energy, yet an elegance that makes you want for more. The intertwined beauty of grassy and grapefruit are perfectly woven within a mouthfeel of perfect balance. This wine will make you beg for the next sip. ($29)
(95) Clos de los Siete 2021 (Argentina)
A very interesting blend of red grape varieties. The majority is malbec, with Bordeaux varieties, as well as a measure of syrah. Brilliant ruby in the glass, the quality of the blend is evident in the wine’s attractive nose of red fruit, berries and spice. The palate enjoys good weight and mouthfeel, with a long, lingering finish. ($22)
(94) M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé 2024 (France)
Based mostly on grenache, the brilliant salmon-pink wine showcases bright and clean red fruit on the nose and palate. Dancing on the palate, the balance of fruit and acidity makes for a very pleasurable drinking experience. ($18)
(94) Eiko Fuji Honkara (Japan)
For a change of pace, this sake, this rice wine, is an excellent introduction for customers who have not yet enjoyed the pleasures of a high-end sake. This version is dry, and best served chilled, as you would with any excellent white wine. It is exceptionally food friendly, paring with any number of spicy dishes, as well as smoked and grilled foods. ($26)
(94) Bodega Colomé Torrontés 2024 (Argentina)
The torrontés grape variety has brought Argentinean white winemaking to the world’s attention. This example, produced from grapes grown at altitude, is bright, clean and elegant. The nose is complex, with fruit and floral notes. On the palate, the wine is supple, with lovely brighter fruit notes, and a long and balanced finish. ($14)
(94) Aveleda Solos de Granito 2022 (Portugal)
A top-end alvarinho from a top-end producer, Aveleda produces two soil specific wines. The Xisto, wines produced from grapes grown on schist soil, is outstanding on its own. The Granito, vines planted in granite-dominated soils, displays superb class and pedigree. Brilliant pale yellow in the glass, the nose is rich with tree fruit, hints of citrus and a touch of minerality. That minerality takes the forefront on the palate, with stone fruit and an echo of citrus, followed by a lengthy, balanced finish. ($17.99)
(94) St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 2022 (CA)
Produced from vines with a minimum age of 50 years, from various vineyard sites across Sonoma County, this zinfandel with petite sirah blend is a great example of the worldclass wines the region consistently produces. Dense ruby with purple hints in the glass, the nose and palate are very expressive, with plenty of black berry and cherry fruit, with touches of spice. A balanced mouthfeel and finish confirms the wine’s quality. ($25)
(94) Dolum Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (CA)
Well-fruited, with notes of blueberry, plum puree and blackberry. Richly textured with a velvety mouthfeel, leading to a finish showing hints of cedar and cocoa. A wonderful wine that overdelivers for its price. ($19.99)
(94) Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
This elegant cuvee is blended from six estate vineyards and a small group of trusted growers. Rich in style and very fruit forward. 100% malolactic fermentation, and aged nine months in a regimented blend of French oak barrels. Cool-climate fruit yields rich apple and pear notes with delicate hints of oak. Very balanced acidity makes for a perfect aperitif, and an excellent food wine. Overdelivers for the price. ($29.99)
(94) Markham Chardonnay 2022 (CA)
45 years ago, the Markham family resurrected the original winery that dated back to 1874, and started producing world-class wines. This is classic Napa chardonnay, with most of the sourcing from the Little Canyon vineyard in the cool Oak Knoll AVA. 100% barrel fermented, but only 25% malolactic fermented. Aged almost nine months in French oak. Classic notes of citrus and apple with rich vanilla overtones. Light touches of minerality from the valley floor add a level of complexity. An excellent value for the money. ($27.99)
(94) Stangeland Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2022 (OR)
Silky and smooth with flavors of raspberry, cherry and black tea enticing the palate. Bold yet delicate, with notes of cinnamon and dusty spices emerging on the long, sexy finish. ($24.99)
(94) McPherson Cellars La Herencia 2019 (TX)
Kim McPherson continues the legacy that his father “Doc” started in the late 1960s with his Texas interpretation of Old World varietals. Tempranillo-based, with additions of mouved, syrah and carignan for complexity. Earthy, rich, with dark fruit flavors. Aged 11 months in French oak. Old World in style with a Texas twist. Perfect for a huge chunk of smoked brisket. ($24.99)
(94) Decoy Limited Pinot Noir, 2023 (CA)
Always innovating and evolving, the Decoy Limited series parses the portfolio to upgrade to this level. Sourcing from prime sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, in addition to their estate properties, moves this tier to the top level. Rich, deep coloring, with fig and plum notes, showcases an earthy full-bodied wine. Aging 11 months in French oak adds vanilla and spice to the long, lingering finish. ($29.99)
(94) Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2023 (OR)
French pinot meets Oregon pinot in this rich interpretation of pinot noir. Whole cluster bunches are put in sealed stainless-steel tanks to achieve carbonic maceration before fermentation. Very balanced, with beautiful color and strong red fruit notes. Medium bodied with lighter alcohol. This was perfect with cedar-planked salmon. Great value for the money. ($29.99)
(93) Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (CA)
Sourcing from prime vineyard sites in Alexander Valley, Mendocino and the Central Coast. Very concentrated flavors in a classic fruit-forward style that’s very accessible. 6% merlot adds smoothness to the 18-month French-oak aging regimen. Black fruits dominate the nose with inky squid colors and hints of white pepper and dark chocolate. Time for that prime rib dinner celebration. ($24.99)
(93) L’Etincelle Sancerre 2023 (France)
Made by Cave des Vins de Sancerre, the only cooperative with the Sancerre appellation, this sauvignon blanc is lively and energetic. Citrus notes abound with a touch of minerality, making this a great accompaniment to any charcuterie board. ($29.99)
(93) Textbook Merlot 2022 (CA)
Winemaker Abigail Horstman lets the grapes speak as she sources from prime sites in the Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville and Calistoga AVAs. Fermented 100% in stainless steel, with 9% cabernet added to the cuvee, and then aged for 14 months in French oak. Inky, and lush, with soft raisin and caramel notes. Subtle notes of vanilla and oak on the smooth lingering finish. Time to throw some thick rib-eyes on the grill. ($29.99)
(93) Bodega Renacer, “Milamore” 2021 (Argentina)
Both delicious and interesting. Interesting, in that the wine is produced by partially drying the grapes before fermentation. This concentrates the fruit, which intensifies each component of the wine. Nearly opaque ruby in the glass, the nose is filled with dark fruit, and abundant spices. Weighty on the palate, the rich fruit shines through, with an elegant and persistent finish. ($27.99)
(93) Pascual Toso Brut NV (Argentina)
A lovely, exceptionally well-priced sparkling wine, it is nearly all chardonnay, and utilizes the Charmat, or “in tank,” method for producing the carbonation. Green/yellow in the glass, on the nose and in the mouth, the wine provides plenty of clean stone tree fruit aspects, with an engaging combination of clean fruit, and velvety texture. ($14.99)
(93) Gratien & Meyer Cremant dé Loire NV (France)
With a preponderance of pinot noir and chardonnay, and extended aging before release, the complexity and elegance are immediately evident. Bright pink in the glass, the nose is dominated by clean red fruit, with citrus hints. On the palate, the fine effervescence and bright fruit confirm the wine’s pedigree and high level of quality. ($20)
(93) Bouvet Ladubay “Saphir” 2022 (France)
A lovely blend of chenin blanc and chardonnay provides the base for an elegant and versatile sparkling wine. Brilliant pale gold in the glass, the nose and palate showcase the stone fruit aspects of the wine, with attractive floral hints, a touch of roasted nuts, and spice. Exceptionally food friendly. ($21)
(93) District Series Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (CA)
If you’re looking for a classic California sauvignon blanc, look no further. Fresh and clean on the palate with notes of guava, citrus and kiwi. Harmonious in the blending of tropical aromas and delicate white blossoms. ($26.99)
(93) The Calling Dutton Ranch Russian River Chardonnay 2022 (CA)
The chardonnay has the classic profile of rich and savory with control. Buttery tones, with hints of caramel and a touch of granny smith apple are all encapsulated in a soft pillow of structure. ($26)
(93) Aveleda Espumante Bruto NV (Portugal)
The half-and-half blend of native Portuguese varieties, arinto and loureiro, work together to create a balanced wine, with both excellent fruit and acidity. A very pale yellow with green hints, the attractive nose of tree and stone fruit is followed by great texture, a fine mousse and long finish. A great bargain! ($12.99)
(92) Schnaer Family Chardonnay 2023 (OR)
A classic Oregon chardonnay offers bright acidity, balanced richness and a sense of place. Expect aromas of citrus blossom, green apple and pear, with subtle hints of toasted almond and wet stone. On the palate, vibrant lemon curd and ripe pear flavors are complemented by a creamy texture. The finish is crisp yet lingering, with a minerally edge that reflects Oregon’s cool climate. ($22.99)
(92) Willamette Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2022 (OR)
Jim Bernau’s vision from its founding in 1983 continues to mature and excel. Classic chardonnay with all elements very balanced. Medium-bodied with light touches of oak. Sourced from the Estate and Elton vineyard and picked at perfect ripeness. Whole cluster pressing, French and stainless for fermentation, with partial malacotic, and lees stirring all add depth and complexity. Clean, crisp with apricot, nectarine and papaya notes. Perfect with lemon-buttered scallops. ($28.99)
(92) Pappas Wine Co. Pinot Noir (OR)
Pappas is the second label of Portland’s Boedecker Cellars. This lively pinot noir has ample black cherry and raspberry, with a touch of baking spice. It’s medium bodied, but still a substantial wine. It makes a great accompaniment to Oregon salmon. ($20)
(92) Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (WA)
A newer part of the expanding Duckhorn portfolio, and it utilizes the shared sourcing and winemaking experience of the Duckhorn brand. 85% cabernet with touches of malbec and syrah for complexity. Dark black fruits dominate, with hints of toasted coconut and a hint of minerality. Very complex, concentered, with a smooth finish. Overdelivers for the money — a great value. ($19.99)
(92) 1858 Chardonnay 2022 (CA)
From Caymus Vineyards, this wine is a lovely golden yellow color, which hints at the oak aging with pops of tropical fruits on the nose. Nice weight on the palate. Notes of golden apple and pineapple that balance out the touch of butter. ($24.99)
(92) Rockview Reserve Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
Butterscotch and vanilla welcome you to the glass, but it is less buttery than your nose would have you think. Bright green apple and tropical fruits like melon greatly balance out the oak on this wine ($27.99)
FOUR STARS
(91) Muirwood Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
Soft aromas of hazelnut, baked apple and pineapple followed by pear and citrus notes on the palate, balanced by oak, which gives added complexity. Full-bodied and rounded creamy texture leaves you with a pleasant, lingering finish. ($16.99)
(91) Goose Ridge G3 Merlot 2021 (WA)
Classic NW merlot. Concentrated flavors with black cherry, spice and mocha notes. Second label for the Monson family’s famed Goose Ridge Estate winery. All estate grown, sourcing from the famed Goose Gap AVA, which is located between Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills. 94% merlot and 6% cabernet. Aged for 15 months in a blend of French and American oak. This is a merlot to discover and share with friends. We enjoyed it with a grilled pork loin. ($15.99)
(91) Daou Paso Roble Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (CA)
The structure of this wine leads you to believe it is in a different weight class, but as it opens it has amazing approachability. Dense berry fruit and firm, yet balanced tannin and rounded acidity give way to an amazingly satisfying finish and lingering savor. ($27)
(91) Hugl Gruner Veltliner 2024 (Austria)
The 2024 Hugl gruner veltliner is a bright, refreshing white wine with crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes. Aromas of green apple and a touch of minerality give it a classic Austrian character. The palate is light-bodied yet expressive, with flavors of lemon zest, pear and a clean, zippy finish. A fantastic value, it’s perfect for warm-weather sipping or pairing with seafood and fresh salads. ($16.99)
(91) Caliveda Pinot Noir Reserve 2023 (CA)
Fans of jammy, juicy pinots and red blends will adore this plush and sumptuously fruit-forward style of pinot noir. Blueberry, vanilla, brown sugar and blackberry jam run rampant across the palate, but are balanced by the soft and sweet cedar on the finish. ($23.99)
(91) Soaring Heights Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2023 (CA)
This wine is layered with apple blossom, white beach, honeydew melon and stone fruit notes. The fruit carries into a medium body with a delicious pop of apple and orange zest on the finish. ($12.99)
(91) South Mist Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (New Zealand)
A great example of a classic New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Complex but still bright and zesty. The acidity on this lends itself well to the pleasant tropical fruits like passionfruit, guava and lemon. ($17.99)
(91) Alguna Vez Albarino 2023 (Spain)
Produced by Vina Sobreira, family-owned for more than 100 years. This wine is fresh and zesty, packed with bright tropical and stone fruits like honeydew, nectarines and lemon. This crisp albarino would pair excellently with fresh seafood or a day at the pool. ($18.99)
(91) Hall Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (CA)
This wine exhibits aromas of lemongrass, balmy grapefruit and lime. Brighter tropical fruits like lychee and pineapple flood the palate. Crisp and refreshing. ($19.99)
(91) L. Prima Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
From the Wente Family, this chardonnay has a lemon color. Classic California chardonnay with notes of crisp green apple followed by oak, vanilla and nice creaminess ($17.99)
(91) Sunburst Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (CA)
Concentrated with notes of blackberries and blackcurrant that are integrated with vanilla, espresso and mocha dust. There is evidence of oak on the finish with tannins that are balanced to make this a food friendly pairing option. ($24.99)
(91) Textbook Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
The Pey family continues their mission to deliver classic Sonoma wines. Sourcing from the Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley AVA’s. 100% barrel fermented, but only 30% malolactic. Aged 11 months in French oak. Soft acidity, a hint on minerality and classic pear, apple and peach notes. Very balanced and a great food wine. ($23.99)
(91) McPherson Cellars Albariño 2023 (TX)
This is the classic Texas interpretation of the famed Spanish/Portuguese varietal. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve the crisp acidity and fruit flavors. Notes of peach, honey and lemon dominate. Perfect for the ABC (anything but chardonnay) crowd. Great wine for Gulf Coast seafood. ($24.99)
(91) Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (New Zealand)
You know this is New Zealand just from the nose. Fresh vibrant fruit note, with zippy acidity. Cool fermented in stainless steel. Passionfruit, grapefruit and stony minerality highlight the nose. Great aperitif or perfect with light seafood. Perfect warm-weather quencher. ($19.99)
(90) J. Lohr Wildflower Valdigue 2023 (CA)
The perfect P (Porch, Pool or Patio) wine for the warming temps. Easy drinking, and the perfect “first red” wine. Low alcohol, under 90 calories, and only 3.8 carbs. Try this slightly chilled, and enjoy the raspberry, cranberry and cherry flavors. Perfect afternoon sipper with spring rolls. ($13.99)
(90) L’Auratae Nero d’Avola 2024 (Italy)
This wine is crafted by Stefano Cioccioli, who takes a holistic approach to this organic and vegan Nero d’Avola. Delightful little wine that is super approachable. Aromas of redcurrants, cranberry and red cherry are well integrated with the soft and easy tannins on the finish. ($10.99)
(90) Bougrier Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (France)
Bright, crisp and clean. This sauvignon blanc shows varietal typicity with mineral, grapefruit, green apples and a hint of lime zest. Body is silky and nicely weighted, given how fresh this wine is! ($14.99)
(90) 2 Angels Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (CA)
Creamy crisp acidity, with soft tropical fruit notes. Lighter in style with hints of grapefruit and passion fruit. 100% stainless with grapes sourced from old and young vines. Great aperitif — perfect with soft cheeses or lightly grilled salmon. ($19.99)
(90) J. Lohr Baymist Riesling 2023 (CA)
Kristen Barnhisel rules the white wine part of the portfolio. Perfect wine to welcome warmer weather. A touch of sweetness, lower calories and alcohol, and a screwcap in a beautifully labeled bottle. Classic Monterey riesling with just a kiss of pinot blanc. Apple, pear and white chocolate notes. Perfect pairing for pork dumplings. ($12.99)
(90) Radius Merlot 2022 (WA)
Plush and supple. This easy-drinking merlot is sure to please with succulent notes of plum, raspberry and dark cherry. The plushness of this wine is accentuated by hints of vanilla and marshmallow. ($14.99)
(90) Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (CA)
A beautiful example of a Paso cabernet with a medium purple color. Notes of fresh black raspberry and crushed blackberries where smooth tannins round out the finish. ($15.99)
(90) Smith Bench Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
From the Wente family, this feels like a lighter California chardonnay but still has delectable notes of oak, brown sugar and caramel apples. There’s a hint of banana on the palate with butterscotch tones that flow through the finish. ($19.99)
(90) Belle Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
Bold and firm with notes of blackcurrant, plum and tobacco. For the price point, it’s structured and oaky, with a long finish that lingers. ($9.99)
(90) BeCalm Malbec 2024 (Argentina)
This wine fits its name perfectly. It’s smooth yet full bodied with notes of mocha, plum and spice. Rich for the price point and easy drinking. ($9.99)
(90) Louis Bernard Cote du Rhone 2020 (France)
Boisset’s expertise is combining the best sources with state-of-the-art winemaking. Southern Rhone valley sites deliver rich grenache and syrah for this blend. Extended fermentation (up to three weeks) yields great concentrated extraction. Light, yet complex, with rich earth tones, Black spice, and red currant and clove notes. Wonderful food wine for shepherd’s pie, roasts and even pizza. Excellent value. ($19.99)
(90) LVE Rose NV (France)
Legend Vineyard Exclusive (LVE) is an ongoing collaboration between pop icon John Legend and JC Boisset. This Vin Mousseux style sparking is sourced primarily from the Languedoc region in southern France. 10% pinot and grenache, with the remining cuvee of assorted white varietals. Pale salmon pink color leads to fresh raspberry, strawberry and peach flavors. Soft bubbles enhance any afternoon sipping on the patio. ($19.99)
(89) Bischofliche Weinguter Trier DOM Riesling 2022 (Germany)
Don’t be fooled by the word riesling: this is done in a semi-dry style. Green apple notes dominate with a definite touch of minerality. Very viscous, with structured layers of flavor and lower alcohol. Sourcing from defined sites along the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer river. 100% stainless-steel fermentation, with resting on the lees before fining and filtering. Perfect for pork and seafood dishes, or as an afternoon aperitif. ($26.99)
(89) Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (CA)
This easy-drinking cab is sourced from Mendocino and Sonoma vineyards and select sub-AVAs. Softer and more accessible in style. This is their first release for the Cornerstone Collection. Small select lots vinified separately, then blended for the final cuvee. Dark fruit flavors of raspberry, cherry and blackberry dominate. 100% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy rich texture. Pull the cork: she’s ready to go. Perfect with Texas BBQ. ($24.99)
(87) Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022 (CA)
The Kautz family sources these grapes from their Thorton Ranch site, which picks up the cooling influence of the Ca. Delta/San Pablo Bay. Light and earthy in style, with 13% souzao in the blend. Aged for six months in French oak. Fruit bomb on the nose with rich cherry flavors. Perfect first pinot noir to try. ($17.99)
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Feature photo by Zan Lazarevic on Unsplash.
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