gluggy
By Saralyn Mehta, Sommelier( ISG), CSW
Did you ever have one of those days? You know, the one that starts with your alarm not going off, no hot water in the shower, the pants you need still in the washing machine from the night before, and every red light seemingly conspiring to make you even later for work than you already are? We all have them and I’ m no exception; sometimes I feel like the rule. When I have had one of those days, I know I need something special to remind me that life hasn’ t gone to hell in a handbasket. For some it is jewellery, for others it might be clothes or even just a hot bath; for me it is a little time to myself and a great Napa Cabernet or Zinfandel.
Today happened to be one of those days, so before I was leaving the store, I grabbed a bottle of Crauford Tattoo Napa Cabernet($ 86.99) and happily began to walk toward the front till. Something in my head urged me,“ Avoid personal humiliation and check your bank account.” Now, I am a big believer in credit and overdraft, but suffice to say the figure staring back at me from the screen could only be equated to the voice of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld angrily saying“ NO NAPA FOR YOU.” And so I stood there, mired in that age-old dilemma: Champagne palate on a Diet Coke budget. What’ s a girl to do? When you are craving Napa but can’ t have it, where do you go from there?
First stop, California’ s Central Coast. Look for wines from Paso Robles or the Santa Ynez Valley. Though still not inexpensive, you can get a great Cabernet for around $ 25. I really like the Liberty School Cabernet out of Paso Robles, and for those who gravitate to white wine, they make a pretty darn great Chardonnay as well. My next stop, Central Valley. Though this area has traditionally been known for bulk wine production( it is home to the massive efforts of E & J Gallo as well as Mondavi’ s Woodbridge line), some hidden gems are quickly emerging. McManis Family Vineyards, located in the American Viticultural Area( AVA) of River Junction, are making really impressive wines. Their Cabernet cannot be beat at $ 21.99, but don’ t stop there because their other wines are equally as impressive, and all under $ 22.
Another area of the Central Valley that will provide you with wines full of guts and glory is Lodi. Yes, the area gives you great Cabernets but you should also try the Zinfandeldriven blend of Laurel Glenn’ s Reds, A wine for the people.
Some wines just knock your socks off and this is one of them— especially falling in at only $ 19.99.
If the $ 20 mark is still pushing it financially do not count out wines that fall under the basic California appellation. Though a little like shopping at Winners( you have to wade through the piles of polyester to find a great cashmere), this basic appellation can still give you some great bang for your buck. Wineries like Beaulieu Vineyards, based in Napa, make wines in a range of price points. Their premier wines are made with Napa fruit.
Their entry-level line, called BV Coastal, is made from fruit coming from anywhere in California and really over-delivers for under $ 15. In this range, it is a little bit of hit or miss, but just ask and you can be guided to some really amazing finds. There is nothing more fun than finding a wine that defies its price point.
For those of you who are wondering how my long, bad day ended up, I didn’ t get the Crauford Tattoo or much time to myself. I did get some BV Coastal Cabernet, with a rousing game of Sorry and a big hug from my son, Max. Sometimes life is like the Rolling Stones say: you can’ t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes, you get what you need. � www. banvilleandjones. com 41