Monday, Sep. 15, 2008

Tracking down bargains can be a gas

By 'Bargain' Bob Woehler, Wine Press Northwest

In this unending time of increasing prices for almost everything, ol' Bargain Bob is more relevant than ever.

You have to wonder when you can buy a bottle of wine for less than a gallon of gas.

If you look around, you can find some pretty tasty bargain wines. Many come from the largest wineries - outfits such as Columbia Crest, Hogue and the multifaceted Precept Brands. They offer many wines for $10 and under.

Other ways to get in on a bargain is to pile on the savings by getting a volume discount. Recently, I bought six bottles at a local supermarket and received a 10 percent discount. Many of the wineries themselves will offer 10 percent - sometimes more - on case discounts of wines they have on special. Often these wines are perfect for your everyday use when you want something to serve with lunch or dinner or to friends.

Most of the bargain wines I recommend are true to the variety, tasty and generally mellow. They aren't blockbusters or even memorable, but they can be perfectly satisfying.

Pine and Post, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $5: Coffee and chocolate aromas lead to silky black currant favors. While not a huge wine, it's very drinkable. And it won't screw up a cheeseburger.

Pine and Post, 2006 Merlot, Washington, $5: Think Rainier cherries and smooth blackberries. It's enjoyable and would go well with lasagna.

Pine and Post, 2006 Chardonnay, Washington, $5: Expressive with toasty, smoky aromas and soft apple and pineapple flavors. How about a hamburger-based curry?

Arbor Crest, 2006 Muscat Canelli, Columbia Valley, $8-$10: Enticing floral aromas combine with exotic fruity flavor make this (4 percent residual sugar) sweet treat a great sipper or match with steamed garlic mussels.

Covey Run, Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $6-$7: A bit of residual sugar at 1.3 percent. Fruity with honeysuckle aromas and peach and melon flavors. Try a herb roasted chicken. 

Sawtooth Winery 2005 Chardonnay, Idaho, $7-$8: Rated "Outstanding" by Wine Press Northwest, it shows perfectly balanced oak with nice creamy lemon and tropical fruit flavors. Enjoy it alongside halibut with lemon/butter sauce.