Friday, Dec. 04, 2009

'Bargain Bob' mines for Double Gold wines

By "Bargain Bob" Woehler

Finding bargain-priced wines among gold-medal awards may seem like a foolish pursuit for old Bargain Bob, but I've come up with some dandy nuggets.

At the 10th annual Platinum Judging, I sniffed out plenty of worthy wines for $15 and under.

Here are a few of my favorites, all of which earned Double Gold medals from our judges. And remember that they'd already earned at least one gold medal elsewhere in the wine world before they arrived for our competition.

Tualatin Estate Vineyards 2008 Frizzante, Willamette Valley, $15: This Early Muscat sparkler is loaded with tropical flavors and is inviting and fun.

Artisan Wine Co. 2008 Rigamarole Rose, Okanagan Valley, $15 CDN: Mission Hill Family Estate owns Artisan and has turned out a juicy red berry rose that is lively with strawberry flavors forever.

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Dry Riesling, Willamette Valley, $14: This Oregon Riesling offers honeysuckle and Germanic overtones. Crisp and food friendly with orchard-fruit flavors.

Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Blanc de Blancs, Columbia Valley, $13: A welcome holiday sparkler that's dry to medium-dry on the palate with pear and pineapple aromas and fizzy flavors of crisp green apples and coconut.

Hyatt Vineyards 2008 Riesling, Rattlesnake Hills, $9: Even with 5 percent residual sugar, this sweet-style Riesling in a blue bottle is so balanced it can be enjoyed by all. Think apricots and lemons.

Maryhill Winery 2008 Gewurztraminer, Columbia Valley, $13: Maryhill is where I stop on my way to and from Portland so I can buy this deliciously fruity and spicy Gewurztraminer. Look for classic grapefruit characteristics.

Snoqualmie Vineyards 2006 Naked Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12: Snoqualmie uses "Naked" to celebrate the wine's organically grown grapes. Yet this wine is fully clothed in sweet oak, spice and rich cherry flavors.

Pacific Rim Winemakers 2008 Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $11: Sweet and refreshing, it's low in alcohol at 9 percent and tasty with pineapple and peach components.

Henry Estate Winery 2008 Muller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $12: This west-of-the-mountains grape is delightful when made as well as this. Aromas of delicate apple and peach while citrus lingers on the tongue.

Jones of Washington 2008 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $12: It's hard to keep up with the Joneses when they make Rieslings such as this. Think of apples, pears and ginger in perfect harmony.