Bodegas Luzon 2008, Syrah/Monastrell, $6!

Fall is here...and for me, that means the return of dense nummy RED's! Choking back a 15% Shiraz in 90 degree heat is not easy. With evenings in the Northeast reaching the low 60's however, you'll find it much easier to enjoy this little gem.

The 2008 Luzon is a blend of Syrah and Monastrell. I had the wine in two different sittings several days apart, and to continued to surprise me. In addition to the black cherry and plum fruits, I also got hints of chocolate and orange marmalade. At $6 a bottle, this is an absolute steal and further solidifies Spain as an affordable (quality) wine Mecca.

Cheers!

Panarroz Jumilla 2006, $7-$8

Depending on where you live in the world, there are two main staples of diet; bread or rice. I'm not sure if the naming of this wine was intentional (pan = bread) (arroz = rice), but I like the idea of wine being the third staple! Either way, this affordable wine will go with both.

When I first tried Panarroz a few weeks back, I wasn't immediately smitten. But with most affordable wines I'll buy at least two bottles, which saves me a trip back to the store if I really like it. The second bottle made me a believer... This mourvedre, grenache and syrah blend was fruit forward, but nothing like the pop in your kisser from the Luchador.

There are some amazing values coming out of Spain recently, Jumilla in particular. If you come across Panarroz in the wine aisle or another from this growing region, pick-up a sampler and see what you think.

Cheers!

Affordable Washington State Wine, $10

I've started to take this blog in a new direction recently, less education and more quality wine reviews. While the domain is Wine4Dummies, I still include myself in this "dummy" group. I like to think the search for wine knowledge is a journey not a destination; so don't get frustrated if wine appreciation isn't coming easy to you. Simply open a bottle and experiment, you'll be surprised at what you'll discover.

Another affordable wine I'd like to share with you comes from Washington State of all places. When I first heard of this growing region a few years ago it was hard for me to grasp that a colder, rainier region of the country can crank out quality wine, particularly amazing reds. A few inexpensive bottles later and I was very impressed, you will be too.

House Wine (don't you love the label?) comes from the Magnificent Wine Company located at the base of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla Washington. The wine aside, I've always enjoyed saying that city, I remember it from a Bugs Bunny cartoon when I was a kid. Walla Walla Washington. But I digress...

Wine Spectator named the 2005 vintage a Best Value Wine with a rating of 88, and if you bargain shop you can pick up a bottle for $10 (less with a case discount) "silky, round and generous with its spicy, earthy plum and blackberry flavors, lingering nicely as the finish persists." House Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. If I may add a little tasting note as well, I noticed some vegetal hints while drinking this, a little "green" but this was a nice nuance for me instead of a detriment. Frankly I'd expect a little "green-ness" in this wine because of the climate.

Pick up a bottle and let me know what you think? I personally plan to pick up a case to stash for the long winter ahead.

Cheers!