The “Twelve Under $12” is the result of tasting many wines to find the best twelve wines that, are under $12 and are among the best of their type.
They come from all over the world and offer you the opportunity to try wines at an affordable price. Check back every couple of months for a new line up.
"Remember, we taste the bad ones so you don't have to."
November-December 2011
1) 2010 Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet (Languedoc, France) $9.99
100% Picpoul - Floral nose with lovely pear & lime notes - crisp & refreshing on the palate with a long pear, lime & mineral finish. Perfect as an aperitif, or with shellfish, oysters or soft cheeses. An extraordinary value!
2) 2009 Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay (Loire, France) reg. $12.99, sale $11.99
Crisp, clean 100% unoaked Chardonnay - stone fruits and pear aromas - nice minerality with citrus and floral notes on the finish - a great house white! Beautiful as an aperitif, or with fish or chicken.
3) 2009 3 Stones Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) $11.99
Beautiful aromas of passionfruit and fresh squeezed lime - vibrant fruit flavors with a crisp, refreshing finish. Serve it with something opulent, like pan seared scallops, green vegetables or fresh salads.
4) 2009 Painted Wolf "The Den" Chenin Blanc (South Africa) $10.99
Medium to full-bodied white with tropical fruit aromas - rich texture and flavors of melon, pear, pineapple and a hint of vanilla - fresh, vibrant acidity. Very versatile with food.
5) 2010 Pine Ridge Chenin/Viognier (California) $14.99, sale $11.99
"The 2010 Chenin Blanc-Viognier sells for a preposterously low price...wonderfully crisp, elegant, fresh honeydew melon, spring flower, white peach and honeysuckle aromas soar from the glass of this zesty, dry, medium-bodied white wine." 90 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Pairs well with a number of dishes, from light salads to seafood to, most notably, foods with a hint of spiciness.
6) 2010 Alain Jaume "Les Gelinottes" Ventoux (South of France) $13.99, sale $11.99
Grenache 50%, Syrah 50% - Our latest QPR (quality/price ratio) wine -
Aged in stainless steel vats and bottled 6 months after the harvest - Intense purple color - great nose of bright red fruits - soft tannins, approachable, and ready to drink.
7) 2009 Montebuena Rioja (Rioja, Spain) $12.99, sale $9.99
"100% Tempranillo. Dark ruby-colored, it offers an appealing perfume of spice box, leather, tobacco, & blackberry. On the palate it is packed with ripe fruit, has outstanding concentration, & impeccable balance. It is a great bargain that offers a sneak preview of the great 2009 vintage in Rioja & northern Spain in general. It should drink well for 6-8 years." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90 pts. The only thing we can add is, "what a steal"!
8) 2010 Apaltagua Reserva Carmenere (Colchagua, Chile) $11.99
100% Estate grown Carmenere, an old French varietal now found only in Chile. Dark berry fruit & spice aromas, with a hint of smoke - cherry, black fruits & plum flavors with a slight vanilla note - mild tannins. Enjoy with red meats, fowl, pastas, spicy entrees & cheeses.
9) 2008 Castelmaure "Col des Vents" Corbieres (Languedoc, France) $9.99
Authentic French country blend of 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah - bright fruit, spice & floral aromas are complemented with raspberry, cherry & berry flavors & a hint of black pepper - nice balance of fruit & acid. Try it with braised short ribs, beef stews, grilled lamb chops or sausage.
10) 2009 Milton Park Shiraz (Australia) $11.99
Ripe, dark fruits, plums & spicy oak aromas - rich blackberry & cherry fruit flavors with sweet spice on the finish - chewy tannins will soften with aeration. Great with rich stews & barbecued meat or vegatables!
11) 2009 Four Vines Old Vines Cuvee Zinfandel (California) $14.99, sale $9.99
A Juicy, multi-appellation Zin blend, with plenty of berry, cherry & spice aromas - plum, blackberry & spice fill the mouth with a lingering oak finish from aging in small French & American barrels - over delivers for the price.
12) 2009 Pennywise Petite Sirah (Lodi, California) $11.99, sale $9.99
From "The Other Guys" (Mia & August Sebastiani) - aromas are reminisant of Grandma's kitchen with bacon on the stove & blueberry cobbler in the oven - rich black fruits with coffee & tobacco notes. Blended with some Zinfandel, Syrah and Tempranillo for added complexity. Good on its own as a fireside sipper, or superb with Korean Short Ribs, fried chicken with mashed sweet potatoes and cornbread, or Sweet Sausage Pizza with caramelized fennel and ricotta cheese. Hungry yet?
