Argyle 2011 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
This Oregon grown and produced wine offers impressive quality at a low price. I have long known the brand, and like any Central Coast winery it’s not my favorite every year. So I was a tad skeptical when I bought the first bottle for a test run. Happily, I found it tasty and two days later returned for more. In fact, I showed it to everyone I knew in the store, typically that’s a half-dozen people, telling them how good it was. Unlike the typical Oregon pinots that tend to be overly herbal and earthy, this one is more California-like in style. Ripe aromas and flavors of black berries, herbs, and spice make it drinkable alone and compatible with an array of foods, from grilled beef to roast chicken or seared ahi. Only $19.99, it’s currently available at Trader Joe’s.
Laetitia Brut Rosé Non-vintage Arroyo Grande Valley
Celebrating 30 years of making premium sparkling wines on the Central Coast, Laetitia’s bubblies and still wines offer good value for the quality. Winemaker Dave Hickey (his son Eric makes the still wines) has been at the winery since it was founded in 1983. Consistently good sparklers across the board, yet during the 30th anniversary celebration we found ourselves drawn to this rosé. A pretty bubbly with tasty notes of strawberries, raspberries, cranberry, and spice, it’s quite drinkable on its own or paired with food. You’ll want to keep several bottles of this festively-hued bubbly ready in the refrigerator to pop during upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Only $30 at the Arroyo Grande tasting room (club price $24), and it can be found in local wine shops.
This article appears in Dec 12-19, 2013.