2006 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon – $16

I am a fan of the wines made by Charles Smith Wines.  He is doing some really cool things with wine at a affordable price. This Cab is sourced from a vineyard in Columbia Valley, Washington. 85% Cabernet, 10% Malbec and 5% Cab Franc, kind of low alcohol for a Cab, only 13.5 %.

Now this is a cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon, if you are going to measure this against a Napa or Sonoma Cab you are going to be taken aback. Not oaky and with smooth tannins, tastes of black and blueberries and chocolate covered cherries. Tastes smooth, not thick, has a nice finish that is nuanced. Charles Smith says that this is not a Bordeaux wine this is a Washington wine, which I take to mean he is turning the terroir thing around on the French.

This is a Cab that would appeal to Barossa Valley Shiraz lovers. Very fruit forward, but still has some complexity. Untwist the screw-top and your ready to go.

2007 Boom Boom Syrah

This is a Syrah from Charles Smith Vineyards with grapes sourced from Columbia Valley, Washington State. Charles Smith is arguably the hottest Syrah winemaker going today. His high-end wines have a huge buzz, and the Boom Boom is his entry level Syrah.

This is a well made wine, it drinks way above it’s price range. It tastes good. It is smooth, the fruit is rich and spicy and the finish lingers. If you want a full bodied wine that tastes great and can be had for under $20 (I paid $15.99), this is an excellent choice.

A tip: check to see if a high-end winemaker you follow makes a “budget” wine. If a winemaker can make a wine that would inspire someone to spend $100 on a bottle, they can usually make a wine that rocks for under $20. Follow the winemaker and great wines can be found. Not all of the expensive guys care to make a budget wine, so support the ones that do.

2007 Eve Chardonnay Charles Smith Wines

Picked up this Columbia Valley, Washington State Chardonnay for $11.99. The first thing that hits you is the smell of apples, it’s as if you are standing in an orchard.  The apples come through on the palate, crisp juicy fresh apples, not cider, also some pear and on the very end a touch of butter.

This is more fruit driven and less oaky than your typical California Chardonnay. If California Chards are not doing it for you or you just want a change of pace, seek the Eve Chardonnay out. This is winemaker makes wines worth looking for.

2008 Kung Fu Girl Riesling

Single vineyard, estate bottled Riesling from the USA all for $10.99. While there is nothing wrong with wines sourced from different areas, many excellent wines are made this way, it’s pretty cool to get a single vineyard Columbia Valley, Washington wine at this price range.

 Kung Fu Girl has a very fragrant nose and tastes of apricots with a bit of lime, The finish is nice and long, fruity but not too sweet. This is a good wine to offer to the person who is new to wine or does not think they like wine, it’s very tasty and easy to enjoy.