2006 ne-go-ciant Sonoma Syrah – $9

This is another end of the bin special, ne-go-ciant is a Sonoma County Syrah that once sold for $24, it was a private label wine for Sam’s Wine, who was bought out by another Liquor Store last year. Sam’s is gone, the new owners have no use for a Sam’s specific wine, so I have a bargain. Sonoma County fruit in a nine dollar wine is unheard of and even an average $24 wine makes for a killer $9 wine, it’s hard to go wrong. So when you stumble upon these end of bin specials you need to jump on them!

The color is dark shining ruby red. The aroma is cherries, plums, a bit of mushroom earthiness and maybe a hint of smoke. The mouth feel is very full, the flavor immediately fills all areas of your mouth. It tastes of dark fruit, blackberries and  raisins, you can sense the tannins but they don’t jump out, the fruit and the tannins have a nice balance. The finish tastes of chocolate covered raisinettes candy and has good length. This is a really good wine, it has a good nose, excellent taste, nice mid palate, and a long finish, if I wasn’t so cheap I would have bought a case.

Being a cheapwinefinder isn’t just about finding the best wines priced under $20, it’s about finding the best wines in all price ranges for the least amount of money. Check to see if your local wine seller has an e-mail notification system for their sales, if you are quick you may grab some real bargains.

2006 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon – $16

Martin Ray has been around in the Russian River Valley, in form or another, since 1881. This is their entry level Cab, sourced from Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino County grapes and aged for 20 months in French oak.

The color is a see-thru ruby red and the nose is full and fragrant and changes as the wine opens up. The flavor is robust dark fruit, chocolate covered blueberries with a touch of vanilla. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

This is a very inviting Cabernet, it really draws you back to take another sip. It does not have a lush mid palate or a long lingering finish, but I don’t care. The tannins are very balanced, just a touch in the back of your palate. Nothing to get in the way of just great tasting Cabernet Sauvignon. Great Tasting Cali Cab at a really nice price, what’s there not to like?

2007 Castle Rock Pinot Noir – $9

Cheap Pinot Noir is hard to come by.  Its rare that you will find a Pinot from California for under $10.  When you do you just cross your fingers, close your eyes and hope it’s not junk.  This cheap Pinot will put a smile on your face.

Castle Rock Winery was started in 1994 and is located on the Sonoma Coast in California.  They focus on producing high quality wines at cheap prices.  Their 2007 Pinot Noir fits the mold perfectly.

This wine has a nice nose mostly dominated by black cherry.  You will also find a little spice and smoke.  In the mouth I found black cherry that was rounded off by juicy plum.  It was very well balanced with nice tannins.  Its not very complex but the fruit is very solid making this a great value wine.