Do you need to restock your supply of Washington wine? You’re in luck, I’ve uncovered some incredible deals just in time to celebrate Taste Washington with wines under $20! Bottles were purchased from Esquin Wine and Spirits (a VinoSocial client), or direct from the winery. Now, let’s uncork some values!
Cairdeas Winery
2019 Diffraction Red Blend
$18 at the winery
I have to confess, I purchased a case of this wine when it was on sale for just $12 a bottle (get on the winery’s email list so you don’t miss out next time!). However, even at $18 it delivers remarkable quality for the price. This delectable red blend is composed of a number of Rhone varieties and although lighter in style, it’s loaded with flavorful spicy nuances. It has been our house wine this last year. In fact, the hubby and I enjoyed the wines we tasted from Cairdeas so much that we have joined the wine club!
Try this if: you want a red wine with dinner that won’t overpower your food.
Pair with: everything from barbecue to roasted chicken with a spice rub.
Idilico
2016 Monastrell
$19.99 at Esquin
Spaniard Javier Alfonso works with Spanish varieties grown in Washington. Fruit is sourced from Yakima Valley where cooler nights help retain acidity. This wine is an easy drinker!
Try this if: you want to experience Spanish influence on Washington wine.
Pair with: meat loaf topped with barbecue sauce.
Locus Wines (a VinoSocial client)
2019 Rosé
$15 at the winery
I discovered Locus Wines through Seattle Urban Wineries, a great resource if you want to explore wineries in the city.
This mouthwatering blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre from Rattle Snake Hills starts with strawberry flavors and ends with a minerally finish. This is a terrific wine for fans of Provencal rosé. Although the owners at Locus have a heavy focus on wine and food pairing (yay!), I would gladly spend the day on the patio while sipping this wine on its own.
Bonus: the winery delivers in Seattle for wine orders of $75 or more.
Try this if: you want to pretend you’re in the Mediterranean.
Pair with: Greek salad, panzanella, or grilled salmon.
Lydian
2018 Merlot
$19.99 at Esquin (regularly $24.99)
Lydian is Avennia’s introductory label, primarily meant for glass pours at restaurants. Same great winemaker, terrific sources for fruit, but at a more approachable price. Lydian wines have been a hit in my virtual wine tastings.
Try this if: you want a wine from a top notch producer, but don’t want to spend top dollar.
Nathan Gray
2017 Syrah
$16.99 at Esquin
Single vineyard Syrah from Den Hoed Wine Estates crafted by Ryan Crane of Kerloo Cellars – for less than $20? Huzzah! It needed a good decant to open up then revealed astounding refinement.
Try this if: you’re looking for a wine that drinks well above its price point.
Photobomb
2018 Syrah
$11.99 at Esquin (regularly $21.99)
A second label for Isenhower Cellars, this fruit forward wine was fitting for a weeknight dinner of takeout barbecue.
Try this if: you’re looking for a value wine for the Washington Syrah Challenge.
The Walls
2017 The Ramparts
$17.99 at Esquin (regularly $39.99)
This is serious toe-curling stuff! So, why that unbelievable price? Whenever there’s a transition from one winemaker to another, it typically means great deals are to be had. This was one of the last wines crafted by extremely talented winemaker Ali Mayfield before she moved on from The Walls. Red Mountain fruit makes up the enticing blend of Grenache (40%), Mourvedre (40%), Counoise, and Viognier (5%). It’s kind of like amped up Pinot Noir.
Try this if: you want an amazing medium bodied wine that’s full of fruity, spicy, smoky character.
Resources
If you plan to celebrate Taste Washington with wines under $20, keep in mind that prices here, and availability, may change after March.
Note: I do not receive compensation from VinoSocial clients for any purchases made. These are businesses that I personally patronize.