As you stay inside to flatten the curve, one thing you don’t need to worry about is what will happen if you run out of wine. Grocery stores and wine shops across the country remain open, with many of them offering free delivery or curbside no-contact pickup. Others are giving discounts to customers buying cases. Numerous wineries are also extending free or $1 shipping to those who’d rather shop online.
Since the last thing that should be stressful right now is your weeknight wine decision, we scoured our reviews for readily available bottles, some of which can be shipped. All of these highly rated wines are $15 or less—affordable enough to include in a case, if you’re so inclined.
Hahn 2017 Merlot (Central Coast); $15, 91 points. This wine delivers pleasing aromas of blackberry jam, smoke and turned soil, leading to a palate loaded with black cherry, cocoa spice and light mint flavors. Solid tannins and fresh acidity complete the picture. Best Buy. –Matt Kettmann
Sogrape 2017 Silk & Spice Red (Portuguese Table Wine); $15, 91 points. This celebration of Portugal’s maritime history is a blend from across regions. It is a rich wine, packed with black fruits and ripe tannins. A generous structure, succulent acidity and the dry core are now well in balance. The wine is ready to drink. Evaton, Inc. Best Buy. –Roger Voss
The Pinot Project 2018 Pinot Noir (California); $13, 91 points. Aromas and flavors of ripe plum and sweet cherry make this full-bodied wine taste generous and inviting. While only 20% of the blend is aged in barrels, an impression of sweet oak spices rounds the edges and warms the palate. Best Buy. –Jim Gordon
Antigal 2017 Uno Malbec (Mendoza); $15, 90 points. Attractive aromas of wild berry fruits, lavender and cardamom give this Malbec a sense of exotic quality. A full hard-driving palate is intense at first and then it coasts. Flavors of black olive, dark plum and savory spices are earthy, salty, mildly complex and impressive through the finish line. Cork Alliance. Best Buy. –Michael Schachner
Bieler Family 2018 Daisy Pinot Grigio (Columbia Valley); $12, 90 points. Inspired by the whites of northern Italy, this is a one-of-a-kind wine in the state: a cofermentation of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Moscato. Petroleum jelly, green apple, melon and a whiff of tropical fruit lead to bone-dry flavors that stretch out on the finish. A lively sense of acidity accents it all. Best Buy. –Sean Sullivan
CVNE 2016 Cune Crianza (Rioja); $14, 90 points. Berry, spice and tobacco aromas work in unison to give this Crianza a nice start. A firm palate avoids jamminess and shows grip. Dark plum, raspberry, spice and pepper flavors hold on through the finish. For everyday Rioja, there isn’t much better than this. Arano LLC. Best Buy. –M.S.
Famille Perrin 2018 Réserve White (Côtes du Rhône); $14, 90 points. While demure on the nose, the palate of this full-bodied dry white offers loads of juicy tangerine and apricot flavors accented by tangs of cut minerals and hazelnuts. It’s a delightfully fresh and fruity wine with wide appeal but also elegant enough for special occasions. Best now – 2022. Vineyard Brands. Best Buy. –Anna Lee C. Iijima
Josh Cellars 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (North Coast); $15, 90 points. This wine is vivid and dramatic, emphasizing fresh herb and gooseberry aromas. The medium-bodied palate is mouthwatering in grapefruit and lemon flavors. Best Buy. –J.G.
Spier 2018 Signature Collection Chardonnay (Western Cape); $13, 90 points. White flowers, lemon balm, honeydew and orange pith form the bouquet of this attractive wine. The round yet well-balanced palate offers more citrus and orchard-fruit flavors, with a delicate toasty edge for added depth and interest. A slightly bitter texture lends structure and length through the close, with final hits of waxy melon rind and apple core. Saranty Imports. Best Buy. –Lauren Buzzeo
Yalumba 2017 The Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia); $13, 90 points. The 2017 vintage of this wine succeeds even better than the last, offering excellent value for money. Bright, drinkable and varietal, this very Aussie Cab leads with red and black currants and cherries, pencil lead and spice. Tannins are fine grained and tightly wound, with a touch of spicy oak amidst the tangy fruit and graphite characters. This is a poised and balanced weeknight red. Negociants USA – Winebow. Best Buy. –Christina Pickard
Planeta 2018 The Secret Il Bianco (Sicily); $14, 89 points. Fruity aromas of white stone fruit and citrus mingle with a delicate whiff of green melon. Reflecting the nose, the savory palate offers cantaloupe, white peach and juicy citrus aromas alongside tangy acidity. Taub Family Selections. Best Buy. –Kerin O’Keefe
Dr. Loosen 2018 Dr. L Dry Riesling (Mosel); $12, 88 points. Candied tangerine peel and lime cordial perfume this pert dry Riesling. Fresh grapefruit and lemon flavors are pristine, lingering on a nervy strike of steel. This is a bright and fruity yet effortlessly elegant wine that’s approachable for everyday. Drink now through 2023. Loosen Bros. USA. Best Buy. –A.I.
Published: March 25, 2020
