Our reviewers tasted more than 25,000 wines this year. Here are their favorite bottles for $20 or less. |
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| Bold and jammy aromas of blackberry and licorice meet with dynamic hints of incense and palo santo on the dynamic nose of this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. |
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The wine is produced from the Noble Vines selection every year, the aromatics are zesty with fresh citrus, melon, guava, and mineral on the nose; the flavors are bright with lemon grass, orange zest, honeydew melon, basil, and mouth-watering acidity on the finish. |
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Zesty, with aromas of citrus blossoms, green apple, guava, sedimentary rock, and white tea are notes on the nose; the flavors are supple lime, honeydew melon, navel orange, dried sage, and mouthwatering mineral on the finish. |
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| Crushed raspberries, plums and dark fruits combine with spiced cocoa and an accent of chocolate mint. |
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| Subtle aromas of ripe Pink Lady apple, Asian pear, allspice, and notes of fresh caramel and toasty oak greet the nose. |
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Broad, very clean aromas of melon, plumeria and wet stone make for a complex take on the nose of this fresh, tropical-leaning bottling. |
RECIPE: Lemon-Butter Scallops |
OFFER: 20% off Ancient Peaks Chardonnay collection. Use coupon code TOPSHELF20 |
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Pleasant aromas of honeydew and lime peel show on the nose of this bottling. There's a chalky tension to the palate , where green apple, lime zest, and wet concrete flavors align. |
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It is a treat to see some of the old-vine projects still thriving, especially Zinfandel grown in this region. Aromas are notes of fresh blackberries, blueberry compote, baking spice, florals, and toasty oak on the nose. |
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| Fine bubbles and elegant polish are hallmarks of this excellent Cava. Citrus, baked green apple, and toasted hazelnut character is underlined by a long, mineral finish. |
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Even though I know this wine is 100% made with Pinot Noir, it is like there was some Sauvignon Blanc mixed in for great measure. I thoroughly enjoyed this rosé's grassy-earthy aromas of guava, passion fruit and wet slate. |
RECIPE: One Pan Seared Salmon with Burst Cherry Tomatoes |
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Pear and sweet pineapple define the nose of this easygoing Chenin Blanc. The lightweight palate features pear and stone fruit with touches of lime, supported by good acidity. |
RECIPE: Coconut-Lime Shrimp Curry |
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| Aromas of violet blossom, black raspberry and dried cherry lift from the glass rounded out with red currant. The palate is energetic with youthful tannins that deliver a barrage of flavor including complimentary savory elements that fill out the finish. |
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Another excellent white wine value from the 2024 vintage for this producer. The aromas are a tropical mix of passion fruit and macadamia nuts, along with notes of ginger and lemon-infused mineral water. |
RECIPE: Smoked Salmon & Herb Frittata Served with Whipped Goat Cheese Crème |
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The flagship variety of the northern Vinho Verde region, here in more southerly climes, it is a rich, softly textured wine. With a baked apple aroma, tangy edge, kiwi and pear flavors and a tangy cut, the wine will be ready to drink from 2027. |
RECIPE: Mussels in White Wine |
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| Big, bright aromas of baked blueberry, plum, cinnamon, and violets drive the nose of this robust Cabernet.
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Fine aromas of bread dough and yogurt fill the nose accented by lemon citrus, hay and field grass that fills out the nose. |
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Bright ruby color in the glass opens the wine to aromas of freshly picked summer berries, raspberry leaf joining juicy fruit flavors with cherry blossom and well integrated oak spices. |
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The palate is thick and viscous, as caramel and rich black cherry flavors pick up milk chocolate and cigar box elements toward the finish. |
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Lovely aromas of fresh Gala apple, Meyer lemon peel, citrus blossom, and fresh herb melange swirl on the nose of this Chardonnay. |
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200 Summit Lake Dr Valhalla, New York 10595 US |
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