Here are 20 affordable wines to see you through the dog days of summer — enjoy! RED Hayman & Hill 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Reserve Selection ($18). Nice price for this pedigree, offering youthful raspberry and red cherry flavors that are medium-bodied and strike a nice balance between delicate and racy. With floral, [...]

It’s been another pricey week on the Wine Skinny, so I specifically scouted around my tasting notes for a bargain-priced wine for today’s pick. This widely-available Pinot Grigio from Chianti powerhouse Ruffino is light and fresh and completely quaffable. Sip by (or in) the pool, on the patio, etc. Ruffino 2008 Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia [...]

Looking for a juicy, easy-drinking red for summer? And at a bargain price? You could hardly do much better than this eight-buck deal from Australia — perfect for summer grilling for a crowd! Alice White Shiraz South Eastern Australia ($8). Fresh, smooth, offering blackberry, currant and plum fruit on a medium-bodied frame. Refreshingly moderate in [...]

Here are three well-priced, well-made wines from Washington State. Just got around the tasting the Riesling last night — it’s crisp and dry and a perfect summer patio sipper. Buried Cane 2007 Riesling Washington State ($14). Dry, crisp and refreshing, offering green apple, nectarine, floral and lime/tangerine aromas and flavors, with a lean, mineral-laced finish. Ready [...]

Here are two recent releases from Greg Norman California Estates — both sell for $15 or less and offer clean, easy-to-like fruit and nice quality, especially at this price. Enjoy! Greg Norman California Estates 2008 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($15). Juicy and easy to like, offering bright peach and ripe tropical fruit laced with lemony zip [...]

Looking for wines to serve a crowd this Memorial Day weekend? Here are a few to consider, all $15 or less! RED 337 Wine Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($13). Ripe blackberry and raspberry flavors are smooth and silky, picking up touches of cedar and exotic spices through the supple finish. Ready to drink now. [...]

I was just writing up both of these Reserva de Familia reds from Chile’s Santa Carolina — looking back at my tasting notes and assembling a coherent paragraph or two… Then I checked the price and literally said “wow” right here at my desk, to nobody in particular. For just fifteen bucks each, these are [...]