Easy
to find, one figure wine. When we divined
that feature title a year ago we weren’t
quite sure how long the feature would
last. How many good wines under $10 bucks
could be found around the corner and around
the country? We received loads of recommendations
for wines under $10 but, alas, t’were
not so easy to find. It is a fine line
to walk, and as we wave adieu to 2000
we thought we would feature one winery
who walks the walk with particular flair
and finesse: RH
Phillips. From their line of readily
available wines all priced under $10 to
their stylish yet elegant labels, RH Phillips
is the very definition of ETFOFW. They
graciously allow us to be cheap and easy
without looking like swill drinking floozies.
($9). (91% Chardonnay, 9% Viognier)
Nice citrus, tropical fruit, vanilla,
and a nudge of spice. Viognier smoothes
this baby out, making for a wonderfully
clean and refreshing wine.
($9). (81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah,
7% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec) A good Cab
for under $10? Yes, Virginia, there is
a Santa Claus. Moderate, soft tannins,
good body and nicely layered cherry, spice,
and currants. And, c’mon, it’s
$9.
($8). (88% Sauvignon Blanc,
12% Semillon)
A refreshing and clean Sauvignon Blanc
replete with citrus, grass, tropical fruit,
and melon with the added luscious dimension
of Semillon.
($9). (79% Dunnigan Hills Merlot, 9% California
Petite Sirah, 6% Dunnigan Hills Petite
Sirah, 3% Lodi Alicante Bouschet, 3% Dunnigan
Hills Petite Verdot)
I’m coming back around on Merlot
(or maybe I’m coming back around
on 79% Merlot), in any event, this was
a nicely berried and woodsy wine. Made
me want to skip to Grandma’s house
with basket full of burgers.
($9). (80% Dunnigan Hills Syrah, 20% Dunnigan
Hills Petite Sirah)
Ah, Syrah. Ripe raspberry, currant, vanilla,
and spice. Grrrrr. This made me want to
dab some behind my ear and wait for the
Big Bad Wolf on my way to Grandma’s
house.
To everyone who has sent me an ETFOFW
suggestion -- you rock! As for the rest
of you, what's the dealio? Let me know
about your favorite ETFOFW. Just drop
us a line at editor@wineskinny.com.
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