My Favorite Wines of 2016 for Under $20

This is a baker’s dozen: 13 wines; 7 whites and 6 reds on the list. For convenience, I’ll list the reds together and the whites together. Every one of these wines can be found in any supermarket with a good wine section.


1. 2013 Michael David 7 Deadly Zins Lodi

My favorite under $20 bottle of the year. This is a wine that is reliable year in, year out, but some vintages are better than others. This is one of the best. Buy it by the case. 90 points from Wine Advocate. About $15


2. 2014 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

Excellent wine, outstanding value. Even better than the 2013. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. A smooth, supple version of Cabernet Sauvignon. 91 points from Wine Spectator. About $12


3. 2013 Hawkstone Barney’s Heritage Cuvee Petite Sirah Napa Valley

This actually retails for over $20, so I suppose it shouldn’t be on the list, but it’s always on sale for around $17 or so. A great wine for any meat cooked on a grill. It’s a big wine; 15.2% alcohol.


4. 2014 Bogle Essential Red

A blend of Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. Not quite as good as the 2013 version, but still delicious, light (13.5% alcohol), and can be found most anywhere for under $10. This is another one to buy by the case.


5. 2014 Line 39 Pinot Noir (California)

A good pinot noir that sells for $11 is almost unheard of. Might be hard to find, but Costco carries it.


6. 2014 Trapiche Malbec Oak Cask

I haven’t yet opened most of the Malbec’s I bought in 2016, but here’s one that’s drinking nicely right now. Needs a little time to open up, but it’s a great wine for under $10. 88 points from Wine Spectator.


7. 2015 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay

A nice buttery, oaked chardonnay for around $15. Consistently good year after year.


8. 2015 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

Another wine that actually retails for over $20, but can usually be found for around $17. 91 points from Wine Spectator.


9. 2015 Joel Gott Unoaked California Chardonnay

I like oaked chardonnay’s so I was hesitant to try this, but I’m glad I did. Delicious and refreshing. In the $15 range.


10. 2015 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc Sonoma Country

Their best vintage of this wine in years. Great wine for about $14. By the way, Fume Blanc is the same thing as Sauvignon Blanc. Same grapes, the only difference is marketing.


11. 2015 Val de Vid Verdejo Rueda Spain

A pleasant easy-drinking Spanish white wine made from Verdejo grapes in the Rueda region. Pair with seafood. About $15. Wine Spectator gave it 87 points.


12. 2015 Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris

From Washington State, the style falls between the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio and the richer Pinot Gris from Alsace. I love this with spicy Thai food or Chinese food. About $10


13. 2015 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc

A consistently good wine, although I don’t think 2015 was one of their better vintages. Still a great value at about $12.