My 15 Favorite Wines Of 2017 For Under $20

A few things about my list:

*I have a definite preference for New World wines, so my list reflects that preference. 12 of the wines are from California, 2 are from Argentina, and 1 is from New Zealand.

*The wines were purchased either at Costco, or in my neighborhood grocery store (Ralphs and Stater Bros). I think all of these wines are widely available.

*I bought all of these wines on sale. Often they were purchased on a double sale, where I got an additional 30% off for buying 6 bottles or more at a time. I can’t swear that all of these wines retail for under $20, but they should all be right around that mark or under. The most I paid for any of these wines was about $13, but again, that’s with a double sale.

*After three great vintages of 2012, 2013, and 2014 in California, the wines that were on the shelves this year, from the 2015 and 2016 vintages, were not that great in my opinion. Some of the wines that are usually staples at my house, like the Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc and the J Lohr Chardonnay, were not up to par this year. For example, the 2016 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc on the shelves right now has a very pronounced guava taste. If you like guava, you’ll like this wine. I don’t like guava, so I didn’t care for the wine.

*There are 10 reds on the list and 5 whites. The wines are roughly listed in order of preference. For convenience, the reds are listed 1-10, and the whites are listed 1-5.


1. 2014 Michael David 7 Deadly Zins Lodi

The 2013 vintage of this wine was my favorite under-$20 bottle last year, and the 2014 vintage is almost as good.


2. 2014 Norton Reserva Malbec

2014 was an average year for Malbec from Argentina; defintely not as strong as 2011 or 2013, but this is a wine that’s reliable in almost any vintage.


3. 2015 Michael David Winery Petite Petit

This is 85% Petite Sirah; 15% Petit Verdot. Not as good as the 2014 Petite Petit, but a good wine and good value.


4. 2015 Odd Lot Monterey County

A blend of 80% Petite Sirah; 20% Petit Verdot. Easily as good as the Michael David Petite Petit, if not better. It’s essentially the same wine (a blend of petite sirah and petit verdot), but the fruit is from Monterey instead of Lodi. I’m not sure how easy this wine will be to find nationally, but it’s worth seeking out.


5. 2015 Line 39 California Pinot Noir

The 2014 Line 39 Pinot Noir was outstanding, and this one is almost as good. I bought a couple of cases of this wine at $6.99 a bottle. Incredible value.


6. 2015 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

The Grand Estates line of wines from Columbia Crest is one of the best value lines on the market. This is a very good wine for around $11.


7. 2014 Goyette Sonoma County Pinot Noir

Delicious pinot from Sonoma County, I bought this at Costco for $10.


8. 2015 Trapiche Malbec Oak Cask

2015 was a down year for reds from Argentina; too much rain. However, this is a nice wine. I believe Wine Spectator rated it 90 points. I bought several bottles at around $7.99 a bottle.


9. 2015 Michael David Seven Deadly Red

I’ve tried in vain to find out what the blend is for this wine. It’s kind of big (15% alcohol), but so are most of the Michael David reds. Some might find it to be over-ripe.


10. 2015 Bogle Vineyards Essential Red

Definitely not as good as the 2014 Essentials Red, but it’s still a good wine for the price.


1. 2016 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc Sonoma County

Not as good as the 2015, but still one of my favorite under-$20 whites of the year. For those who don’t know, fume blanc is sauvignon blanc. Same grape.


2. 2016 Joel Gott Unoaked California Chardonnay

It was a toss-up for me as to whether I preferred this wine or the Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc. As the name implies, this wine spends no time in oak, being aged in stainless steel tanks.


3. 2016 Matua Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Delicious, and about $7 at Costco.


4. 2016 Bogle California Sauvignon Blanc

One of the few 2016 California sauvignon blancs that I liked. I paid about $8.99 for it.


5.2016 Line 39 California Sauvignon Blanc

Same as above; one of the few 2016 Sauv blancs that I would buy again. Bought several bottles at $6.99 a bottle.


Enjoy!