Well, the holidays are over now and you were an amazing friend/family member who gave everyone you know exactly what they asked for. The problem is, between presents and travel expenses, now you’re terrified to log-in and check your online banking statement to see exactly what kind of damage you’ve done. We understand and trust us, we’re suffering right there with you. But just because funds are tight for a little while doesn’t mean you can’t indulge a little bit—reward your taste buds while giving your wallet some much needed R&R. Here are 15 quality wines from the Pacific Northwest for $15 or less that won’t break the bank.
14 Hands 2013 Riesling (Prosser, WA)
ABV: 11.5 percent
Cost: $10
Highlights: 14 Hands recommends using their 2013 Riesling as an aperitif and features bright fruit flavors of apple, apricot and pear balanced with just the right amount of acidity. The sweetness of this wine pairs well with spicier foods and fish.
A to Z 2013 Chardonnay (Newberg, OR)
ABV: 13 percent
Cost: $14
Highlights: The 2013 A to Z Chardonnay is a crisp, clean and well balanced wine with lively, bright fruit notes of kiwi and tangerine with earthier notes of toasted honey and wet stones on the nose.
Charles Smith 2013 The Velvet Devil Merlot (Walla Walla, WA)
ABV: 13.5 percent
Cost: $12
Highlights: This wine is as velvety as its name suggests and features a surprisingly complex flavor with hints of tobacco, cherries, rose petals and a dash of spices and herbs. Pairs well with pork dishes.
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Syrah (Woodinville, WA)
ABV: 13.5 percent
Cost: $15
Highlights: This Syrah is described as “soft and jammy” with waves of different fruit-forward flavors from the Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes that round out this blend. Pairs well with grilled salmon and dishes with strong herb flavors.
Columbia Crest 2012 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paterson, WA)
ABV: 14 percent
Cost: $15
Highlights: An earthy, bold Cab with dark fruity notes of black cherries blackberries and dried currants with touches of vanilla and cocoa. Pairs well with roasts and cheeses.
Erath 2013 Pinot Gris (Dundee, OR)
ABV: 13 percent
Cost: $14
Highlights: This wine is a medley of refreshing fruit notes from bright lime zest to melon, guava and kumquat with a nice acidity. Pairs well with lighter fare like grilled chicken and vegetables.
Indian Creek 2010 Star Garnet (Snake River Valley, ID)
ABV: 12 percent
Cost: $14
Highlights: Name after Idaho’s state gemstone, Indian Creek’s 2010 Star Garnet is the label’s signature red blend with a medium body that’s fruity, acid and a bit of tannins that will go well with your next duck- or ham-centered dinner.
J. Christopher 2013 Cristo Misto (Newberg, OR)
ABV: 13 percent
Cost: $14
Highlights: The 2013 Cristo Misto by Oregon’s J. Christopher is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling is an aromatic and dry white wine that’s citrusy and tastes like summer.
King Estate 2013 Acrobat Pinot Gris (Eugene, OR)
ABV: 13.5 percent
Cost: $12
Highlights: Described as a young wine that will improve in the bottle over the next three years, King Estate’s 2013 Acrobat Pinot Gris has a bright citrus and floral taste, with the right amount of minerality and acidity.
Purple Star 2013 Rosé (Benton City, WA)
ABV: 13.9 percent
Cost: $12
Highlights: Purple Star’s 2013 Rosé is made entirely from Syrah grapes and has a bright acidic flavor with notable strawberry and rhubarb notes and an almost creamy finish.
Sawthooth 2010 Late Harvest Riesling (Snake River Valley, ID)
ABV: 10.10 percent
Cost: $12
Highlights: True to the Riesling tradition, this 2010 Late Harvest is honey-sweet with a very floral nose and flavors of juicy tropical fruits such as tangerine, guava and pineapple.
Snoqualmie 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Snoqualmie, WA)
ABV: 13.5 percent
Cost: $8
Highlights: The cheapest wine on our list here isn’t short on flavor. It’s a bright citrus wine with notes of zesty lime, passion fruit, peaches and sweet apple. Pairs well with shellfish and rich cream sauces.
Sokol Blosser Evolution White (Dundee, OR)
ABV: 12.2 percent
Cost: $15
Highlights: Sokol Blosser’s Evolution White is a blend of nine different grape varieties that results in crisp wine with strong tropical island fruit flavors and refreshing clean finish. Pairs well a refreshing green salad or spicy Thai food.
Ste. Chapelle 2012 Merlot (Caldwell, ID)
ABV: 13.5 percent
Cost: $12
Highlights: The Ste. Chapelle 2012 Merlot delicately balances darker fruit flavors of black cherry and boysenberry with toasty oak and hot spices.
Union Wine Co. 2013 Underwood Pinot Noir (Tualatin, OR)
ABV: 13 percent
Cost: $12
Highlights: This Pinot Noir is an Oregon wine with aromas of darker fruits such as juicy plums, blueberries lively raspberries and bright body with notes of cherry cola and bitter chocolate.
