Great wine selections for the new year that won’t break the bank
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard 2019 Quinta Cruz Tempranillo, Pierce Ranch, San Antonio Valley ($22)
Pierce Ranch delivers a wine with an amazing amount of fruit complexity, from wild strawberries to cranberries, plus some darker red fruits. Quinta Cruz is another Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard label, which features grape varieties that originated in Portugal and Spain but are now grown in California.
Balletto 2017 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($29)
All the wines, including this crisp Chardonnay, are grown on sustainably farmed estate vineyards and reflect the Balletto family’s passion for the land.
Mascota Vineyards 2018 Unánime Malbec ($22)
Deeply red with aromas of plums and cherries and notes of toasted coconut, this 100% Malbec showcases Argentina’s flagship varietal.
Frank Family Vineyards 2016 Brut Rosé ($55)
The gorgeous sparkling wine is beautifully textured with delicate beads; the palate offers touches of red berries laced with citrus fruit minerality.
Silver Mountain Vineyards 2013 Central Coast Alloy ($34)
Expert winemaker Jerold O’Brien has made this Bordeaux-style red-wine blend for years. Bold and structured, it remains a popular local favorite.
Bargetto Winery 2019 Lodi Retro Zinfandel ($18)
This old-vine Zinfandel has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, clove and cinnamon—with a fruit-forward palate of black plum, cranberry and baked cherry pie. Hints of black pepper, mocha and coffee make this an all-around delicious Zin.
Valdo Marca 2019 Oro Prosecco Rosè Brut Sparkling Wine ($20); 2020 Brilla Prosecco Rosé ($15)
Imported from Italy, the Valdo Marca is a tasty sparkler that’s suitable for any celebration. Also from Italy, the extra dry Brilla Prosecco Rosé, which comes in an artfully-engraved bottle that you’ll want to keep as a display piece.
