Wine on a Dime Reviews

Just a wine snob looking for the best values under $20.

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Wine Review: Gnarly Head Authentic Black

This petite syrah-based blend is what California dreams are made of; sweet sassy and dangerous in high doses. 

When in doubt, add a little Zin in your life, right? ...That is that they say?

On The Nose: Blackberry, plum, and a hint of leather

Tasting Notes: blackberries, gravel, cocoa bitters

Balance: Awesome

Paid: $7.99 at Sprouts Farmer’s Market

ABV: 14.5%

Average Price: $10-15

Suggested Pairings: Italian, burgers, and reality tv. 

Rating: 4.1/5

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Wine Review: Jam Jar Sweet Syrah

Syrah, a triple threat in the wine world with its high fruit, full body and the tendency for a high alcohol content. This is a variety that can lead to #WineWasted real fast, grab some water. The warmer the climate the sweeter and jammier it gets. 

Jam Jar is a South African wine that is sweet...very, very sweet. The label was not lying. 

On The Nose: Strawberries and blackberries 

Tasting Notes: Strawberry jam

Balance: Poor- one note

Paid: $8.99 at Trader Joe’s 

ABV: 12.5%

Average Price: $5-10

Suggested Pairings: Dessert, strawberry shortcake, BBQ ribs, and a budding romance

Rating: 3.3/5

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Wine Review: 2015 Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc

Yes, my favorite white wine grape! Maybe because it is a parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, or maybe I like it because it tastes refreshing. Sauvignon Blanc can taste very different depending on the region it grows. French SBs are zesty and limey, New Zealand has tasting notes of exotic tropical fruit and California SBs tend to be on the sweet side with a peachy taste.  

Dark Horse is a Californian winery known mostly for their red blends. This wine smells a lot sweeter than it tastes. 

On The Nose: Honey, grapefruit, and white pepper

Tasting Notes: grapefruit, lime, and white pepper

Balance: Excellent-great balance of fruit and acidity 

Paid: $7.99 at Sprouts Farmer’s Market

ABV: 13%

Average Price: $10-15

Suggested Pairings: Salad, fish, chicken and summer nights on the porch

Rating:4.5/5

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Wine Review: 2014 Firefly Ridge Merlot

California Merlots have had a rough past but are making a comeback. Merlot is the 2nd most planted red grape in the world, behind its cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon 

Firefly Ridge is a private label for the grocery store chain, Safeway.  It is produced by The Wine Group, one of the largest wine distributors in the U.S., producing labels like  Cupcake, Flip-Flop, Chloe, Franzia, and others.

On The Nose: Blackberries, potting soil, and charcoal 

Tasting Notes: Blackberries, plum, and earth

Balance: Poor- muted flavors without a lead

Paid: $5 at Safeway

ABV: 13.5%

Average Price: $10

Suggested Pairings: BBQ, hamburgers, and reality TV

Rating:3.3/5

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Wine Review: Freixenet Cordon Negro Extra Dry

Cava is a great value because it is made in the traditional method, just like champagne, for a fraction of the price. Whereas Prosecco and other sparklers, like Moscato, are made in the tank method. 

Freixenet is Spanish wine made with a blend of Macabeu, Xarel-lo, and Parellada grapes.  

On The Nose: Citrus, peach, nectarine, red apples, and gummy bears

Tasting Notes: Apple and peach

Balance: Good

Paid: $6.99 at Total Wine and More

ABV: 11.5%

Average Price: $10-14

Suggested Pairings: Salad, Seafood, Bacon, Breakfast, Sunday Funday Thanksgiving Dinner and New Year’s Toast

Rating: 4/5