Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Let's be honest, finding a reliable wine that delivers both in quality and affordability can be a challenge. While high-end collectible bottles are great for special occasions, everyone needs a go-to wine for any night of the week. And who can argue with a good bottle for $15 or less? Here are 10 widely available bargains you can find at your local retailer and drink tonight.
From the reds, we have two Zinfandels from Mendocino County, from Brutocao and Bliss, which are actually run by the same family. The late Irv Bliss purchased what is now the Bliss Vineyard in 1943 and farmed the vines for 35 years before his daughter, Martha, and son-in-law, the late Leonard Brutocao, took over the business and used the vineyard as a source for the Brutocao family's first wine. Martha still owns and runs the business with her son Steve Brutocao. Bliss is the second label, created to pay homage to Irv's planting of the home vineyard. The Brutocao Zin is plump and briary, while the Bliss Vineyard Zinfandel is refined yet perky.
For the whites, we turn again to Mendocino for the mineral-driven Husch Chardonnay. From Lodi, we have a tangy and juicy Pinot Grigio, and a floral and mouthwatering Sauvignon Blanc, from Van Ruiten and LangeTwins, respectively. Kirkland Signature's Chardonnay is plush with tropical notes—stock up during your next Costco run.
BRUTOCAO Zinfandel Mendocino Bliss Vineyard 2013
Plump and briary, with zesty black cherry, cracked pepper and tomato leaf flavors. Drink now through 2022. 5,500 cases made.
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2016
Plush, with hints of dried mint and tarragon to the creamy white fruit flavors. Tropical notes, including pineapple and mango, emerge on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 12,696 cases made.
LANGETWINS Sauvignon Blanc Lodi Musqué Clone 2017
Vividly floral and juicy, this offers a mouthwatering mix of passion fruit, green apple and fresh ginger. The intensity and acidity push through on the finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.
BLISS Zinfandel Mendocino 2014
Refined, if modestly built, with perky black cherry, smoky sage and pepper flavors. Drink now through 2022. 5,500 cases made.
PLUNGERHEAD Petite Sirah Lodi 2016
Zesty and ripe, with expressive raspberry jam, pepper and dusty sage flavors. Drink now through 2022. 10,632 cases made.
VAN RUITEN Davis Road Red Lodi 2016
A snappy red blend, with lively cherry pie and cracked pepper flavors. Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot and Malbec. Drink now through 2022. 2,604 cases made.
HUSCH Chardonnay Mendocino 2016
Juicy and full of plush minerality to the ripe white fruit and spice flavors. Notes of dried sage show on the crisp finish. Drink now. 10,462 cases made.
PEDRONCELLI Friends Red Sonoma County 2016
This has a firm core of dried berry and cherry flavors, supported by chewy tannins. Savory finish. Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.
TORTOISE CREEK Pinot Noir California Mission Grove 2017
Fruity and lively, with cherry and plum flavors that feature notes of underbrush. Hints of white pepper show on the finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.
VAN RUITEN Pinot Grigio Lodi 2017
The tangy peach and dried pineapple flavors are elegant and smooth, with a dash of fresh herb on the juicy frame. Drink now. 5,102 cases made.