We hope we aren't overplaying our constant search for lower-priced wines worthy of recognition, but we believe in this time of economic tribulation, some of our readers may be forgoing the pleasures of wine because of cost.
There are still good wine values on the market - but also some stinkers - and it is our job to direct you toward the best values for your wine-buying dollar. Among the wines we believe are a good buy for the money are those from California-based Tin Roof Cellars.
Tin Roof wines may be inexpensive, but they are by no means cheap. All of their red wines receive traditional oak aging to soften and mellow the wine prior to bottling, which is by no means an inexpensive procedure.
So how do they keep their prices in the affordable range while still producing a good wine? Tin Roof sources its grapes from vintners outside of the high-priced grape districts. The outsourced grapes are almost equal in the quality of the fruit from those high-priced districts.
Tin Roof 2010 Merlot ($10)This merlot is blended with some cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petite sirah, the end result of which is a wine that has it all: aroma, flavor and aftertaste.
The aroma is a swirl of plum, cherry and oak. The flavor stresses the same elements, but with hints of chocolate and coffee in the background. These flavors are also found in the aftertaste, which is long and delicate. An interesting element in this wine is its cedar aroma, which is captured only by better merlots.
Tin Roof 2012 Chardonnay ($10)This wine is a big and happy exception to the basic rule for less expensive chardonnay wines, which are usually light, flimsy things with none of the true chardonnay flavor and nothing at all to recommend them. While the Tin Roof 2012 Chardonnay may be in the affordable category, the wine is nothing like the others.
It presents the true and classical chardonnay aromas of apple and pear. In the mouth, these aromas give way to tropical fruits and melon, perfectly combined with a light, mild oak. This is an excellent wine for the money.
Tin Roof 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($10)The Tin Roof 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-flavored delight further enhanced by a deep, dark ruby color coupled with the aromas of cherry and blackberry. The aromas are presented right up front and seem to fill the room when the cork is pulled.
The flavor is as big and expansive as the aroma and is loaded with cassis, spice and a dusty mushroom flavor in the background. All in all, this is a well-made, full-flavored wine that takes second place to none in or around its normal price range.
Tin Roof 2011 Zinfandel ($10)Zinfandel is truly the universal wine. It can accompany almost anything.
This zinfandel displays a huge strawberry, raspberry and currant flavor accented by a soft oak background.
Tin Roof 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($10)This crisp wine showcases the aromas of apple, melon and tropical fruit and the flavors of figs, herbs and citrus.
The Tin Roof 2012 Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect accompaniment for shellfish and softer seafood dishes, most specifically those prepared with lemon-based sauces.
Tin Roof 2011 Red Blend ($10)This wine is a blend of several popular red wines. Zinfandel, merlot and petite sirah make up this absolutely delicious concoction. How they do it we shall never know, but the Tin Roof vintners have crafted a wine that displays the best features of the constituents.
The flavors are immense and presented right up front. Words alone will not do this wine justice; try it, we believe you will love it.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and manages ArticlesOnWine.com. He can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.
