The Under $10 Wine Team
Store shelves seem to be lined with large selections of wine at and around $10. The challenge at that price point is getting a wine that provides more interest than grape flavored alcohol, thin fruit taste, poor aroma, or big woody oak to hide inferior quality juice. With beer, it’s pretty safe to assume that most light beers have certain flavors. The majority of main line beer has distinct tastes that register in our memory. With so many wine labels on the shelves, selecting one can be pretty hit and miss.
I believe the $10 price point is pretty status quo for the daily drinking wino on a budget and the occasional wine sipper. Therefore it is important to have a list of trustworthy labels that can be counted on to deliver.
The Under $10 Wine Team
In early 2010 I began the mission of fielding a team of wine players that could score at parties, hit it out of the park for value, and be trusted to step to the plate in most any situation. The rules were that each wine had to be purchased for $10 or less (sales, club discounts, bulk discounts were considered). Wines showed up to spring training and specially scheduled tryouts to show their stuff for the coaches. Each was vying for a coveted spot on the 12 man roster of 9 starters and 3 reserves. While legal issues (state distribution) kept us from trying out every player referred to us, we made every effort to select players who are widely available. After reviewing the scouting reports and film, I am pleased to reveal the 2010 “Under $10 Wine Team.” I’ve included the coach’s summary, roster position, and stats for each player. Links to the full scouting report are included for your reference. Many of these players’ tryouts were filmed. Enjoy the footage and make a note of the jersey (label) so you can get an autograph next time you are in the store.
![]() |
2008 Chateau St. Michelle Riesling (WA)
Stats:
|
|
2008 J.Lohr Syrah (CA)
Stats:
|
![]() |
2008 Caterina Chardonnay ($10-$12)
Stats:
|
![]() |
2008 Dancing Bull Zinfandel (CA)
Stats:
|
|
2008 Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) $10-13
Stats:
|
![]() |
2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (WA)
Stats:
|
![]() |
NV Segura Viudas Cava Brut (Spain)
Stats:
|
![]() |
2007 Velvet Devil Merlot (WA)
Stats:
|
![]() |
2006 Kiona Lemberger (WA)
Stats:
|
|
The Bench Players and Reserves2008 Gozzo Malbec (Argentina)
Stats:
2007 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir (CA) **$11
Stats:
2007 Bogle Petite Sirah (CA)
Stats:
|
I know you’ve got the Segura on there, but I think you could easily field an all-Spanish team…tons of great values there.
So, as I usually come up with good ideas once it’s too late, it could’ve been neat to do a “World Cup” where you pick X (how many players are on the field for a soccer team…8?) number of wines from each country to go head-to-head. Could be an under $10 thing, or each country just puts its best foot forward…
Joe – You’ve got 4 years to plan that! Sounds like a great idea….
There is a ton of great value in countries outside US and France. I tried to keep my list to readily available items (at least in the region I live).
Thanks, Josh, for this great list. As a bargain-girl, this made my day. I’ve tried several here already, but I’m looking forward to trying the Cono Sur Sav Blanc because of your write-up.
I agree with you that some of these wines are better paired with food, rather than alone as just a glass of wine. Somebody at WBC10, called Velvet Devil a great pizza wine. That’s exactly what we had for dinner when we tried it and I must agree. Not that great alone (not bad though), but with a spicy pizza when you’re not really into sipping and swirling, it was perfect.
Laurie – what many of these wines lack is layers of complexity but you’re right they provide enough enjoyment to make the cut for the daily dinner wine!
Josh – Your descriptions are wonderfully evocative (e.g. “this would be the aroma an Umpa Lumpa would smell in the chocolate river.”).
Love it!
Sometimes I can be creative…most other times…not so much! Thanks!
Glad to see the team finally come together. You’ve done a good work here, as I know a lot of folks are really looking for decent value wines. I love the variety here. Now people can look at one list and find a good weekday wine in a number of different categories.
Thanks, Ben. I thought I would never get to finishing it. I hope people find value in it.
Great job Josh.
I agree with you on the Segura, but then again I always pair it with sushi where it seems to shine more than it does on its own.
Also glad to see Bogle on there.
I was curious, did you try the Cono Sur Pinot Noir? I once bought it for $6.99 and even my wife, the Pinot lover of our duo, actually liked it.
I like the concept of casting, as you can apply this not only to your baseball metaphor, but football, futbol (aka soccer) and even movies.
I think we should organize something amongst the wine blogging community.
Kevin,
I did try the Cono Sur PN in one of the episodes, on your recommendation I think. I’d have to go back through and look. If I remember right, it was a close battle with the Cycles.
I think Josh from Wine Accessoriezed (wineaccguy) is toying around with a joint football line up…but I agree would be cool to see us all participating in something similar to Wine Wednesday
Josh
Pingback: A Reserve Yellow Wallaby From Yellow Tail | Drink Nectar
What about Latah Creek’s Riesling at $9. With a double gold for the 2008 vintage I think it should be on your list!
Natalie
Natalie – I know I’ve had that wine in the tasting room and it is delicious! I haven’t had it in a formal review yet but need to get back to testing out some new entries. Latah Creek always offers great value. Congratulations on such a prestigious recognition.
Josh
Great post.. would that more people paid attention to $10 wine. Check out my 2011 $10 Wine Hall of Fame at winecurmudgeon.com