Tuesday night wines
This happens to be one of Alvaro Palacios’ lower priced wines, yet this 2009 Rioja from the La Montesa Vineyard has all the right stuff. The smooth blend of 65% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo tastes of cherries, plums and white pepper, an elegant Rioja for well under $20. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
If you’re a rose lover as I am, finding one that’s drinkable for $10 is quite a feat. But I found one, “Parallele 45” from the respected Rhone house of Jaboulet. Made from a blend of Grenache and Cinsault with a little Syrah, it tastes of wild strawberries and gentle spices. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)
A fresh spicy Shiraz with a touch of Viognier from respected Rhone producer Michel Chapoutier and Napa Valley’s Anthony Terlato. Ruby red, the Shiraz-Viognier is ripe and round, full in the mouth, tasting of red berries, sweet spice and black pepper. And it’s priced low enough to make it your house wine. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
