Top 5 under $20

Time again for a Top List, as we haven't done one for a while. This time for wine, not wine shops.
This Rampant Oenophile takes too long to try enough wine for a top 10 list, and with the drama on Wall Street, value is the theme of the day, so here's the Rampant Oenophile's Top 5 Wines under $20 for your shopping and drinking value.

5. Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, 2006; Friends of the Rampant Oenophile know I'm not a terrific fan of Cabernets, but I do enjoy a good one. The Veramonte, though still very dry, was full, flavorful, and lingering. It's a powerful wine that's great with food, and at $9.99 a bottle nearly everywhere, one of the best values on the market.

4. Hayman & Hill Napa Valley Merlot, 2005; Merlots are right up the Rampant Oenophile's alley, perfect with grilled foods on a lazy weekend afternoon, or a glass to sip after (or during) the work hours. The Hayman & Hill Merlot exudes the image of a comfort wine, easy to sip and wonderful with food. Dry, with strong cherry and currant flavors layered on top of rosemary and marjoram bouquets. At $12.99 a bottle, a very good value for a wine that The Wine Enthusiast rates a 90.

3. Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir, 2006; Friends know how much this Rampant Oenophile respects and enjoys the wines of Rodney Strong, and the Pinots remain consistent favorites. At $19.99 online and in stores, this Estate bottled Pinot Noir provides a balanced flavor that I don't find at all dry, light fruit and spice, with lingering tannins and a velvety texture.

2. A to Z Chardonnay, 2006; This Rampant Oenophile enjoyed a taste of A to Z Chardonnay during a recent business trip to the Left Coast, and remembers fondly the distinct flavors and bouquet of this value-priced Chard. At just $15.00 online, and less in some wine shops, the A to Z Chard competes favorably with must more expensive competition. I enjoyed its creaminess and bright fruit flavors. Not so much citrus-y as honey sweet and layered.

1. Two Buck Chuck, vintage varies; While not exactly correct, this family of wines from Charles Shaw boasts tremendous values for their very drinkable wines. Sold exclusively through Trader Joe's, and unfortunately no longer $1.99, the Merlot remains my favorite. It's a great Summer or Fall treat for sipping and enjoying with everyday food. At just $3.99, one must travel far and wide to find comparable values. If you are not fortunate enough to live near a Trader Joe's, log on, find the closest outlet, and pack the bags for a wine road trip!

Enjoy!