What are the best wines under twenty dollars to cellar?

Question

I'm looking to buy some wines for my cellar and I want to know what are some good bargain buys, particularly reds.

Answer 1

Carmen Reserve Cabernet

Carmen Reserve Petite Sirah

Seghesio Zinfandel

Kenwood Pinot Noir

Answer 2

I agree with Chilean red.  Chile produced some Cabernet and Malbec are respectable and cellar worthy.  I am limited on my exposure on Chilean wine and can not make good suggestion.

As for Californian and French, I would recommend for you to get some.  For Californian, the price has been getting high, but there are still values.  I would suggest Robert Mondavi Cab ($22-25), Beringer Knight Valley Cab ($20-25), Rosemblum Syrah/Zinfandel ($20-30), Sterling Napa ($20-25), BV Napa Cab ($20-25) are all fairly good for cellaring at least 5-10 years.  For French, you can get lower growth Bordeaux or non-growth Bordeaux (ie Bordeaux superior) that can be age worthy and still in $15-25 range.  For example, I have purchased some 2000 Fronsac for about $20, and they are quite respectable.

As for Italian, Brunello are quite expensive, but you can get some good wine from SuperTuscans.  I have bought Lucente (second wine for Luce $80) for under $20.  On the other hand, Chianti are not too age worthy, and I have had Chianti going bad after 7-8 years in my collection.  

Also consider Australian red, many of which are not tested on their age-worthiness.  Top rated Australian like dArenburg and Grange are well known to be long lasting, but cheaper stuff like Molly Dooker are not necessary able to last for 4-8 years.  I am aging some Molly Dooker- both cheaper Sailor ($20) and more expensive Tunnel of Love ($75), but I am not sure if they will last, both due to the quality of wine as well as the s***w top.

Personal suggestion is to spend a bit more - consider $30-40, for better quality wines.  It is not worth your time to buy cheaper stuff, keep it for 5-10 years, and then end up being disappointed with the wine going bad.  It is even worse if you open that bad wine at a special occasion.  Believe me, I have done that too many times

Cheers and good luck

Answer 3

- 04 California Cab/Merlot

- 03 or 05 Bordeaux

- 04 or 05 Italian, esoecially northern (Tuscany and Piedmonte)

Most selections you will find in your price range that meet the above criteria will age some (usually 4-7 years).  However, please do realize that wines in that price category are not built to age (usually one must cough up $50 or more to start getting a long-term ageworthy vine), so don't hold them too long.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

2005 was a great year for Chilean reds, ranging from the extreme high price range all the way down to the bargains.

I recently came across the Vina Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Medalla Real Special Reserve 2005.  It's a 91 point wine in Wine Spectator and it was a steal at $16 (Canadian).

Here's James Molesworth's tasting note from Wine Spectator:

"Broad-shouldered, with lots of tobacco, currant paste and loam notes backed by a muscular structure. The dark, dense finish shows hints of cedar and roasted vanilla. Has lots of Pauillac-like grip. A terrific value. Drink now through 2014. 35,000 cases made.

Cheers!

Answer 5

I like the products from the SIMI vineyards.  You'll find them in the California section.  Their Cabernet is particularly good and usually is around $20.