Top 10 Everyday Wines for Under $20 of 2019

The fact that a vintage is noted on the bottle is just 1 indication of how complex it can be to choose what to select for the shelves at your local Corner Store. Was this year better than that, and how do I know. Here are Chuck's suggestions for some quick picks to ease your next trip to the store.

2014 Edmeades Zinfandel ($20)

Tight, concentrated aromas of black fig and dark chocolate meet beefy, earthy and ripe berry flavors in this high-powered, concentrated wine.

2016 Momo Pinot Noir ($20)

The nose demonstrates earthy, herbal and dark fruit characters with hints of undergrowth. The palate is focused and concentrated, with succulent dark fruits balanced by fine mouth-coating tannins.

N.V. Lucien Albrecht Brut Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace) ($17)

Clean, light but aromatic nose - lemon, grapefruit, with a slight yeasty character. Vigorous ripe fruit flavours mingle within a gently creamy texture, balanced by crisp acidity and fine bubbles on the long, citrusy finish.

2017 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier ($17)

Crisp, bright, and vivacious, CB+V is an aromatic white blend boasting a bouquet of honeysuckle, citrus, tropical fruit, and fresh cut herbs. The bright entry reveals citrus and other fruit flavors, and a balanced acidity carries through the clean finish.

2015 Suertes del Marques 7 Fuentes ($18)

This blend of Tintilla and Listán Negro opens with savory aromas of latex, plum and cherry dusted with minerals. The palate is full but racy. Flavors of plum and cranberry show spice and mineral notes before a long, peppery finish. Overall, this is bright, floral and interesting.

2015 Ruca Malen Terroir Series Petit Verdot ($19)

Intense aromas of fresh plums and cherries are harmoniously balanced by subtle notes of rose and sweet spices and mild hints of caramel, vanilla, and mocha. A full-bodied wine with concentrated fruit flavors, a balanced acidity, and a velvety texture. Sweet tannins linger through the persistent, lengthy finish.

2016 Substance Cabernet Sauvignon ($17)

Classic Cabernet Sauvignon. Currant, blackberry, cigar box with touches of chocolate, cedar and pencil lead. Full flavored & just so damn good.

2017 Muga Rosé ($17)

2017 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado is full of very intense and complex fruity notes, with reminders of stone fruit on the nose. On the palate it proves a balanced wine with good length, perfectly combining its acidity and freshness. Nicely accompanies oily fish, white meat, salads, ceviche, pasta and rice dishes.

2017 Donnafugata Lighea ($19)

Lighea has a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with citrus scents and exotic fruit. The fruity and flowery notes return on the palate accompanied by marked freshness, with good persistence and a pleasant mineral finish.

2015 Bishop’s Peak San Luis Obispo County Chardonnay ($18)

Bishop's Peak Chardonnay offers bright aromas of lemon verbena, pear, mandarin, and a hint of crushed chalk. The palate is lush, marked by bright acidity and energetic notes of green papaya, lemon zest, and honey dew. Try pairing this refreshing Chardonnay with lemon asparagus risotto or grilled prawns.