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Every wine and beverage store I enter in Ohio has a sales person approaching me and saying “how about this 2005 for only X a bottle … you know, the bottom has fallen out of the premium wine market …” I would guess the same could be said for other states, but I am amazed at how far prices have fallen on 2005 wines in Ohio. Wines that were $50 a few months ago are going for $25.  Even better, wines just outside of my conservative price range (as you can tell from this list) are coming into my price range.  I recently found 2005 Rodney Strong Merlots and Cabernets for $12/$13 instead of $20+.   I even found a 2005 Mount Veeder previously $59 priced down to $22.

So, if you haven’t checked prices lately on CA 2005’s, you might be surprised to find local retailers heavily discounting them.

2007, Domaine De Regusse, Pinot Noir, approx. $13

I was in the mood for something different yet I didn’t want to stray from what readers probably already have noticed about my posts … obvious trend of dry reds. So, this Pinot caught my eye. I haven’t read much about the 2007 French vintages and I won’t even claim to have any idea about the different regions and how the climate and weather patterns improve or hinder the harvest. So, I grabbed this bottle and gave it a try with some small sirloin stakes on the grill with yellow squash with tomatoes and cheese also on the grill. It paired nicely and even the wife enjoyed a glass … and she prefers those sweet, light wines. It wasn’t memorable by any means and it wasn’t compelling in any category. But at the same time, it didn’t get in the way of the meal and smoothly and quietly complemented it. Thus, if you are looking for a wine in this price range that will quietly compliment your summer grilling, I safely recommend this selection.

2006, Quenoc, Cabernet Sauvignon, approx. $13

Having put effort towards a marinade for some sirloin steaks that I feared might be a bit tough on the grill of a completely forgettable red wine from the fridge, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder and some other dried spices … a wine pairing seemed appropriate. I had picked up this wine a few weeks back having been impressed with a cab from Quenoc a number of years ago. The wine went very well with the steaks offering a very smooth yet a bit uneventful experience. The wine didn’t have the traditional Napa Valley cab strong and impact full flavor as found in most 2005s I have tried. It was much more smooth and mellow. I missed the pizazz that has made the 2005 Napa cabs memorable, but I would still recommend this wine based on price and overall balanced enjoyment.

2006, Francis Coppola, Zinfandel, approx. $14

I was trolling the wine isle at the Giant Eagle mega-mart and noticed they marked this wine from $18 to $14. I had a 2004 or 2005 Francis Coppola Merlot at a work function and it was rather good. I was looking for find something to go with what I was planning on throwing together for dinner since it was Friday and work plus the commute doesn’t allow for much dinner prep time before the natives become really restless: Ohio City Pasta with Trader Joe’s Vodka sauce enhanced with some left over fresh basil that needed to be used before it would be destined for the compost pile added to some lightly browned mild Italian sausage from The Sausage Shoppe. The wine went the meal quite well for the price. There was just enough pepper and tannins to suggest a more expensive wine. I highly recommend this wine if one is a fan of Zinfandels and looking for a moderately priced wine that has a hint of expensive wine taste to it.

2007, French Maid, Pinot Noir, approx. $11

I needed a bottle of French Pinot Noir to go into Coq Au Van I was trying to cook for the first time. Par usual, I was watching the Food Network and saw this recipe and wanted to give it a try. Knowing that the wine was going to be used for cooking, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money yet I didn’t want something in a jug either. Since the dish is of French origin and calls for Pinot Noir, I headed to the Heinen’s Bin 75 section in search of a moderately priced bottle. I found a display of this wine with a deep red label. The wine attendant mentioned they have been selling a lot of this wine since they put up the display (or rather, put a nondescript crate in the middle of the wine area and placed a number of bottles of this wine). In short, both the wine and recipe turned out quite excellent. I am not a traditional Pinot fan, but the wine was very drinkable with a mild, light fruit with no strong bite or after taste. It had a very good mouth feel as I was preparing the dish. My wife even enjoyed the dish (but didn’t have the wine) which I was glad since both the wine and recipe are going on the buy/make-again-list!