Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to announce that I have taken over the ‘Twelve Under Twelve’ for Spec’s.  I am going to officially replace the ‘Steals of the Month’ with the ‘Twelve Under Twelve’ from now on.  It will give you twelve options of wines from all around the world, all under $12! I hope you all enjoy the new blog!  Feel free to give me feedback or suggestions.  Enjoy!

Trocard Bordeaux Superior Red Blend 2015

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $11.49

The 2015’s have shown us some of the best VALUE that Bordeaux has ever offered. This alluring and inviting Merlot based (with a smidge of Cabernet) red blend offers flavors of black cherry and currant with a medium, supple body. Pair with bacon-wrapped bell peppers with cream cheese filling.

Ken Forrester ‘Petit’ Chenin Blanc 2015

Western Cape, South Africa

Cash Price $9.99

This wine is one of my favorite white wines under $10 period.  Un-oaked and deliciously refreshing, Petit offers medium acidity with notes of pear, melon drop, and honey dew that sinks into lychee and whiffs of grapefruit.  Pair with a chair on the back porch!

Lockwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Monterey, California

Cash Price $10.99

Lockwood is an estate wine grown on calcareous soil that has spent time in French oak.  Flavors of cherry and cassis flow into hints of chocolate and tobacco. Framboise is prevalent on the mid palate with soft, lush tannins. Pair with Osso Buco or dark roux gumbo. Daily Drinking Red!

Domaine de Fournaches Aligote 2016

Bourgogne, France

Cash Price $11.99

Fournache offers deliciously zingy acids with plenty of citrus lemon on the palate.  The wine is un-oaked and quite refreshing.  Notes of white flowers and hints of hazelnuts dance vibrantly on the finish. Pair with lightly seared sea scallops in a lemon butter sauce.

Perelada ‘3 Fincas’ Red Blend 2013

Emporda, Spaind

Cash Price $10.39

It is a blend of primarily Carignan, Garnacha and Syrah.  Fresh and fruit driven, this wine exudes flavors of black cherry and blackberry from the start with medium tannins and acids.  The finish shows crushed rocks, hints of earth and smoky cedar. Pair with Paella and Empenadas. Value Hunter Wine!

Chateau Pierre Rougon Rose 2017

Cotes Du Rhone, France

Cash Price $9.49

Rose All Day season is upon us. Dry and refreshing, Rougon offers flavors of fresh raspberry and strawberries with whiffs of rose petals. Fresh acids keep the red fruits in check with a hint of cream on the finish.  Pop, drink, enjoy, repeat.

Francois Thienpont Sauvignon Blanc 2016

 

Bordeaux, France

Cash Price $8.99

Refreshing citrus and green grass zing into the palate with pinpoint precision.  Medium plus acidity and no oak.  The finish has bits of lemon lime and touches of cactus. Pair with a pool and an umbrella.

Felipe Rutini ‘Trumpeter’ Cabernet 2016

Mendoza, Argentina

Cash Price $9.99

Consistent quality from a consistent producer.  Flavors of blackberry and black cherry with approachable tannins.  Finish is long with notes of toasted vanilla and hazelnut. Pair with dry aged beef slathered in a portobello mushroom cream sauce.

Castillo Perelada ‘Pescador’ Semi-Sparkling Rose N/V

Emporda, Spain

Cash Price $7.99

This Garnacha blend Dry Rose offers a natural spritz that gives this wine a refreshing quality with flavors of red cherries and red berries. The finish shows wild strawberry and rose petals with zesty acidity. Pair with gummy bears and skittles.

Terra Nossa White Blend N/V

Vinho Verde, Portugal

Cash Price $7.99

Here is the perfect summer spritz white wine. Terra Nossa is light, clean, low alcohol and delightfully fizzy. Flavors of apple and pear are followed by a citrus backbone with vibrant acidity. Pair with oysters on the half shell and     mignonette sauce. Refreshing!

Steffen Kabinett Riesling 2016

Mosel, Germany

Cash Price $6.99

German Riesling is an amazingly versatile white wine that is often overlooked in the market. Kabinett Riesling’s are off-dry (just a hint of sweetness). Notes of white peach, apple and grapefruit explode in the palate with fresh acidity and hints of beeswax and white flowers.   Pair with spicy chicken fajitas!

Otto Bestue Finca Rableros Red Blend 2015

Somontano, Spain

Cash Price $9.99

This Cabernet/Tempranillo blend is playful yet structured in style. Flavors of red cherry and red berries are lifted into a medium body. Notes of vanilla and red licorice are prevalent on the finish with just a kiss of oak. Pair this with peppercorn crusted lamb.

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS