It’s time to share another page from the memoirs of a tired, teeth-stained wine taster. The recent event, Festival of Wines benefiting the Arkansas Heart Association, offered an exciting tasting experience. Dickey-Stephens Park was filled with an extensive selection of wines ranging from $5 merlots to $200 one-of-a-kind cult wines.
Arriving with my palate fresh and the Uncorked column as my motivation, I fell in line with other guests to explore and enjoy. Following are only some of the wines catching my attention, not only for quality but exceptional value.
THE VALUES
- 2007 Arido Malbec, Argentina (about $10 retail)
- 2007 Andeluna Malbec, Argentina (about $10 retail)
- 2007 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $10 retail)
- 2008 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $12 retail)
- 2007 Solena Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $12 retail)
- 2008 Solena Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $12 retail)
- 2008 Santi Pinot Grigio, Italy (about $15 retail)
- 2008 Il Conte Stella Rosa, Italy (about $15 retail)
- 2007 Codice Tempranillo, Spain (about $10 retail)
- 2007 Paso A Paso Verdejo, Spain (about $12 retail)
- 2007 Paso A Paso Tempranillo, Spain (about $12 retail)
- 2008 Yali Sauvignon Blanc, Chile (about $12 retail)
- 2007 La Playa Block Estate Reserve Carmenere, Chile (about $12 retail)
- 2007 Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $12 retail)
- 2008 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $15 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2007 Maddalena Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $16 retail)
- 2007 Botani, Spain (about $19 retail)
- 2006 Volver Tempranillo, Spain (about $18 retail)
- 2006 Solena Grande Cuvee Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $27 retail)
- 2006 Bell Wine Cellars Syrah, California (about $28 retail)
- 2005 Schug Sonoma Merlot, California (about $38 retail)
- 2007 Spann Vineyards Chardonnay/ Viognier, California (about $27 retail)
- 2006 Bell Wine Cellars Chardonnay, California (about $39 retail)