Wine Features: Reds.
Leave it to Frugal's expert wine buyers to find the highest QPR (quality-price-ratio) wines. We keep our web site updated with our special wine features, but we have hundreds more wines in stock every day, and no one in the area has a better selection.
Read Ed Young on Wine | July, 2010 | AVAs: Just Where Was That Wine Grown?
All Features
Under $15
Just Reds
Whites & Rosés
In The Cellar
House Wine Columbia Valley Red 2007 9.99/750 ml.
Noted as one of Wine Spectator's Best Value reds, House Wine Red is a blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Syrah, 30% Merlot, with bits of Malbec, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot making up the rest. Some think the label is off-the-wall, some out-of-the-lines, some say it's ugly, and some think it's nice. Whatever, the wine is the real thing - a simply great everyday value red from Columbia Valley, Washington State.
Hendry HRW Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 25.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "Grapes for the HRW series wines come from our vineyard estate, as they do for all of our wines. The grapes we use for the HRW are individual blocks or barrels that for one reason or another do not have the complexity we require for our Hendry label, but are very nice every day drinking nonetheless (and too good to sell off to someone else). Well under 1000 cases produced each vintage. We get about 10 cases, and that's all. This is an incredible buy and will disappear very quickly!
Finca Anzil Toro 2005 24.99/750 ml.
A very fine red from the Toro region in Spain, aged 11 months in new French oak. Winery notes: "Aroma: Intense and complex, with a mixture of dark fruits (blackberries, cassis, black cherry), licorice and fine barrel aromas (Virginia tobacco, coffee). Taste: Superlative structure with extraordinary concentration and density that gives an elegant finish thanks to its ripe, velvety, fleshy tannins."
Educated Guess Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 17.99/750 ml.
Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from grapes grown in the prestigious Napa Valley wine districts of Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford. Two primary sources for the Educated Guess Cabernet are Beckstoffer Vineyards in Rutherford, and the Napa Wine Company in Yountville and Oakville—whose grapes are 100% organically grown. Created with the philosophy that superb Napa Valley Cabernet can be affordable, this wine is indistinguishable in quality from its higher-priced Napa Valley competitors.
Bogle Phantom Proprietary Red Blend 2006 18.99/750 ml.
A blend of Petite Sirah (49%), Zinfandel (49%) and Mourvedre (2%). Winery notes: "Three distinctive varietals combine lush berry and fierce spice into a wine characterized by its incandescence. Deeply luscious and succulent blackberries ignite this vintage of our rich ruby apparition. Aromas of anise and sweet fig are embraced by touches of black pepper. From the shadowed dark depths, subtle notes of cloves and vanilla emerge and compliment the concentrated fruit characters of this wine. Captured in 1, 2 and 3 year old American oak barrels, this wine showcases the best these distinct varietals have to offer."
Root:1 Colchagua Valley Chile Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 8.99/750 ml.
Rich ruby in color with dark cherry, black currant, toffee and mocha notes. Silky tannins and good structure lead to a long and complex finish accented with vanilla notes. Limited time at this extra low price!
Root:1 Colchagua Valley Carmenere 2008 8.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "After years of being thought extinct, Carmenere was rediscovered in Chile in 1994. The lush flavors and soft tannins of Root: 1 Carmenere are proof that the “lost grape of Bordeaux” has finally found its perfect home. Deep red in color, with gentle tannins and rich flavors of plum, blackberry and spice. Pairs well with pasta, vegetable soup, spicy entrees and grilled meats. Its unique character pairs perfectly with ingredients that are difficult to match such as garlic, bell peppers, fresh herbs and eggplant." Limited time at this extra low price!
Red Rock Winery California Merlot 2007 9.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "Lush concentrations of black cherry, plum and boysenberry are complemented by soft, rounded tannins. Body and flavor are perfectly matched and exquisitely balanced, achieving a delicate harmony found in only the finest wines. Red Rock Winery Merlot is an excellent match for a wide range of foods, particularly herb-based dishes, pasta, grilled meats and goat cheese."
Château Roc de Candale Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2005 29.99/750 ml.
This wine is from the portfolio of Adams French Vineyards, an exclusive offering of ultra premium Bordeaux wines crafted by legendary winemaker Michel Rolland. A classic farmstead property, Chateau de Candale is located east of Saint Emilion's celebrated limestone plateau in one of the region's most desirable districts. The blend is 84% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The source for the grapes is a small (27-acre) vineyard, 30-year-old vines. Aging was 15-18 months in NEW oak. Tasting notes: "Complex nose with explosive red fruits and a smooth woody aroma. An elegant wine with a silky body and a nice length."
Château Lamothe Vincent Bordeaux Rouge 2008 16.99/750 ml.
"A new state of the art winery was built at Chateau Lamothe Vincent in 2000. The investment is paying big dividends, with seven straight gold medals since 2002 for their Chateau Lamothe Vincent Bordeaux Rouge. Fabien and Christophe Vincent, the new generation at the head of the Vincent estate, continue to make accessible wines on every level and that is confirmed again in their 2008 Lamothe Vincent. Deep garnet in color, the smooth entry waylays into a mouth-coating burst of ripe black fruit, coffee and chocolate. Nuanced with spice, this wine is perfect for a nice dinner out or a quiet night at home."
Château Guichot Bordeaux Rouge 2008 14.99/750 ml.
Blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc. "In 2008, Karine and Sebastien Petit acquired this 42-acre vineyard in the small village called Saint-Antoine du Queyret, located in the center of Entre-Deux-Mers. This wine won 2 Gold Medal awards at the Bordeaux Wine competition and International Wine Challenge in 2009. Tasting notes: Complex nose, red fruits and wood. Rounded, aromatic and lightly spicy in the mouth." The 2008 vintage could turn out to be the strongest since 2005. The early arrivals such as this show an aromatic ripe fruit character with subtle mineral and floral tones.
Pizzolato Piave Organic (No Sulfites Added) Merlot 2008 13.99/750 ml.
The 25-acres of Merlot vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near the Piave River, north of Treviso. This wine is 100% Merlot, fermented in stainless vats and completely unoaked. No sulfites are added and all grapes are grown organically. Tasting notes: "Aromas of smoked nuts, spicy raspberry-rhubarb pie crust, pink peppercorn and chive follow through on a buoyant entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with good balance and tangy green tomato and melon rind like acidity. Finishes with toasty cedar notes and a chalky, firm tannin fade." Also available at the same price: Pizzolato Piave Organic (No Sulfites Added) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008. Tasting notes: "Interesting aromas of honeyed roasted pineapple, currant pie, and roasted green pepper are oddly reminiscent of fine aged tequila and follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with tart, tangy cranberry notes and a crisp, juicy herb and cedar accented fade. Rated 89 points."
Cool Woods Barossa Shiraz 2008 13.99/Liter
Here is a Shiraz to like. First, you're getting a Liter for what you would expect to pay for 750 ml. That's 1/3 more wine, or alternatively, you get the same number of glasses per bottle, but the pour is much more generous! And this Shiraz is fantastic, by unanimous decree of the Frugal's wine team. It over-delivers. Tasting notes: "The nose is quite elegant and of a cool climate; with plenty of Shiraz spiciness. The palate is medium weighted with rich confection like jubey fruit. The palate is sweet and lush with velvety tannins. It finished with good length of sweet fruit and a hint of oak."
Morse Code Padthaway Shiraz 2008 9.99/750 ml.
First of all, this wine is from Henry's Drive, the same winery that makes Pillar Box, as well as the highly esteemed namesake Shiraz, Dead Letter Office and Parson's Flat. Morse Code Shiraz is "a fruit-driven wine with minimal oak to allow the fruit flavors and regional characters to be at the forefront. The wine shows fruit characters of blueberries and cherries with hints of licorice and touches of spice and pepper." 100% Shiraz, 14.7% alcohol, mostly unbaked, but a small portion finished fermentation in barrel.
Wild Hare Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon 4.99/750 ml.
It's cute, it's inexpensive, and it's very palatable. And you'll find it on display just before the check out lanes.
Philippe De Rothschild Baron Henri Medoc Red 2006 14.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "Deeply colored with a cherry tint, the wine has a nicely open, ample and concentrated nose that reveals black berry fruit and some intense licorice and cherry-stone notes, enhanced by a refined and elegant touch of chocolate." Also available in the Baron Philippe line: Baron Carl Saint-Emilion Red 2006 is $19.99.
Goats Do Roam South Africa Red 2008 9.99/750 ml.
Winemaker's tasting notes: "Vibrant ruby red colour. Cedar, anise and fleshy fruit on the nose. Medium bodied palate, but good length and structure carrying to a long finish. Blackberry fruit and supple tannins." This is Fairview Vintner Charles Back's fanciful blend of Syrah (61%), Cinsaut (14%), Mourvedre (13%), Grenache (8%), and Carignan (4%), sourced from coastal regions of South Africa. A fun wine named as a play on words to pay homage to similar blends from Cotes Du Rhone in France.
Cote 125 Corbières Red Blend 2007 13.99/750 ml.
The 2007 vintage for the Southern Rhone Valley in France is the best in over a decade, rating a 98 overall by Robert Parker. That greatness also carries over to the wines of the Languedoc region, which is not too far from the Rhone Valley. This discovery from the 2007 vintage delivers tremendous quality for the money. This is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan. "Medium-bodied, this wine carries notes of currant, black pepper, and a little bit of earth to compliment marinated, spice-rubbed, or peppercorn-encrusted steaks and meats."
Windy Lane Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 15.99/750 ml.
Winemaker's notes: "This is a big earthy Cabernet Sauvignon with beautifully integrated currant and blackberry fruit. Supple layers of new French Oak and mocha follow to a wonderfully balanced and lingering finish. Serve this wine with your favorite red meats and bold cheeses. Will cellar nicely for 5-8 years."
Wily Jack California Zinfandel 2007 8.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "This is an adventurous Zinfandel showing an abundance of ripe fruit flavors. Jammy plum and blackberry flavors follow scents of ripe juicy fruit and cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Sweet vanilla and toasty flavors from the oak aging give this wine added interest and lead to a pleasing finish." Also available at the same price: Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Chardonnay 2008.
Alamos Malbec 2009 7.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "Winemaker Felipe Stahlschmidt observed flavors of dark cherry and blackberry fruit in this 2009 Alamos Malbec, with integrated spice and vanilla oak characteristics. The wine has a full structure and a long, lingering finish which makes it enjoyable now, or for years to come." Anyone who knows this wine, knows the great ratings Wine Spectator has given it (90 points 2008). Definitely stock up!
Steele Shooting Star Lake County Zinfandel 2007 12.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "This wine has aromas of raspberry and other ripe black fruit, butter, and just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The tannins and acids in this wine are soft but distinct. Cedar tones with just a hint of plum make the finish a wonderful explanation point. For the Shooting Star Zin, we seek a fresher, fruitier style when compared to our old-vine Steele Zinfandels. We source two younger vineyards in Lake County for this wine: Hansmith and Duncan."
Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 9.99/750 ml.
Robert Parker rates this one 87 points, saying, "The inexpensive 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Syrah, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. Aged 20 months in French and American oak, it exhibits a dark ruby hue along with a big, sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, charcoal, toast, and subtle herbs. Fleshy and medium-bodied with silky tannins and excellent purity as well as depth, this bargain-priced Cabernet begs for consumption over the next 1-2 years."
Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2006 8.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "The 2006 Sierra Foothills Zinfandel displays aromas of cherry, plums and nutmeg. The flavors mirror the aromas and give the wine a fresh fruit flavor with a spicy aftertaste. This lighter style of Sierra Foothills Zinfandel is smooth and luscious." Save $3 off the regular price for a limited time. Also available at the same price: Sierra Foothills Syrah 2005.
Los Cowboys Mendoza Malbec 2008 11.99/750 ml.
Los Cowboys is a fair trade wine. That means with every glass of Los Cowboys you can directly help the grower, their community and the environment.Los Cowboys benefits approximately 300 small family growers and their immediate families. Click Here for more about this fair trade project. Tasting notes: " Sourced from 90-year-old vines, this wine is 95% Malbec, with 5% Bonarda added for complexity. Beverage Testing Institute rating: 88 points, Highly Recommended. Tasting notes: "Bold aromas of chocolate covered espresso beans and cherry-berry custard follow through on a rich, round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with tangy berry, melon, and citrus notes. Finishes in a lively cocoa-spice and toasted cedar fade with supple, powdery tannins."
Angels Landing Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008 14.99/750 ml.
A new arrival and Frugal MacDoogal Nashville exclusive is Angels Landing Pinot Noir, from Sonoma Coast, where beautiful Pinot Noir originates. Tasting notes: "Bold yet graceful this Pinot shows complex aromas of dark cherries, wild balckberries and delicate floral notes, complemented by rich fruit flavors and soft tannins. This lush pinot Noir is ready to enjoy now yet will continue to evolve." We recommend this one for quality and price.
R Wines Permutations Victoria Pinot Noir 2008 15.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "A light, bright and fresh Pinot Noir, well structured with savory, complex characters and nice texture. Rich plum, red berries, beetroot and herbal notes on the nose, with berries and rosemary following on the palate. Subtle, sweet dark fruit, toasty oak and fruit of the forest." This is another great value from Grateful Palate, R Wines' Chris Ringland, and wunderkind winemaker Bill Downey. This wine is packaged with 24 different labels from British illustrator Paul Davis.
Château Lagarosse Côtes De Bordeaux 2006 16.99/750 ml.
A stunning value from an excellent vintage. The blend is 65% Merlot, 23% Cab Franc, and 12% Cab Sauvignon, from average 30-year-old vines. Only 2,500 cases produced. "Vibrant bouquet of fresh peppers, berries and oak; Harmonious layered bright and rich berry fruit flavors lead to a silky smooth lingering finish."
Angels Landing Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 24.99/750 ml.
Perhaps the most coveted California Cabs originate from the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. Home to Stag's Leap, Stags' Leap, Pine Ridge, Silverado, Hartwell, Shafer, Chimney Rock, Sinskey and more, this region is known for producing top-notch Cabs of monumental proportions. First of all, this is a very substantial, well-structured Napa Cab, young, quite tannic and exciting. This is textbook Stags Leap District, not a forgery. Experienced Cab lovers will appreciate the Stags Leap dusty fingerprint and firm mouthfeel as-is, right out of the bottle. Or, decant or lay it down to open it up. Expect complex aromas and flavors, ripe black fruit, cassis liqueur, plenty of new vanilla oak, graphite and more. Very long finish justifies a higher price. This is a Frugal's private buy, to compare with well-known Stags Leap labels that cost $40-70 yet do not deliver more.
Ramilanos Calatayud Old Vines Garnacha 2007 10.99/750 ml.
Calatayud is a dynamic winegrowing region in Aragon in northeast Spain. This is arid country on either side of the Jalon River, and, as in much of central Spain, yields rarely rise above 1 ton/acre. The garnacha grape accounts for around two-thirds of Calatayud's production. Expect dark an alluring nose of spice box, mineral, black cherry, and black raspberry. Smooth-textured, round, and with no hard edges, this tasty effort is designed for immediate gratification.
The Show California Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 14.99/750 ml.
Winery notes: "Inspired by the bold iconic imagery from the Nashville poster icon, this barn-stormer Cabernet Sauvignon is big and bold with lots of dried black cherries and jammy preserves with layers of spice and sweet vanilla. The composition is: 42% Monterey County Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Monterey County Merlot, 6% Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, 3% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah and 3% Napa Valley Petit Verdot."
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 73.99/750 ml.
"The 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined and complex wine that combines subtlety and depth. It has a dark ruby color with a deep red edge and displays aromas of fresh blackberries, violets, cola, nutmeg and licorice. In the mouth, the wine has a juicy attack and offers great expression of fruit and spice on the mid-palate. Its fruit-driven finish is long and elegant. Properly cellared, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2023."

