Vin Ordinaire:
My Search for an Affordable Everyday Wine: 2008

by Donald Ray Burger
Attorney at Law

I like to drink a glass of red wine most every night. Two glasses in one night are sometimes nice. However, for me drinking three glasses means that's all I'll be doing that night. And my life is far too busy for that "luxury."

What this means is I need an affordable wine that is still good on the third day after opening the bottle. Sadly, the cap I placed on "affordable" keeps going up. Still, my limit for everyday wines is $10.00. Past recommendations appear at the end of this article.

2008 Recommendation for Vin Ordinaire:

The 2006 PepperwoodGrove Valley Central Cabernet Sauvignon

After a string of successes with the Blackstone Cabernet, I found the 2006 not up to the standards set by the 2004 and 2005 Blackstone. Sadly, I began again my search for an affordable Cabernet for every night drinking.

Unbelievably, Maria came to the rescue as a result of a wine sampling offered by the local Kroger grocery store. They were offering tastings of the 2006 PepperwoodGrove Cab. She thought it was nice, and bought a bottle. We opened it as soon as she got home. It was more than nice.

The cab has a deep red color, the faintest bouquet (okay, so maybe it is my imagination, but at least there is no off-putting smell), and a nice balance of tannins in the mouth. Nice legs and a great finish.

Of course, the real test for a vin ordinaire is whether the great qualities last for more than the first night. And in this, the PepperwoodGrove meets the test. On day three, although not as good as day one, the wine is very drinkable. And did I mention the price? You should be able to find it on sale for about seven dollars a bottle. And in these times, that is a great deal.

To read my recommendation for 1996, click here.
To read my recommendation for 1998-1999, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2000, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2001, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2002, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2003, click here.
To read my recommendation for 2004, click here.

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