I love great hooch more than the next person.  I will spend triple digits on a quality bottle of wine if it's part of an experience that my friends and I will cherish  for years to come.
But even more than great pricey bottle, I love a good wine value. Eric Asimov has a great feature in Thursday's New York Times profiling what he considers "12 Values in American Wines".
Included on the list are two of my favorites:
| Praying this has been stored properly! | 
But even more than great pricey bottle, I love a good wine value. Eric Asimov has a great feature in Thursday's New York Times profiling what he considers "12 Values in American Wines".
Included on the list are two of my favorites:
Qupé Santa Barbara County Marsanne 2011, $20        
Bob Lindquist is one of the unsung heroes of California wine, and his 
Qupé label is consistently overlooked, possibly because he makes wines 
of little-known Rhône grapes like marsanne. This is actually a blend of 
two Rhône grapes, 79 percent marsanne and 21 percent roussanne. 
Pleasantly weighty and harmonious with persistent floral, nutlike 
flavors. 
Heitz Napa Valley Grignolino 2009, $20        
Grignolino? From Napa Valley? While other producers have converted their
 Napa vineyards of esoteric grapes into more lucrative cabernet 
sauvignon, Heitz has held out and continues to make this ruby-colored 
red, bone dry with dark, spicy flavors and a refreshing bitterness.     
   
Both wonderful bottles and perfect hostess gifts that will never disappoint. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
