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Wine Enthusiast (WE) magazine’s Top 100 Best Buys of 2011 is their antidote to rising wine prices. All of these wines carry a suggested retail prices of $15 or less, which makes it a list of brands, worldwide regions, and varieties you can count on to keep you–and your wallet–happy in 2012.
Over the past 12 months, WE tasting panelists reviewed more than 16,000 wines, granting the coveted Best Buy designation to only 1,224 (7.6%). This list is whittled down to the Top 100, based on the score, price, availability, … and … buzz. There is something for every style, variety and origin. The list for 2011 is one of the finest and most eclectic collections of Best Buys and WE’s continuing effort to find the wine world’s best values.
Here are the nine wines from Washington that made the list
10. Washington Hills 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Washington)
15. Hogue 2009 Gewürztraminer (Columbia Valley)
27. Stonecap 2009 Merlot (Columbia Valley)
34. J. Bookwalter 2010 Anecdote Riesling (Columbia Valley)
39. David Hill 2009 Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)
44. Terrapin Cellars 2010 Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)
50. Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Blanc de Blancs (Columbia Valley)
85. Barnard Griffin 2009 Fumé Blanc (Columbia Valley)
96. Arbor Crest 2009 Bacchus Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley)
For the sixth year in a row, a list of the Top 100 Washington/Oregon wines recommended by Paul Gregutt, has been published by the The Seattle Times. Gregutt looks through that past year’s tasting notes and selects is top 100, including special occasion and best buys. Here at Greater Seattle On The Cheap, we’ve culled the list to wines priced at $30 or less and arranged them by $$ and type of wine. For the full article, read Seattle Times wine adviser lists his Top 100.
Reds
70. Gordon Brothers 2007 Syrah ($17)
75. Waterbrook 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)
76. Arbor Crest 2009 Three Vineyards Syrah ($20)
48. Salida 2006 Tempranillo ($24)
79. Tranche 2006 Syrah ($25)
25. Ch. Ste. Michelle 2007 Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot ($28)
26. Tulpen Cellars 2007 Merlot ($28)
49. Hard Row to Hoe 2008 Syrah ($28)
80. Watermill 2008 Estate Cabernet Franc ($28)
81. Bunchgrass 2008 Founder’s Blend Cab Franc-Merlot ($28)
82. Isenhower 2008 Wild Thyme Cabernet Sauvignon ($29)
28. Kontos Cellars 2008 Syrah ($30)
50. Syncline 2009 McKinley Springs Vineyard Syrah ($30)
83. Soos Creek 2008 Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon ($30)
84. Obelisco Estate 2008 Merlot ($30)
Whites
65. Olsen Estates 2009 Blanc des Coteaux ($12)
66. Lujon 2009 Pinot Gris ($12)
67. O• S 2010 Champoux Vineyard Riesling ($15)
68. Hestia Cellars 2009 Chenin Blanc ($15)
69. Thistle 2010 Pinot Blanc ($16)
71. Penner-Ash 2009 Riesling ($18)
72. Yamhill Valley 2009 Riesling ($18)
73. Barrister 2010 Klipsun Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($19)
74. Quady North 2010 Pistoleta White ($19)
24. Dunham 2009 Lewis Estate Riesling ($20)
45. Rulo 2009 Sundance Vineyard Chardonnay ($20)
46. Pacific Rim 2009 Solstice Vineyard Riesling ($22)
77. Cadaretta 2010 sbs ($23)
78. Chehalem 2009 Corral Creek Riesling ($24)
27. ArborBrook 2008 Sydney Sémillon ($28)
7. Efesté 2009 Lola Chardonnay ($30)
51. Cowhorn 2009 Viognier ($30)
Planning on a movie for Christmas week? Check out these steals and deals at Seattle area theaters.
- AMC Pacific Place is showing several family movies: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (G), The Muppets (PG), The Adventures of Tintin (PG), and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (PG-13). First show of the day (11:25-11:30 a.m.) is just $6, a $3 discount off the regular price. Make it an afternoon of fun; check out the dining offers, like free offers, discounts, and happy hour prices at Pacific Place eateries.
- Northwest Film Forum offers a free movie pass for two when you join, renew or purchase a gift membership. Purchase a membership during December 2011 and you’ll receive a free “Admit-2″ movie pass and a coupon for free popcorn (at $25 value!).
- Grand Illusion is showing “It’s A Wonderful Life” through Christmas Day. Regular tickets are $8. Or buy a $30 membership, and get $3 off your ticket price for an entire year. The Grand Illusion Cinema is a non-profit volunteer run theater and Seattle’s oldest continuously running theater. Help support this cinematic treasure by becoming a member or volunteering your time.
- Central Cinema features E.T. the Extra Terrestrial December 26-31. Save $2 when you purchase advance tickets (at least 24 Hours before the show tix are just $6.00. Day-of-show general admission: $8.00 ).
- Always $3 and always worthwhile, Crest Cinema Centre in north Seattle is featuring Puss in Boots (PG) and the sci-fi thriller In Time (PG-13), plus several other indie and foreign films.
These special venues offer someting different other than the club scene with music and alcohol, including a wine bar, alcohol-free event, and comedy. All are under $30.
Local Vine New Year’s Eve Celebration. http://thelocalvine.com/ 4pm-7pm Champagne Happy Hour (no cover).
NSAC Mezzanine, Seattles’ Premier Clean & Sober Night Club in North Seattle. All-Ages, $5 Cover.
http://www.clubzone.com/events/326791/seattle/nsac-mezzanine/nsac-mezzanine-nye-dance Zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol. Dance to the 5000 watt sound and light show or hang out with friends in our game room.
XTREME THEATRESPORTS NEW YEARS EVE PARTY! $28 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producerevent/124298 Fast paced comedy improv battle from 10pm to ALMOST MIDNIGHT and scored by the audience. At Midnight, the COUNT DOWN BEGINS! Stick around for the NEW YEARS PARTY and PRIZES!
Bellevue
Carnival New Years Eve 2011 at Lucky Strike in Bellevue at Lincoln Square, $30 http://www.clubzone.com/events/326767/seattle/lucky-strike/carnival-new-years-eve-2011
Tukwila/Southend
Afriq Lounge in Renton. $7 cover. http://www.thedjpeter.com/events.html
New Years Eve Michael Powers Band-Foster Golf Links, $45 http://www.clubzone.com/events/321731/seattle/all-other/new-years-eve-michael-powers-band-foster-golf-links
Prommunism: Not All Parties Are Created Equal a at INScape on Airport Way. $30/advance, $50 /door http://prommunism.eventbrite.com/
Many venues sell out; advance purchase offers lowest pricing. Follow the link to purchase tickets online—ticket fees may apply.
Belltown
A Celebration To Remember – NYE 2011 at Copper Cart Cafe in Belltown, $20-25 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/139759
Andy Caldwell NYE11 at See Sound Lounge in Belltown, $30
http://www.clubzone.com/events/327771/seattle/see-sound-lounge/andy-caldwell-nye11
Enchanted Eve at King Cat Theater, $20 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/138016
Official PATRON NYE 2011 Masquerade Ball – INDULGE at Venom (Formerly Medusa) in Belltown, $15-25 http://www.clubzone.com/events/326662/seattle/venom-formerly-medusa/official-patron-nye-2011-masquerade-ball-indulge-at-venom
Capitol Hill
6th Annual Decibel NYE Party at The Baltic Room on Capitol Hill/First Hill, $22 http://www.clubzone.com/events/320538/seattle/the-baltic-room/6th-annual-decibel-nye-party
Havana New Year’s Eve Gala at Havana Social Club on Capitol Hill, $20 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/139397
Local Vine New Year’s Eve Celebration. http://thelocalvine.com/ 4pm-7pm Champagne Happy Hour (no cover). 8pm-2am NYE Party $15 cover in advance/ $25 at door.
Downtown Seattle
All Of The Lights Bringing In 2011 at HG Lodge, $20 http://www.clubzone.com/events/312226/seattle/hg-lodge/all-of-the-lights-bringing-in-2011-at-hg-lodge
NYE 2011 with Z Trip at The Cirque Event Center in downtown Seattle, $40 (and up) http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/139856
whizARTbang! NYE! at the Annex Theatre on Pike, $17 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141511
Greenlake
BluWater Bistro, $28.95 includes steak and lobster dinner, live music, party favors and of course champagne at midnight. Make a reservation at the BB nearest you: Greenlake or Leschi.
Lake Union
Rock Salt 2011 “Seattle BIGGEST & BEST Latin New Years Party” on Lake Union, $27.50 http://www.clubzone.com/events/322460/seattle/rock-salt/rock-salt-2011-seattle-biggest-and-best-latin-new-years-party
Leschi
BluWater Bistro, $28.95 includes steak and lobster dinner, live music, party favors and of course champagne at midnight. Make a reservation at the BB nearest you: Greenlake or Leschi.
Pioneer Square
88 Keys Dueling Piano and Sports Bar. $25-$50 packages. For Table Reservations, please call 206.839.1300 or reserve online at www.ilove88keys.com.
BLAKE LEWIS NYE 2011 at Contour in Pioneer Square, $25-40 http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/140775
DARUDE New Years Eve 2011 at The Last Supper Club in Pioneer Square, $20-30 (and up) http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141203
New Years Eve “Destination 2011″ at Aura in Pioneer Square, $15-$25 http://www.clubzone.com/events/293025/seattle/aura/new-years-eve-destination-2011-at-aura
SoDo
Morgan Page NYE 2011 @ Showbox Sodo (21+) at Showbox in SoDo, $41 http://www.clubzone.com/events/299902/seattle/showbox-sodo/morgan-page-nye-2011-at-showbox-sodo-21
For the fifth year in a row, a list of the Top 100 Washington/Oregon wines recommended by Paul Gregutt, has been published by the The Seattle Times. Gregutt looks through that past year’s tasting notes and selects one wine from each of 100 wineries. Here at Greater Seattle On The Cheap, we’ve culled the list to wines priced at $30 or less and arranged them by type of wine. For the full article, read Top 100 Washington wines.
Reds
Alexandria Nicole 2008 Quarry Butte Red ($20)
Arbor Crest 2008 Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet Franc ($18)
Barrister 2008 Cabernet Franc ($27)
DaMa 2007 Syrah ($18)
Davenport Cellars 2007 Syrah ($20)
Gordon Brothers 2007 Tradition Red ($30)
Hogue 2006 Reserve Merlot ($30)
Maison Bleue 2008 La Montagnette Grenache ($25)
McCrea 2008 Grenache ($28)
Powers 2006 Coyote Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)
Rulo 2007 Syrah ($20)
Saviah 2007 Malbec ($30)
Southard 2007 The Whipping Boy Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)
Trust Cellars 2007 Syrah ($28)
Watermill 2007 Estate Petit Verdot ($28)
Whites
Barnard Griffin 2009 Chardonnay ($14)
Caterina 2008 Willard Family Vineyard Viognier ($15)
Darby 2009 Le Deuce Viognier-Roussanne ($22)
Dowsett Family 2009 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer ($22)
Dunham Cellars 2008 Lewis Vineyard Riesling ($22)
Gamache Vintners 2008 Estate Riesling ($18)
Januik 2008 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay ($25)
Nefarious Cellars 2009 Stone’s Throw Vineyard Riesling ($18)
Novelty Hill 2008 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Chardonnay ($22)
O•S Winery 2009 Champoux Vineyard Riesling ($15)
Pacific Rim 2008 Solstice Vineyard Riesling ($25)
Poet’s Leap 2009 Riesling ($20)
Syncline 2009 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Viognier ($20)
Tempus Cellars 2009 Evergreen Vineyard Riesling ($16)
Thurston Wolfe 2009 PGV White Wine ($16)
Tranche 2008 Viognier-Roussanne ($30)
Upland Estates 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($18)
Willow Crest 2009 Pinot Gris ($12)
Dessert
Forgeron 2008 Late Harvest Sémillon ($14)
Silver Lake 2008 Late Harvest Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($19)
Ring in the New Year at BluWater Bistro with a steak and lobster dinner, live music, party favors and of course champagne at midnight.
Make a reservation at your nearest location
Greenlake, 7900 E Greenlake Dr N., Seattle WA 98103. (Google map) Phone (206) 524.3985.
Leschi, 102 Lakeside Ave, Seattle WA 98122. (Google map) Phone (206) 328.2233.
Read the article Financial experts say that now is an excellent time to reassess your retirement savings goals for the new year from AARP. The information can help you establish your financial freedom in retirement. Even though many are still recovering from the hit that retirement account balances took over the past two years, AARP compiled 6 steps financial experts say you should take steps to ensure that your retirement savings continue to grow.
ReadBubblies offer good alternatives to pricier Champagne, an article by Paul Gregutt in a Special to the Seattle Times, lists sparkling wines that offer good value and quality at affordable prices (many under $15), including local and domestic wines as well as wines from Italy and Argentina.
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