Finding California wines that offer great value is like searching for the Holy Grail… lots of tantalizing clues and leads, ultimately leading to dirt and Dixie cups…

Yet, charge on I must. California produces wines that rival any in the world. Surely they must also be capable of producing everyday wines at an affordable price? I find a half dozen or so a year that are worthy… it just so happens these trio comes from the same winery!

Brady Vineyard is winemaker Don Brady’s “side hustle” apart from his job as winemaker for Paso Robles’ Robert Hall Winery. I suppose that is the key… Don has a steady day job, so he doesn’t need to make huge bank on his personal project. The result of his incredible experience (multiple Winemaker of the Year awards) and financial setup are these amazing wines… and amazing values!

These easily compare with $35-45 wines of similar quality. As a low as $15.99 and $17.99? Load up!
 

Brady Vineyard Petite Sirah 2018

Mix a case pay $15.99

Mix Six $17.99

All Else Sale $19.99

91 pts Wine Enthusiast

This is the wine I am most excited about, as I just adore Petite Sirah! Like Zinfandel, Petite Sirah is a California original with a murky history and ancestry. Some of the “Petite Sirah” is, in fact, Peloursin. It used to be thought it was the same as Durif, itself a crossing of Syrah and Peloursin. But DNA fingerprinting has show the true Petite Sirah to be different than Durif. And yet, most vines labelled “Petite Sirah” are actually Duriff. Follow me? Yeah… it’s okay.

What you really need to know is this is California juice par excellence! It’s big (15% alc), bold, rich… spicy, tannic and yet altogether hedonistic. And it will age like a dream. Wine Enthusiast says another 12 years, but I’d wager it goes another 20 easily. Of course, the only way that is going to happen is if you “lose” a bottle in your cellar. Because this puppy drinks wonderfully right now! Blackberry and blueberry notes mingle with black pepper, vanilla and spice, giving way to an opulent texture and savory brambleberry flavors. The long finish and fine tannins say, “Drink me with steak!”, but I actually angle towards lamb stew. Hmmm…

“This wine begins with dense and dark aromas of blueberry, black currant and violet on the opulent nose. It's tarry on the palate, combining those black fruits with purple flowers and charcoal. Firm tannins ensure a long life. Drink through 2033.” WE

Brady Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Mix a case pay $17.99
Mix Six $19.99
All Else Sale $21.99

91 pts Wine Enthusiast

Hey, they’re cheating here… adding 8% of my favored Petite Sirah to the blend! Well, if this is cheating, I’m issuing a full pardon. Paso Robles is considered the rising star for Cabernet in California, and here is a perfect example. Bold and rich – hey… are you picking up on the theme here? Yes, bold and rich. Big and luscious. Folks, that is California at its finest! All of the somm geeks trying to find 12% alc reds are missing the point. THIS is what California does best. The Golden State. The sun! It ripens fruit. A lot. So why not use it? Would you make tomato sauce from partially green tomatoes? Heck no! So why make wine from underripe fruit?

Now, where was I? Right… this puppy is bold and rich, offering classic blackberry and cassis flavors along with velvety tannins. What we find compelling here is how balanced the wine is. Sure, it has ripe fruit, as to be expected. But it also has very “Cabby” aromas and flavors like black olive, peppercorns and cedar to offset all that glorious fruit. The result is delicious. I’d pay $40.

“A dense mahogany aroma meets with black currant, olive and peppercorns on the nose of this bottling. The woody character envelops the palate, where flavors of black plum and purple flower are wrapped in oak and cedar.” WE

Brady Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Mix a case pay $15.99
Mix Six $17.99
All Else Sale $19.99

90 pts Wine Enthusiast

Ok… think Rombauer Chardonnay, only half the price… and waaaaayyyy better! “CJ!!!”

This baby is unapologetic… it’s full of peach, apple and pear fruit, along with vanilla and spice and everything nice. No need for you to apologize, either. You like what you like! I will say though… this has wonderful acidity that keeps everything in check. Meaning you can go for that second glass and not lose interest!

“Ripe white peach, daffodil, apple blossom, poached pear and plumeria aromas show on the clean and full nose of this bottling. Those floral and white fruit flavors feature strongly on the sip too, but the racy acidity and a linear tension keeps everything in check, finishing on a hint of coconut oil.” WE


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.