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Second label wines aren't always made from the winery's own grapes, but the idea is the same. While quality and rarity may be the buzzwords for a winery's top-tier brand, availability and value are the selling points of second label wines.
There are some who would say second label vinos aren't worth drinking, but I say those chumps are missing out. Just because a wine isn't as good as Opus One, that doesn't make it Mad Dog 20/20. Some excellent wineries are producing delicious second label wines -- and they're crafted by the same winemakers that make the hoity-toity stuff.
Not everyone can afford to fork over $120 for a bottle of Joseph Phelps Insignia (myself included), but we can still experience the winemaker's considerable talents by picking up a bottle of Pastiche for 12 bucks. And those who love Stag's Leap Cabernets can get a taste of the winery's fame by handing over just $10.99 for its Hawk Crest brand. Some other quality second label brands include Napa Ridge (Beringer), Avila (Laetitia), Reds (Laurel Glen), Amberhill (Raymond) and Bel Arbor (Fetzer).
Just check out these selections and you'll see that second label wines deserve a second look.
Avila 2000 Pinot Noir It's tough to find a drinkable Pinot in the 10-dollar range, but this one from Laetitia more than qualifies. Made in a light-bodied style, the wine has spicy berry aromas and fruity raspberry flavors. This would be killer with grilled salmon. ****$11
Pastiche 2000 Red Table Wine Also from Joseph Phelps Vineyards, this spicy Rhone-style red has light raspberry aromas and berry/cherry flavors. Light bodied, fruity and yummy. **** $11.99
Pastiche 2000 White Table WineThis Rhone-style white from Joseph Phelps Vineyards has floral, tropical aromas and rich-but-refreshing flavors. This would be a tasty match for spicy Chinese or Thai food. *** 1/2 $11.99
Avila 2000 Chardonnay Made by the folks at Laetitia in California's Central Coast region, this Chard is made only from the winery's estate-grown grapes. (That means they didn't buy any lower-grade grapes from other growers.) It smells like tropical fruit and tastes like green apple, with a touch of oak. Refreshing and balanced. *** 1/2 $11
Reds 2000 Red Table Wine Made by Laurel Glen winery, Reds is an easy drinkin' blend of Zinfandel, Mourvedre, Carignan, Syrah and Petite Syrah. Soft and smooth with lots of fruit, this juicy wine is one of my favorite bargain reds. ***1/2 $8.99
Amberhill 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Made by Napa Valley's Raymond winery, the Amberhill Cabernet beat out a lot of super-pricey Cabs in a blind tasting at the San Francisco International Wine Competition a couple years ago. It's smooth, fruity and medium-bodied, with spiced cherry and plum flavors. A great value. ***1/2 $11
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