If ever there were a holiday that cried out for an all-American theme, it would be July Fourth.
For that special occasion, not all the fireworks need be in the sky. Those planning a holiday celebration for hordes of family and friends can sip splendid U.S.-produced value wines that were recently vetted by professional wine journalists at the recent Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition in San Diego, California.
From the Critics Challenge gold and platinum winners I’ve selected 20 all-American value wines priced below $20. They will serve you well on the Fourth and won’t bust the budget. The following are my holiday picks in alphabetical order.
Barboursville 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Virginia ($19.99) — For those who prefer a milder, smoother Sauvignon, this is the one. It is a well-balanced beauty.
Barefoot Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($6.99) — In blind tastings, this non-vintage Cab dukes it out with the big boys and usually wins.
Benziger 2014 Merlot, Sonoma County ($19) — Nobody delivers high-quality at a modest price more consistently than Benziger. This Merlot is lip-smacking good.
Black Stallion 2015 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($18.99) — A gold medal-winning Napa Valley Chardonnay for less than $20? Hard to believe, but it’s the real deal.
Columbia Winery 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley ($16) — The late David Lake, founder of the winery, would be proud of this wine. It’s another example of Washington’s prowess with Merlot.
Dry Creek Vineyards 2016 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg ($15) — Through the years the Dry Creek Chenin has been my go-to value white. It’s a dry Chenin, and it’s always delicious.
Francis Coppola 2015 ‘Diamond’ Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($18) — A gold medal Pinot Noir for $18? Get out! This winery is on fire across-the-board, from its highest-priced wines to its lowest-priced.
J Vineyards 2016 Pinot Gris, California ($18) — J Vineyards is consistently brilliant vintage after vintage. And this is a winery best known for its sensational sparkling wines.
J. Lohr 2016 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Flume Crossing,’ Arroyo Seco ($14) — This wine is still the value leader in the Central Coast; it’s among the area’s leaders in quality as well.
Korbel 2013 ‘Natural,’ Russian River Valley ($15.99) — This bone-dry sparkling wine from Korbel is better than ever and still a bargain by any measure.
Navarro Vineyards 2016 Rosé, Mendocino County ($17.50) — This is one of my favorite rosé wines of the vintage, and it’s easy on the wallet, too.
Pacific Rim 2015 ‘J’ Riesling, Columbia Valley ($10.99) — This is absolutely stunning for the price.
Peachy Canyon 2015 ‘Incredible Red’ Zinfandel, California ($15) — Though I’m not generally a Zinfandel fan, the Peachy Canyon Incredible Red always brings me back into the fold.
Raymond 2016 Chardonnay, ‘R Collection,’ California ($14.99) — Raymond has always made some of the most well-balanced, drinkable Chardonnay in the Napa Valley. Nothing’s changed on that count.
Lafond 2014 Dry Riesling, Lafond Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills ($18) — Scintillating and complex, this riesling is priced well below other Rieslings of similar quality. If you’re looking to beat the heat with a refreshing adult beverage, you could do much worse.
SeaGlass 2015 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County ($12) — At this price, buy it by the case. A gold medal Pinot Noir from a proven Pinot Noir region at this price is unheard of. Grab it while you can.
Sofia 2016 Brut Rose, Monterey County ($19) — This is another gem from the Francis Ford Coppola stable of wineries, and it’s a steal. If you want to stock your Fourth of July party with a delicious bubbly that won’t drain your bank account, this is the ticket.
Swedish Hill 2016 ‘Blue Waters’ Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes ($14.99) — Many think New York produces the finest Rieslings in the U.S. When you taste this Swedish Hill, you just might become a believer.
Tangent 2015 Albariño, Edna Valley ($17) — This native Spanish white grape is gaining in popularity with California vintners. Tangent was the first to plant it in any significant quantity, and it remains the finest example of Albariño made in the U.S.
William Hill 2014 Merlot, Central Coast ($17) — This well-regarded Napa Valley winery sources grapes from the Central Coast of California, and the result is a delicious red wine with a distinctly un-Napa Valley price.
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