Perspective | A $10 American cabernet sauvignon marries quality with affordability The NY Journals

From a venerable California label that helped pioneer organic viticulture in this country, we have a budget-friendly cabernet sauvignon leading this week’s recommendations. We follow with two more reds — a jammy shiraz from Australia’s McLaren Vale and a spicy Sardinian take on grenache.

Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

(2 stars)

The Fetzer family were pioneers in organic viticulture in California and known for producing quality affordable wines. The label is now part of Bonterra Organic Estates and owned by Vina Concha y Toro, the Chilean wine giant. This nonvintage cabernet sauvignon is solid stuff, showing the black currant flavors of cabernet with a nice texture and clean finish. The American designation shows that the grapes were grown in multiple states. The label touts the company’s focus on the environment. Certified B Corporation; certified zero waste. Alcohol by volume: 12.5 percent. Bottle weight: 405 grams (Light).

Distributed locally by RNDC.

(3 stars)

McLaren Vale, Australia, $22

With no added sulfites, this wine carries the rare USDA Organic certification. It’s lush and spicy, with notes of sweet blackberry and mint in a throwback jammy style. It’s delicious on its own, but food will help cut its heft. Certified organic. ABV: 14 percent. BW: 425 grams (Light).

Imported and distributed by Winebow.

Pala Centosere Cannonau di Sardegna 2021

(3 stars)

Cannonau is the Sardinian name for the grape called garnacha in Spain and grenache in France. As in those countries, it produces bold reds with ample fruit and alcohol. This version from Pala winery hits the high-toned cherry fruit notes, while wild herbs resonate on the finish.

ABV: 14 percent. BW: 500 grams (Average).

Imported by Banville Wine Merchants. Distributed locally by Banville Wine Merchants and Artisans & Vines.

Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers, distributors, and your favorite local wine store. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed. Bottle weight is included, because this is the single most important contributor to wine’s carbon footprint. Have wine questions for Dave McIntyre? Send them to Food@washpost.com.

★ Good: The wine delivers what it promises at a fair price. If it says chardonnay, it tastes like chardonnay.

★★ Excellent: A wine with character and added interest. May elevate your eyebrows at the first sip.

★★★ Extraordinary: An exciting wine that stands out from others in its class. Fist-pumping, table-thumping good.

★★★★ Sublime: Otherworldly. May have you thinking, “So this is what they were talking about.”

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