A few days ago, I picked up a bottle of Private Reserve Chardonnay from a historic Napa Valley winery for $23, down from the regular retail of $42. It had a typical Chardonnay nose and a creamy texture from sur lie aging, with regular battonage. On the back, however, slightly green notes of granny apple ermerged and the intitial creaminess petered out into a flat, oaky finish. I gave it 17/20 points, a decent wine, but not a great value. So where are the great values that supposedly are out in the marketpace? Well, here are a few real deals from Washington state that are not to be missed.

I have reviewed :Nota Bene wines in previous issues of the Review (most recently in October). Tim Narby and Carol Bryant have been putting out well crafted wines. Here are two 2007's that I picked up at Esquin for $17.99 a bottle that are real bargains.

2007 :Nota Bene Cellars Abbinare, Columbia Valley ($17.99 - Regular: $25)

Abbinare is Italian for "link together." This blend links 56% Merlot with 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It displays a deep ruby color and a smoky nose of blackberries, black currants, anise, dried roses and mulberry. The flavors combine the minerality of Merlot with the depth and focus of the Cabernets, along with notes of black licorice and bittersweet chocolate. The back picks up sensations of cherry liqueur, dried bitter orange peel, coffee grounds and toasted almonds, followed by a squeeze of currant juice on the sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2007 :Nota Bene Cellars Syrah, Columbia Valley ($17.99 - Regular: $25)

Composed of 84% Syrah (Stillwater Creek and Stone Tree) and 8% each of Mourvedre (Kiona Heart of the Hill) and Grenache (Stone Tree), this offers a rich  nose of blackberries, blueberries, cassis, rose petals and lavender, with whiffs of white pepper. The dark fruit flavors are vivid and well saturated, marked by minerally earth, licorice, cocoa powder and mocha. The chewy-textured back picks up notes of squeezed blueberry and pomegranate juices, followed by a supple, nicely spiced and peppered finish whose ripe, sweet tannins are smoothing out. 18.5/20 points.

Milbrandt Vineyards has vineyards around the Columbia Valley, principally in the Wahluke Slope AVA. Brothers Butch and Jerry Milbrandt produce wines and sell grapes. These two wines were purchased at Esquin.

2009 Milbrandt "Traditions" Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($12.99 - Regular: $15)

Deed purplish colored, this is a thick, chewy styled Cabernet with varietal aromas of blackberry, cherry, cassis, tobacco, sandalwood and sage. The flavors are full and generous, with notes of licorice, cocoa and earth. The thickness continues on the back with tones of roasted berries and nuts, followed by a chewy, grainy moderate tannin finish. 17.5+/20 points.

2010 Milbrandt "The Estates" Viognier, Wahluke Slope, Clifton Vineyards ($14.99 - Regular: $20)

Brilliant gold colored, this white veers toward the tropical style with aromas of pear, peach and a hint of mango, with scents of honeysuckle and jasmine. The fruit compote flavors are lively and juicy, with a hint of creaminess, counterpointed by notes of grapefruit and minerals. The back shows a resonant vibrancy of fruit acids which enhances the luscious, faintly honeyed finish. 18.5/20 points.

Chateau Ste. Michelle's Cold Creek Vineyard was planted in 1973 in silty loam soil, and is one of the oldest Riesling vineyards in the state. Its wines show much old vine character and is one of the Riesling buys in the world.

2010 Ch. Ste Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley, Cold Creek Vineyard ($13.99  - Regular: $18)

Light greenish gold, this wine shows a floral nose of peach, granny apple and citrus, with scents of apple blossoms, honeysuckle, jasmine, and wet stone. The dynamic flavors show distinct minerality, with ying/yang sensations of sweet/dry pineapple and grapefruit juices. The back then picks up touches of lanolin, passion fruit and spice on the way to a lingering racy, medium dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

By the way, any of these wines would make fine accompaniments to a turkey dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!