When trying to find the right Napa Valley wine to buy, whether it’s for a special occasion or for a simple dinner, it might seem that there are only expensive options on the market. However, there are many affordable wines that you can enjoy without emptying your pockets. In this article we’ll cover the 10 best Napa Valley wines that cost less than $100.
Red wine recommendations
2018 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny
Having been given a score of 95/100 by the famous wine critic Robert Parker, and averaging on $95 per bottle, this Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely worth a try. It has a deep purple color, aromas of cassis, black cherries and plums, a full body, pleasant minerality and tastes of black fruit and spices. All in all, a characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Once opened, this Cabernet Sauvignon reveals all its secrets. Grilled meat, chocolate, and cherry scents are all there. This wine, which is made from grapes from various Napa Valley vineyards, perfectly captures the wonderful diversity the valley has to offer. Cassis, plums, black peppercorns, and fresh tobacco leaf are the main notes in this tannic and structured wine. Long and heavy in the finish, this wine maintains its character the entire time.
2019 Frank Family Napa Valley Zinfandel
At 45$ this elegant, complex Zinfandel has layer upon layer of crushed clove, fresh blackberry, and creamy mocha aromas. It is beautifully balanced and intensely concentrated. Plum compote, violet, thyme, and black pepper flavors are given structural weight by the silky smoothness of the fine-grained tannins
Mira Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2017
For an average of $90 you can taste one of the greatest Syrah wines that Napa Valley has to offer. One of the darkest red wines, full-bodied and fruit-forward. Intense flavors of blackcurrants, cured meats (think charcuterie), pepper, and anise are followed by aromas of dark blackberry, currants, white pepper, gravel, and leather in Mira’s Syrah.
2018 Hall Napa Valley Merlot
This 2018 Napa Valley Merlot has a deep red hue and a seductive fragrance with notes of violet, ripe cherry, and toasty baking spices. The ripe red fruits, chocolate, and dusty tannins are lavishly layered on the palate, which has a smooth structure. This traditional Napa Valley Merlot has a lengthy, lively finish with lingering graphite overtones.
White wines recommendations
2021 Darioush signature Viognier Napa Valley
Viognier is a rarity in Napa Valley, but you can taste it for just $55. Fragrant, seductive, and unusual. When produced in the cooler climates of Oak Knoll and Los Carneros, where heavy morning fog and brisk afternoon breezes allow this delicate varietal to develop slowly and completely, Darioush Signature Viognier shows its innately bright and lively flavor. Signature Viognier is distinguished by its core of rich stone fruit and profuse floral aromas.
2020 Haynes Vineyard Old Vine Chardonnay
The 2020 has a long finish, is bright, briny, and mineral with a citrus strength. It strikes a mix between dazzling freshness, delicate creaminess, and unexpected depth. These vines of Chardonnay are the oldest in Napa Valley, having been planted in 1967. A lengthy, moderate growing season is produced in the Coombsville bowl by the cooling effect of San Pablo Bay. Acidity and a special blend of strength and elegance are attributes of the vineyard’s complex soils.
2019 Larkmead Vineyards ‘Lillie’ Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc has a distinctive pear and river rock scent, a lean texture and a strong mineral flavor. The strong acidity makes it very refreshing and a perfect pair for light dishes like a salad or a cheese platter. A must have for your next dinner party.
2018 Arietta On The White Keys White Blend
This 2018 blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% old vine Semillon is outstanding thanks to Northern California’s exceptional 2018 vintage. The white Bordeaux-style blend that Arietta aspires to create has a mouthwateringly brilliant opening and a regal, expansive finish.
The Arietta movement from Beethoven’s final piano sonata, Opus 111, is included in the label. The Arietta theme’s melody, which is played exclusively on the piano’s white keys, is the key to the wine’s name.
2019 Matthiasson White Blend
Steve Matthiasson created the perfect light wine by combining 4 different Italian grapes. With oysters, lemon chicken, and grilled vegetables, this thirst-quenching white goes perfectly. It has an excellent texture, complexity, and minerality along with a vibrant acidity. Not only that, but it’s organic, made by grapes from vineyards where no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides are used.
2019 Matthiasson White Blend
Steve Matthiasson created the perfect light wine by combining 4 different Italian grapes. With oysters, lemon chicken, and grilled vegetables, this thirst-quenching white goes perfectly. It has an excellent texture, complexity, and minerality along with a vibrant acidity. Not only that, but it’s organic, made by grapes from vineyards where no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides are used.