Wine of the Week

The Velvet Devil 2019/2020 Merlot

The Velvet Devil is one of several low-cost and high-quality brands that Charles Smith rolled out as he began building his wine empire. The distinctive names and catchy black and white labels were all part of the brilliant packaging, but it was the overall quality of the wines that proved most impressive.

Smith's website is way out of date, so these current releases have no reviews, but the track record suggests you won't go wrong. National advertisers have these wines priced as low as $10, though locally, the best I can find is about $14-still a good deal for a very smooth, fruity, drinkable, and light-hearted red wine.

Do you have a favorite value wine that is currently available? Send the name of the wine, retail price, where purchased, and why you like it to paulgwine@me.com.