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Tim Lemke

Tim is the founder and chief reviewer at Cheap Wine Ratings since 2007.

Harlow Ridge Lodi Pinot Noir – A Well-Balanced Bargain

As I’ve commented recently, I try to make sure I post reviews of both unique (although perhaps harder to find) gems and more widely distributed, easy to find wines.  This one comes from Bronco Wine Company, a producer I’ve written about a number of times.  They produce over 100 brands of wine, including many of […]

Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon – Full of Spice

It’s no secret to regular readers here that I’m a fan of the good value wines that come out of Chile.  I’ve reviewed a bunch of Chilean wines over the years.  And I’ll probably review a bunch more in the coming years. One varietal from Chile that has been hit and miss for me is […]

Forest Glen Tehachapi Clone Pinot Grigio – Good Deal!

At times I struggle to find the right balance on this site.  My personal interest lead me down the path of more obscure, unique and interesting wines.  But I know that many readers come here just wanting to find recommendations on something simple they can pick up at their local shop, wherever that shop is. […]

Raats Original Chenin Blanc

As I mentioned in my last review, I’ve become a fan of chenin blanc over the past year.  Particularly those from South Africa. This one comes from Raats Family Wines in Stellenbosch — a producer I recently praised for their super-tasty Red Jasper cabernet franc blend.  In that review I mentioned that Raats specializes in […]

Indaba Chenin Blanc – Zesty & Tasty

Over the past year I’ve become a big fan of chenin blanc from South Africa.  And while I’ve enjoyed it a number of times over the past year, I just realized that I haven’t yet posted any chenin blanc reviews.  It’s time to change that. Chenin blanc originates from the Loire Valley in France, but […]

Livio Felluga Collio Pinot Grigio – Elegant & Balanced

When it comes to Italian white wines, Friuli is definitely a region worth getting to know.  It’s in the northeast corner of the country and creates some of the best white wines in Italy, particularly if you like crisp, vibrant white wines.  Livio Felluga is, in their words, “regarded as the patriarch of viticulture and […]

Raats Family Wines, Red Jasper – Velvety-delicious!

Last year I discovered that I have an affinity for South African wines.  I reviewed a number of them and, quite frankly, I’ve been blown away by the extraordinary values that can be found there.  Since then, a couple of my friends have visited South Africa and have told me that I must visit because […]

3 Spells Cabernet Sauvignon – Magical

Once again, I’m breaking my own rules and writing about a wine that’s a little more expensive than my $20 target price.  Sorry about that.  On the bright side, it is a delicious wine. This cabernet sauvignon comes from Spelletich Family Winery in Napa, California.  The wine, however, is from Sonoma Valley. I’ve reviewed a […]

Kim Crawford Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc – Amazing!

I know I’ve raved about Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc before, such as here and here.  Those reviews have been about their entry-level sauvignon blanc, which I would say is one of the best bargains out there.  It’s reliably delicious and affordable.  I have some friends who refer to it as their “glass of Kim” every […]

Hardys William Hardy Shiraz – Bursting with Berries

Following up from the last review, I wanted to post a review for another tasty shiraz.  This one comes from Hardys, a family winery with 160+ years of history in South Australia. Like many wine producers, Hardys has a few different lines of wines and this one is from their William Hardy line.  This line […]