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Tim Lemke

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

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 […]

Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz – Full of Character

I’ll admit, I’m not a big shiraz guy.  When I was younger, I was more drawn to shiraz but in the last few years I just find them to be too jammy.  I don’t know if it’s just me or if the style of shiraz is getting more aggressive.  But I do still find some […]

Wild Horse Winery Central Coast Merlot

A few months ago, I reviewed the Wild Horse Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and noted then how the winery was one that started small (literally in a plastic tub) and grew over time.  And like many wineries they’ve gotten to a point where they offer a few different tiers of wines.  The “Central Coast” lineup […]

Domaine Ehrhart Vieilles Vignes Riesling – Fantastic French Riesling

Alsace is on my list of wine regions I hope to visit some day.  It’s the eastern-most region of France, bordering Germany, and is culturally kind of a blend of French and German cultures.  This is one of the reasons I’m intrigued by the region.  Another reason is that they produce some incredible wines here […]

Picket Fence Cabernet Sauvignon – Dark and Delicious

This is one of those wines that I don’t have a big background story on.  It comes from Picket Fence, which is a brand in the Bronco Wine Company portfolio.  You may not have ever heard of Bronco Wine Company, but you’ve probably consumed some of their wines.  They are a giant in the bargain-priced […]