1. Home
  2. Tim Lemke

Tim Lemke

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

Review: Hopes End Cabernet Sauvignon

I saw a trends report a few years ago highlighting that how wines are defined is changing. Winemakers are getting more experimental, doing things like infusing wines or adding ingredients other than grapes in order to create unique-tasting wines. Certainly, traditional wines still dominate the market but you do see some things you never would […]

Olive Oil Review: Herdade do Esporão, Olival dos Arrifes

I decided to mix things up and add a food review, specifically an olive oil review. Olives frequently grow well in regions where wine grapes also grow well. As such, I’ve taken part in a number of different olive oil tastings during my wine travels. I’ve learned a little bit about how to taste them […]

Review: Franzen, Elbling

It’s an exciting day for me. Why? Because I get to add a new wine variety to the list of those I’ve tried. That may sound silly, but it’s a big deal for grape nuts like me. A number of years ago I earned my membership in the Wine Century Club, which recognizes wine enthusiasts […]

Review: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Something those new to wine or only casually into wine may not realize is when a wine is labeled as a varietal wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon), it’s not necessarily made 100% of that variety. It only needs to be a certain percentage of that grape, the exact percentage varies by regional regulations but is typically […]

Review: Winnings Riesling

I was surprised when I realized I haven’t previously written about Von Winning, Winnings Riesling. Why was I surprised? Because it’s one of my personal, “go to” Rieslings. When I’m in a rush at the wine shop and I want a good Riesling at a reasonable price, that I know will be aromatic and delicious, […]

Review: Ondine Chattan Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of those wine varieties that can come to life in one of many different personalities. Some are super tropical, some are elegant and mineral, some have overwhelming grassy aromas, and some are perfectly balanced. Some are made in styles I enjoy, while others can be over the top for my taste. […]

Review: Jacob’s Creek, Le Petit Rosé

What comes to mind when you think of Australian wine? I have to admit, in the past, before I took a closer look at Australia, all I thought of was either bulk wine with kangaroos on the label or big, heavy Shiraz. However, like most wine regions, there’s a great variety of wines available from […]

Review: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Chardonnay

I’ve mentioned before that I seek out high altitude wines because I tend to find wines made from grapes grown at higher altitude to be more lively, elegant, interesting and, in a nutshell, more enjoyable. But it’s not as simple as, “all high altitude wines are good” or “all low altitude wines are bad.” Altitude […]

Review: Ferraton Père & Fils, Samorëns

Friends often ask me how they can become more knowledgeable about wine. Most often, they’re interested in becoming more confident with picking a wine from a wine list or at a wine shop. My advice typically includes a suggestion to pick a wine region they like and focus on learning more about that region. Otherwise […]

Review: Leitz, Pinot Noir Rosé Brut

Weingut Leitz is a German wine producer, based in the Rheingau region, I’ve been following for a number of years and I’m consistently impressed with their wines. They are also becoming one of the best known producers in the region. The Leitz family estate was taken over by Johannes Leitz in 1985. At the time […]