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Tim Lemke

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

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 […]

Where to buy: BurgundyWine.com

I spend a lot of time on this website focused on what to buy. But when you’re on the hunt for great wines at bargain prices, it’s equally important to know where to shop for wine as well. Finding a wine shop with knowledgeable staff, who have your best interests in mind and who will […]

Review: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Malbec

If there’s a signature wine grape of Argentina, it has to be malbec. When wine lovers think of Argentina, they think of malbec… and when wine lovers think of malbec, they think of Argentina. But malbec isn’t just an Argentine grape. It’s one of the six grapes allowed to be used in Bordeaux reds. Cahors, […]