Time was, the Avalon was $10. The Wine Curmudgeon used to drink it by the case, buy it for visiting wine types and make them guess how much it cost (one of these days I'll have to share the story about the Avalon and the visiting Australian wine marketer), and recommend it at every opportunity.
It's not $10 any more (closer to $15, though you can find it for $12 every once in a while). But it's still one of the best values in the wine world, with almost all of the rich, fruity character of Napa cabernet at one-half to one-third the price.
How does Avalon do it? For one thing, the company only makes cabernet. For another, it doesn't own land or touristy production facilities. It's based on the French negociant model, which allows it to keep costs -- and prices -- down.
Serve this with a Father's Day barbecue. Or buy a case and toast Dad with it throughout the year.
