Nuance Wine Finer - make your $5 wine less, uh, cheap tasting

This thing got a really good review in a recent Cook's Illustrated. Apparently, it instantly decants your wine as you pour. So, maybe, for the $30 price tag, you can make those $5-$10 bottles of wine taste like $8-13 bottles? I don't know.

For the record, I'm not being sponsored by the folks at Nuance to plug this thing. I just really want one (hint, hint, Nuance).

Video demo

Slow Paseo

Maybe it's the generally slow pace of my life on the dole right now, but I am really digging this wine called Slow Paseo. They make a great red and white, it's organic and it's $6.99 at Trader Joe's. Why not get two bottles for your afternoon of drinking and hopelessly emailing resumes?

? at Trader Joe's Wine Shop

Just picked up a bottle of "?" which is a new red from California at Trader Joe's Wine Shop in Manhattan., $5.99. Went great with my smoked turkey, ham and cheese samich at lunch. Very drinkable, very cheap.

Half off of $10 at Warehouse Liquors

Tonight I've been self medicating with a decent bottle I picked up at Warehouse Liquors for $4.99. Look for the Cantina di Montalcino Sangiovese in the bin at the left as you walk in.

Warehouse Liquors is located on Broadway and Astor Place in Manhattan.

(And to that conservative commenter who told me that because of my work ethic I will never enjoy a bottle of Chateau La blah blah blah, I think I'll live.)

Good wines for around $5

A big part of my unemployment adventure has revolved around getting drunk cheaply and in style. The economy is so bad the bars are practically giving booze away, and on top of that those of you whole live in downtown Manhattan have two great, cheap wine spots centrally located.

Trader Joe's Wine Shop is my personal favorite. Due to our bizarre repeal-era alcohol laws in New York state, they had to open two stores side by side: one for all of their incredible (and cheap) snacks and grocery staples, and one for their incredibly cheap wine. Don't go for the Charles Shaw (or Two Buck Chuck, as it's known, even though in New York they get $3 for it). It ranges from barely drinkable to sinkable. Go to the back and check out the South American reds and whites. I have found a wide variety of very drinkable to sublime varieties in the $5 - $7 range. Gold Rush is a pretty nice California red blend. The Panilonco Malbec-Merlot is fantastic at $4.99. The Mediterranian Red is a great second bottle at $4.99 as well.

For an entirely different selection, head down to Warehouse Liquors on Broadway and Astor Place. Unlike Trader Joe's they carry a full line of spirits as well at bargain basement prices. When you walk in, there is a bin on the left with reds and whites under $10. They give you pretty lengthy, accurate descriptions and everything I've picked up has generally been good. Check out the Domain Lapeyrouse if they have it. It's a hearty, unfiltered red and a steal at $5.99.

More $5 wine reviews to come...