Eat Well, Spend Less

The Wine Markup Showdown

We scoured area wine lists for some of the most (and least) generous prices on three favorite bottles. Because nothing runs up a bill like overpriced vino.

Photograph by Todd Dionne

2006 Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay
This rich, silky white always delivers ripe-pear flavors and a mineral finish, whether you pay $58 or $95 a bottle.

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE: $37

Marliave: $58
Rustic Kitchen: $66
Atlantic Fish Company: $75
Mantra: $90
Om: $95

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Champagne, N.V. (yellow label)
An elegantly structured sparkler from Reims, it boasts a yeasty nose, lemony notes, and chameleonlike pricing.

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE: $48

Blue Ginger: $74
Sandrine’s Bistro: $75
Stephanie’s on Newbury: $90
Bricco: $99
Clink: $105

2005 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
“Artemis” Cabernet This cassis-rich cult pick should give tipplers purple lips, not black-and-blue budgets.

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE: $72

Prezza: $80
Bacco: $90
Harvest: $99
Tosca: $100
The Oak Room: $122