It’s the end of December, and this has been one crazy year. While the pandemic
rages on, so does the fight against it. We push forward, looking ahead to better times. Along the way we have still managed to discover many new wines, and now it is time to talk about some of the best. It’s quite different this year, as the large wine tastings and festivals were cancelled, and instead of sampling 600-800 wines, our field of view was smaller. This year it was more in the neighborhood of 200-300. Still, there are always wines that stand out, and here we’ll present our 20 top wines from the past year.
As always this is based solely on our opinions, and we only have a staff of two. Value is the primary driver here, but having said that there are always wines that are simply too sublime not to include, even though they might strain the budget a bit. However this list is comfortably in the affordable category and tremendous value bottles abound. You’ll find one under $10, and many under $20.
Here are the wines. If you click on a highlighted wine’s name you’ll go to the detailed review.
1. 3 Rings Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017 – a stunning value, this Shiraz made a memorable impression. This has a big nose, with lots of savory notes, as well as floral, caramel and herbal aromas. Dark fruits form the core. On the palate it is rich but focused, with very approachable tannins that present more on the back of the palate. Black plum fruit is accented with cherry flavors. It is smooth, refined and very elegant, exactly in line with the vintage characteristics. Should 
have been at least twice the price. $20
2. Charles Smith Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – this Washington State Cabernet delivers on all fronts. A beautiful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. $17
3. Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – this older vintage Napa Cabernet has everything you look for in a top California Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, focused and delicious. $65
4. CARMIM Reguendos Garrafeira dos Sócios 2014 – this wine, from the Alentejo region of Portugal, is world class. A complex and substantial red wine. $48
5. Gordon Estate Syrah 2015 – from the Columbia Valley of Washington State, this bottle is very complex. The nose brings waves of fruit, accented by herbs and floral notes. This is full bodied with medium tannin and good acid. It is very long, finishing with a vanilla flavor. $20
6. Outlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – simply put, this wine is another that drinks like one twice it’s price. Look for future vintages as well. $25
7. Penley Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – I know we’re a bit Cabernet heavy this year, but that’s just how the wines fell. This version from Coonawarra in South Australia over delivers. $20
8. Art of Earth Montepulciano d’Abrruzzo 2019 – red fruits, mild tannins, spice and a great rustic style. $12
9. Vina Eguia Tempranillo 2018 – quite complex with red fruits, a touch of smoky ham and some balsamic. This is seriously good. $15
10. Nik Weis Wintinger Kabinett Riesling – apple, citrus, floral and spice, along with the classic touch of petrol you expect in a top German Riesling. This is a top German Riesling. $20
11. Biltmore “The Hunt” Red Blend 2017 – This blends 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, and provides ample fruit and lots of power. Rich, with a long finish. This is still young, and will definitely improve with age. One of Cheri’s perennial favorites. Sonoma fruit. $45
12. Famiglia Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2015 – a modern style of Amarone. Not shy at 15% alcohol, this still seems fresh. Really like this style. $50
13. Kirkland Signature Reserva 2015/2016 – one of the extreme value wines on the planet, this Rioja has a 
little bit of everything. It’s tough to believe it is only $7. Both of these vintages are similar in style and quality. Both are crazy values.
14. Beronia Rosé 2019 – more complex than your average Rosé, this is a blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Garnacha, and as such is a Rioja Rosé. Probably our favorite Rosé of the year. $13
15. Marques de Caceres Crianza 2017 – this is just a solid Rioja. Cherry fruit, Asian spices and some caramel make this complex and delicious. $13
16. Domaine des Rosiers Moulin-A-Vent 2018 – this is much richer than your usual Beaujolais, with cherry fruit and kirsch flavors. It is just shy of full bodied, and very long. $28
17. Domaine Bousquet Gaia Cabernet Franc – very dark in color, with a nose of black plum, tar, toasted oak, 
herbs and a little chocolate. On the palate it is full bodied, with tart cherry, medium tannins and good balance. The touch of charred oak is pleasant and not overdone. $20
18. Elodia Malbec Single Vineyard Pedernel Estate 2017 – a rich Malbec, with focused black fruits. You get the violets on the nose, and it is very smooth. This single vineyard estate wine delivers a top Malbec experience. $45
19. Smith-Madrone Riesling 2016 – light, golden yellow color and very brilliant. You get stone fruits, the traditional petrol marker and floral on the nose. The palate is about delicate, white fruit, with pear and some honeydew melon. It finishes with some minerality. $34
20. Bodegas Bianchi Particular Malbec 2017 – very dark, purple red. The nose has black plum, toasted oak, 
creamy mocha, vanilla. This is quite complex. On the palate you get the dark fruit, with some smoke. It full bodied, integrated and rich. It is also balanced with nice acidity. $39
There are 20 wines worth trying, and all provide great value. There are, of course, many more that could have been included. That’s the best part about the wine world, it is broad and complex, and worth a lifetime of exploration.
A votre santé!
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