What’s Really Good Under $13?
“Wine critics can go on and on to educate, provide context and suggest how wines can be best enjoyed, but our fundamental job is to find the best quality at the lowest price. This month Vintages prices its first release of 2010 almost entirely under $20 – almost an annual tradition to combat post-Holiday financial fatigue. Which makes my job like shooting fish in a barrel (new French oak of course). So I have narrowed the range for Dave’s Faves down to best values under $13. And they had to score 88 points or better. As we all know, a wine score is a numerical opinion not a mathematical fact; but in my books certain things do need to add up. To hit 88 a wine edges beyond good varietal character and balance, and peers into a realm with more complexity, depth and a touch of class. There is just that first shiver of a wow factor. And this can apply to any grape variety or style in any part of the part of the world. Indeed there are many wines in this release that are very good buys, from many places in the world – wines that scored 90 under $18, or 87 under $12. This a tribute to advances in winemaking, but also to Vintages buyers for being able to pick ‘em. But here are the ones I’d be taking home with me when my cash is really strapped.”
- David Lawrason, VP of Wine at WineAlign
Click here to see ranked lists and reviews of close to 100 wines in this release.
Filed under: Wine, "Top Picks", "Top Values", David Lawrason, LCBO, Vintages
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