Need proof that wine is subjective?
The LCBO buyers’ picks primarily fell into the $15 to $25 price range (a representative price for most people). Of the 115 wines that were released though the Vintages catalogue, about half were in this range. These prices are where our value index algorithm results really prove their worth – if the wine passes analysis. Each wine gets counted in the final aggregate if it has received scores from a minimum number of professional wine critics using Robert Parker’s infamous 100-point scoring system, Unfortunately, one of the challenges is most reviewers tend to ignore wines under the $17 mark. Although for that price, it’s a small enough risk and low enough investment to try a few of them on your own and judge for yourself. For our purposes, 13 wines under $17 and 29 in total were eliminated from analysis because of the lack of scores. The average rating fell to 89.7 from 90.1 while the average price unsurprisingly rose to $30.72 from $29.66. Having so many low-priced wines drop out will tend to have that impact.
Ratings must be viewed as merely a starting point. With wine (and by using savvy research and intelligent selection), you tend to get what you pay for. Cheap wine is not necessarily bad wine; however, well-scoring wines typically start at a certain price ($18) —and after a certain level, diminishing returns take effect. Professional scores serve to help guide purchases, otherwise it is truly a “buyer beware” market. Want proof? The top-scoring wine of the release was Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2016 from Tuscany ($57.95) with an average of 94.6. The lowest scoring wine of the release was Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2018 from North Coast ($19.95), California with an average score of 86.5 (the third release in a row a Californian wine has ended at the bottom). And to demonstrate how subjective ratings are, Bollina Josuè 2018 from Sicily ($24.95) scored both an 88 and a 99 (excluded from the algorithm for lack of available scores). Rating wines yields reliable results in aggregate – start with scores and then trust your palate!
HISPANIC COUNTRIES DOMINATE THE BEST VALUE-FOR-DOLLAR SELECTIONS
Best deal of the release
Signos de Origen Carmenère 2017, COLCHAGUA VALLEY, Chile ($19.95, 91.7 avg.)
Huge upfront ripened red fruit was developed from a warm growing season to deliver lively raspberry, cherry, green pepper and herbal notes without being flabby. Nice levels of tannin and acidity keep it fresh and ideally suited to chorizo or grilled game meats.
Best value wines
Four red wines and one white made our top-five list that delivers great scores at a reasonable price. Value doesn’t always have to come from Spain or new world locations: two picks are from France and one each from Chile, South Africa and Italy. With a smart search, great wines are everywhere!
v Vaucher Père & Fils Fleurie 2018 ($17.95)
v The Spotted Hound Red Blend 2018 ($19.95)
v Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Longomilla Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($20.95)
v Mazzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2017 ($23.95)
v Beaumirail Vacqueyras 2017 ($24.95)
Smart luxuries
In these days where we need to get our stay-at-home adventures where we can find them, these five selections feature fantastic, undervalued pleasure, even at higher prices.
v Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($27.95)
v Giant Steps LDR Yarra Valley Pinot Noir/Syrah 2018 (33.95)
v Remelluri Reserva 2013 ($44.95)
v Quails’ Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2017 ($44.95)
v Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione Chianti Classico (57.95)
One more treat for the cellar
With an impressively high average score of 93.9, this full-bodied Chilean blend of mostly Carménère and Petit Verdot is a red wine to buy and store for the next two to three years.
v Montes Purple Angel 2017 ($69.95)
Here’s your list of well-rated wines that will help you restock your wine cabinet for under $18. Zuccardi wines never disappoint!
v Château Baracan 2015 ($17.95)
v The Winery of Good Hope Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2019 ($13.95)
v Weszeli Felix Grüner Veltliner 2019 ($17.95)
v Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés 2020 ($16.95)
v Covila Rioja Alavesa Crianza 2016 ($16.95)
Good things grow… in Ontario