When you taste as much wine as I do over the course of a year, narrowing down the list of your favorites to a meer 20 seems almost impossible. That's why this year I have broken my top wines of the year list into to different categpries: Top Wines $20+ and Top Wines $20 and Under. 

The qulaity of the wines in the $10 to $20 retail price range has steadily improved over the last decade. In fact, it is now far easier to find nice wines in this proce category than ever before. Don't get me wrong, you can still get burnt by just pulling random bottles off the store shelf for $10 each, but you can also find some real gems.

I thought I would establish this list a convneient buying guide for those who are comfortable purchasing wine at these prices, but don't want to have to awful feeling of wine buyers remorse.

#20 2012 The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand $16

All the grapefruit and citrus zing one would expect from NZ with fresh acidity and  a clean finish that lasts longer than most I've tasted at this price

#19 2012 Ruta 22 Malbec - Mendoza, Arentina $15

Dark fruit flavors of chaerry and blackberry are well integrated with moedrate spice making for a well blanaced wine. The spice component is moderate and the wine is apporachable now.

#18 2010 Kokomo Vineyards Red Wine Cuvee - Sonoma County, CA $20

A beautfifully structured and enticing red blend that seems to develop more with every sip. Red cherry and raspberry mingle with licorice, smoke and supple tannins.

#17 2010 Stone Cap Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington $15

A fruit forward rielsing with orchard fruits on the front palate and medium sweetness coming through on the mid palate to the finish. Well balanced. Not a sugar bomb.

#16 2011 Las Rocas Red Blend - Span $16

This Tempranillo-based blend is earthy with baked fruits and hints of terrior throughout the sip. A food friendly wine that goes well with a diverse array of dineer choices.

That's the first installment of the top twenty value wines of the year. Check back next week when I release #15-#11.