It's been a lot of fun counting down the top value wines of 2014. It seems that many wine lovers in our area are interested in finding quality wines for $20 or less.

It was actually more challenging to complete the Top 20 than I anticipated, not baecuase I struggled to find enough wines tro fill the list, but just the opposite. There were so many quality wines out there at this price point that I could have expanded the list to a top forty.

Hmmm maybe next year...

One thing that really stands out about this list is the global nature of the wine industry. The top ten is constructed of wines from five different countries and five different regions of California. There are also 10 different varietals (types of wine) represented in this year's top ten.

There is a lot of really good wine out there in the world at the $20 and under price point.

Here's the best ten I found this year:

10. 2011 Pillar Box Red - Australia, $16

A bold and spicy Shiraz-based blend.

9. 2011 Terra De O'ro Zinfandel - Amador County California, $18

Juicy red fruits with nice structure and moderate spice well integrated.

8. 2013 Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Sauvignon Blanc - Washington, $13

Delightful acidity with citrus and tropical fruits.

7. 2012 Bridlewood Cabernet - Paso Robles California, $16

Surpsisingly well developed tannins and dark fruits with subtle black pepper.

6. 2012 Dr. Loosen Brothers "Dr L." Riesling - Germany, $12

Incredible balance of orchard fruit flavors and moderate residual sugar content.

5. 2011 Castle Rock Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley California, $20

Delicate berry and red cherry with floral aromatics.

4. 2008 Gabrielle Collection "Vertex" Red Blend - North Coast California, $20

Beautifully structed and well integrated layers of dark fruits and defined tannins.

3. 2012 Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne $18

Earthy and aromatic with baked fruits and moderate spice.

2. 2011 Norton Malbec Reserva Mendoza - Argentina, $15

Bold and beautiful with cherry and plum fruits and full bodied spice on the finish.

1. NV Mumm Napa Brut Presitge - Napa Valley California, $20

This California bubbly stands up in blind tastings against French Champagnes triple its price!

There you have it! I hope you go out and try a few of these wines. Most of them are readily available in local stores and at restaurants. Some may be more challenging than others to find the correct vintage, but it's worth the work for great Vino!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers and wine lovers around the world!!!