Wine Spectator’s Top 100 issue includes some interesting surprises. As we’ve covered previously the top spot belongs to a rioja. [level-members]
Other top scorers include many of the usual suspects, but there are also some very nice surprises. A $42 Zinfandel (Turley Paso Robles Dusi Vineyards 2011) nearly cracks the top 10, and the list includes wines from 14 countries and more than 23 growing regions.
As a counterpoint to “the big list,” WS has a list of 100 outstanding values: 90 points or higher, $18 or less. 12 countries represented along with more than 20 regions. The old world is well represented – France, Italy and Spain make up more than half the list. California, no surprise, is not value-friendly. Washington is, as is Australia. (Five wines from the Loire ain’t too shabby!)
Further down the 100-point – and price – scales is a “biggest bargains” feature. From 85 to 89 points and $10 max, it’s great list for Friday night pizza wines and beyond.
There’s also a nice package on Washington State, with Syrah taking center stage, so your faithful may be asking for those.
Similarly, Sherry, gets the full WS treatment, including a helpful how-to guide.
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