Hit and Miss.

“Why would anyone spend that much on a bottle of wine? You can’t even taste the difference!”

An argument I often hear when people question the amount I may have spent on any particular bottle. I am not saying this argument is wrong, just that it is fundamentally redundant.

First of all, I think this perception comes from a lack of exposure to ‘good wine’, not necessarily that cheaper wines are all of the same quality as more expensive ones.

The distinction between ‘good’ and ‘expensive’ is one that cannot be made often enough. Prices are set using a huge number of variables, and these may not necessarily take into account the conditions of a particular vintage or any unfortunate, possibly unnoticed issues in the winery.

When I am buying wine, I am not looking at the price tag, but using my knowledge of the regions, the winemakers, the vintages and the varieties (and maybe the help of Mr Halliday). Price can be an indication of the intended quality (and more often than not, it is) however, just as some of the more expensive wines can disappoint with their quality, cheaper wines can surprise with their class. I suppose the point I am trying to make is this:

Price is a guide only. Buying wine can be very hit and miss. ‘Hit’s’ occur in all price ranges, however I do believe that generally the more expensive the bottle, the more likely you are to have a ‘hit’.

After writing my last post, I thought it would be a good time to provide a list of my favourite wines in the $20 and under price range. These are recommendations of wines that I feel represent value for money.

Whites

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Hunter Valley Semillon 2011 - $19.99

Tahbilk Marsanne 2006 - $14.99

Margan Family Hunter Valley Semillon 2010 - $18.00
Nick O'Leary Canberra District Riesling - $19.99

Brindabella Hills Canberra District Sauvignon Blanc 2011 - $19.99

Rutherglen Estates Arneis 2011 - $15.95

Eden Road The Seedling Canberra Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - $15.00

West Cape Howe Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - $17.00

Reds

Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2010 - $16.99

Piano Piano Oliver's Blend Merlot Cabernet 2008 - $18.00

Bourke St Canberra District Shiraz 2010 - $19.99

Brindabella Hills Canberra District Cabernet Merlot 2008 - $19.99

Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - $16.99

The Maitresse Pinot Noir 2010 - $15.99

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard Hunter Valley Tempranillo 2009 - $19.99
Chrismont La Zona Sangiovese 2010 - $18.00