Many thanks to Neil Monnens, author and publisher of WineBlueBook (formerly QPRWines), for his regular contributions to this page.
What is WineBlueBook?
WineBlueBook (formerly QPRwines) is the one-stop solution to make dollar-savvy wine buying decisions. WineBlueBook is a wine buying guide that groups wines by the major wine critics' scores, then lists them by price and ranks them by value. WineBlueBook is published monthly (delivered via email) and profiles the wines scored the previous month. Click here for more information.
February 2012 This month's issue features many Red Burgundy, Southern Red Rhone, West Coast Pinot Noir and Bordeaux wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2009 Châ:teau l'evangile, Bordeaux Pomerol received a score of 97 points and at $325 is 27 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2009 Faiveley, Red Burgundy Corton Clos des Cortons, which scored 96 points. It costs $165, which is 17 percent of the average $952 cost of a similar scoring Red Burgundy, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2009 Quivira, Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley received an average score of 88 points and is 23 percent of the average $32 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Zinfandel, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
A total of 1,518 wines are profiled in this issue.
January 2012
This month's issue features many West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, West Coast Chardonnay, and West Coast Pinot Noir wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2009 Ch�teau L&eacyte;oville Las Cases, Bordeaux St.-Julien received a score of 97 points and at $317 is 26 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux, which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2009 Ch�teau Montrose Bordeaux St.-Est�phe, which scored 97 points. It costs $199, which is 16 percent of the average $1,219 cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2008 The Wishing Tree Shiraz Australia received an average score of 89 points and is 43 percent of the average $21 cost of a similar scoring Australian Shiraz, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
Special Issue ? Northern Red Rhones
To date, WineBlueBook has featured 19 different wines in its buying guides. We have now added Northern Red Rhone wines and are issuing a Special Summary edition of WineBlueBook, which covers 2000-2009 Northern Red Rhones. It is now available for download in the members area.
At the high scoring end, the 2003 Jean-Michel Stephan, Syrah C�te-Rotie Vieille Vigne en Coteaux received a score of 95 points and at $81 is 45% of the average cost of a similar scoring Northern Red Rhone, which rates it a "Great Value".
A great value Northern Red Rhone is the 2009 Delas, Syrah St.-Joseph Ste.-�pine, which scored 94 points. It costs $50, which is 38% of the average $130 cost of a similar scoring Northern Red Rhone, earning its "Great Value" moniker.
At the low price of $19, the 2009 Ferraton P�re et Fils, Syrah Crozes-Hermitage La Matini?re received an average score of 89 points and is 40% of the average $43 cost of a similar scoring Northern Red Rhone, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,267 Northern Red Rhone wines are profiled in this issue.
December 2011 This month's issue features many West Coast Pinot Noir, Piedmont Reds, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and Champagne wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Plumpjack, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve received a score of 97 points and at $265 is 44 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2008 Fidelitas, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Champoux Vineyard, which scored 94 points. It costs $54, which is 25 percent of the average $217 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $15, the 2008 Vi�a Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Huerheuro received an average score of 90 points and is 26 percent of the average $58 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,267 wines are profiled in this issue.
November 2011
This month's issue features many West Coast Pinot Noir, White Burgundy, Southern Red Rh�ne and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2009 Clos du Mont-Olivet, Southern Red Rh�ne Ch?teauneuf-du-Pape La Cuv?e du Papet received a score of 95 points and at $54 is 50 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Southern Red Rh�ne, which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2009 Domaine Servin, White Burgundy Chablis Vaillons, which scored 92 points. It costs $30, which is 23 percent of the average $132 cost of a similar scoring White Burgundy, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $10, the 2009 M. Chapoutier, Southern Red Rh�ne C�tes du Rh�ne Belleruche received an average score of 88 points and is 31 percent of the average $27 cost of a similar scoring Southern Red Rh�ne, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,860 wines are profiled in this issue.
October 2011
WineBlueBook is a wine buying guide that compares wine ratings and price to determine value.
This month's issue features many White Burgundy, West Coast Pinot Noir and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Cade, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Cade Estate received a score of 96 points and at $130 is 34 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2008 Mark Ryan, Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Dead Horse, which scored 94 points. It costs $46, which is 21 percent of the average $217 cost of a similar scoring Cabernet Sauvignon, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $8, the 2010 Brancott, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough received an average score of 91 points and is 50 percent of the average $16 cost of a similar scoring Sauvignon Blanc, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 941 wines are profiled in this issue.
September 2011
WineBlueBook is a wine buying guide that compares wine ratings and price to determine value.
This month's issue features many West Coast Pinot Noir, White Burgundy, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and West Coast Syrah wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Quilceda Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) received an average score of 97 points and at $180 is 30 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2010 Ch?teau Lynch-Bages, Bordeaux Pauillac, which scored 97 points. It costs $159, which is 13 percent of the average $1,219 cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $18, the 2009 Alain Jaume, Southern Rh�ne C�tes du Rh�ne Villages les Valats received an average score of 91 points and is 41 percent of the average $45 cost of a similar scoring Southern Rh�ne, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 588 wines are profiled in this issue.
August 2011
This month's issue features many West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, West Coast Pinot Noir, White Burgundy and Bordeaux wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Peter Michael Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Les Pavots received an average score of 96 points and at $159 is 42% of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2009 Vincent Dauvissat, White Burgundy Chablis Les Preuses, which scored 95 points. It costs $95, which is 17% of the average $555 cost of a similar scoring White Burgundy, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $18, the 2009 Two Hands, Shiraz Mclaren Vale Angel's Share received an average score of 92 points and is 18% of the average $48 cost of a similar scoring Australian Shiraz, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 997 wines are profiled in this issue.
July 2011
This month's issue features many White Burgundy, Bordeaux and West Coast Pinot Noir wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2010 Ch�teau Palmer, Bordeaux Margaux received an average score of 97 points and at $345 is 28% of the average cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2010 Ch�teau Lynch-Bages, Bordeaux Pauillac also scoring 97 points. It costs $160 which is 13% of the average $1,219 cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $18, the 2010 Ch�teau Cambon la Pelouse, Bordeaux Haut-M?doc received an average score of 91 points and is 24% of the average $75 cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux, also earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
A total of 830 wines are profiled in this issue.
June 2011
This month's issue features many West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, West Coast Pinot Noir and West Coast Chardonnay wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2006 V�rit�, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma La Joie received an average score of 97 points and at $184 is 31% of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2008 Hall, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley scoring 94 points. It costs $42 which is 19% of the average $217 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2008 Graffigna, Malbec San Juan Centenario Reserve received an average score of 89 points and is 45% of the average $20 cost of a similar scoring Argentine Malbec earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 987 wines are profiled in this issue.
May 2011
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy, Bordeaux, West Coast Pinot Noir and Tuscan Sangiovese wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2009 Pahlmeyer, Chardonnay Napa Valley received an average score of 94 points and at $40 is 49% of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay which rates it a "Great Value".
Another outstanding value this month is the 2008 Joel Gott, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley also scoring 91 points. It costs $13 which is 17% of the average $78 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $10, the 2009 Delas, Rh�ne Red Blend C�tes du Rh�ne St. Esprit received an average score of 89 points and is 29% of the average $28 cost of a similar scoring Southern Red Rhone earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,1644 wines are profiled in this issue.
April, 2011
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy, Southern Rh�ne, West Coast Pinot Noir, Bordeaux and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Loring Wine Co. Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Garys' Vineyard received an average score of 95 points and at $38 is 18% of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir which rates it an "Outstanding Value".
Another outstanding value this month is the 2009 Loring Wine Co. Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Rosella's Vineyard also scoring 95 points. It costs $40 which is 19% of the average $211 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $12, the 2008 Bishop's Peak Chardonnay Central Coast received an average score of 89 points and is 39% of the average $31 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,129 wines are profiled in this issue.
March, 2011
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, Piedmont Reds, West Coast Syrah, and West Coast Chardonnay wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Peter Michael Winery, Chardonnay Sonoma Mon Plaisir received an average score of 96 points and at $80 is 50% of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay which rates it a "Great Value".
Another value this month is the 2008 Columbia Crest, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Grand Estates scoring 87 points. It costs $8 which is 19% of the average $43 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2008 Hogue, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) received an average score of 87 points and is 21% of the average $43 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
A total of 725 wines are profiled in this issue.
Special Issue - Wines Scored in 2010
Over 8,000 wines are profiled in this special edition of WineBlueBook ? wines rated in 2010 by professional wine critics (and which received two or more scores during 2010 in WineBlueBook). Available free to members.
A total of 8,381 wines are profiled in this special issue.
February, 2011
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy, West Coast Pinot Noir and Southern Rh�ne wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Herman Story Syrah Santa Barbara Nuts And Bolts received an average score of 95 points, and at $36 is 36 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Syrah which rates it a "Great Value".
Another outstanding value this month is the 2007 Januik Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Champoux Vineyard, scoring 94 points. It costs $45, which is 21 percent of the average $217 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $7, the 2008 Columbia Crest Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Two Vines received an average score of 87 points, and is 29 percent of the average $24 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Merlot, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,259 wines are profiled in this issue.
January, 2011
This month's issue covers many Champagne, German Riesling, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and Piedmont Red wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2007 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley received an average score of 96 points and at $85 is 22 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, which rates it an "Outstanding Value".
Another outstanding value this month is the 2008 Ch�teau le Thil Bordeaux Pessac-l�ognan, scoring 95 points. It costs $18 which is 24 percent of the average $75 cost of similar scoring Bordeaux, earning its "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2008 Shoofly Shiraz South Eastern Australia received an average score of 88 points and is 50 percent of the average $18 cost of a similar scoring Australian Shiraz, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 989 wines are profiled in this issue.
December, 2010
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, White and Red Burgundy, West Coast Syrah and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Owen Roe Syrah Yakima Valley Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block received an average score of 95 points and at $50 is 47 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Syrah which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2008 Domaine William Fevre White Burgundy Chablis Valmur scoring 95 points. It costs $70 which is 13 percent of the average $555 cost of similar scoring White Burgundy, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $8, the 2008 Slipstream Sauvignon Blanc Western Australia received an average score of 88 points and is 50 percent of the average $16 cost of a similar scoring Sauvignon Blanc, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,483 wines are profiled in this issue.
November, 2010
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, West Coast Pinot Noir and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2000 Ch�teau L�oville Las Cases Bordeaux St.-Julien received an average score of 97 points and at $360 is 30 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2008 Domaine William Fevr, White Burgundy Chablis Bougros Cote Bouguerots scoring 95 points. It costs $64 which is 12 percent of the average $555 cost of similar scoring White Burgundy, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2008 Shoofly Shiraz South Eastern Australia received an average score of 88 points and is 50 percent of the average $18 cost of a similar scoring Australian Shiraz, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,185 wines are profiled in this issue.
October, 2010
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, West Coast Pinot Noir and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Herb Lamb Vineyard received an average score of 97 points and at $29 is 48 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon which rates it a "Great Value".
An outstanding value this month is the 2008 Jean-Marc Brocard White Burgundy Chablis Montee de Tonnerre scoring 92 points. It costs $31 which is 23 percent of the average $132 cost of similar scoring White Burgundy earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $8, the 2009 Castle Rock Chardonnay Columbia Valley (WA) received an average score of 87 points and is 36 percent of the average $22 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 781 wines are profiled in this issue.
September, 2010
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, West Coast Syrah and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Quilceda Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley received an average score of 97 points and at $175 is 46 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon which rates it a "Great Value".
The best value this month is the 2007 Columbia Crest, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Grand Estates scoring 87 points. It costs $8 which is 19 percent of the average $43 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $8, the 2007 Columbia Crest, Merlot Columbia Valley Grand Estates received an average score of 87 points and is 33 percent of the average $24 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Merlot earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 641 wines are profiled in this issue.
August, 2010
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, White Burgundy and Tuscan Sangiovese wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Betz, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Pere de Famille received an average score of 95 points and at $65 is 23 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon which rates it an "Outstanding Value".
The best value this month is the 2007 Chappellet, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Pritchard Hill Estate scoring 97 points. It costs $109 which is 18 percent of the average $599 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $10, The Magnificent Wine Company's 2008 Proprietary Red Columbia Valley Steak House received an average score of 87 points and is 23 percent of the average $43 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
A total of 724 wines are profiled in this issue.
Bordeaux Issue (August 2010 Special Issue)
This Special Summary Issue covers 2000-2009 Bordeaux wines. The Aug 2010 "price per score" differences are higher across the board except for 96 rated wines which had a very small decrease.
At the high scoring end, the 2009 Ch�teau Montros Bordeaux St.-Est�phe received an average score of 97 points and at $170 is 14 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux, earning it an Outstanding Value moniker.
At the low price point of $9, the 2006 Mouton-Cadet Bordeaux received an average score of 85 and is 32 percent of the average $9 cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux, a Great Value.
A total of 3,144 Bordeaux wines are profiled in this issue.
August, 2010
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, White Burgundy and Tuscan Sangiovese wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Betz, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Pere de Famille received an average score of 95 points and at $65 is 23 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon which rates it an "Outstanding Value".
The best value this month is the 2007 Chappellet, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Pritchard Hill Estate scoring 97 points. It costs $109 which is 18 percent of the average $599 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $10, The Magnificent Wine Company's 2008 Proprietary Red Columbia Valley Steak House received an average score of 87 points and is 23 percent of the average $43 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
A total of 724 wines are profiled in this issue.
July, 2010
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, West Coast Pinot Noir, West Coast Chardonnay and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Flora Spring, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford Hillside Reserve received an average score of 95 points and at $86 is 31 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon which rates it a "Great Value".
The best value this month is the 2007 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Oakville, scoring 95 points. It costs $76 which is 27 percent of the average $277 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the low price of $10, the 2008 Guenoc Chardonnay Lake County received an average score of 86 points and is 50 percent of the average $20 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 513 wines are profiled in this issue.
June, 2010
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, West Coast Chardonnay and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2008 Testarossa, Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Bien Nacido Vineyard received an average score of 94 points and at $56 is 32 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir which rates it an "Great Value".
At a value index of 16 percent, the 2007 Columbia Crest, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (WA) Two Vines scored 87 points and cost $7 which is 16 percent of the average $43 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $8, the 2009 O. Fournier, Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley Urban received an average score of 88 points and is 50 percent of the average $16 cost of a similar scoring Sauvignon Blanc earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 432 wines are profiled in this issue.
May, 2010
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy, Bordeaux and West Coast Pinot Noir wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Roar Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Rosella's Vineyard, received an average score of 95 points and at $50 is 24 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir, which rates it an "Outstanding Value".
At a value index of 22 percent, the 2007 Hahn Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast, scored 88 points and cost $10 which is 22 percent of the average $43 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $7, the 2007 Cycles Gladiator Merlot Central Coast, received an average score of 86 points and is 33 percent of the average $24 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Merlot, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 803 wines are profiled in this issue.
April, 2010
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy and Bordeaux wines that were scored in the past 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Dumol, Chardonnay Sonoma Green Valley Isobel received an average score of 95 points and at $100 is 47 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir which rates it a "Great Value".
At a value index of 19 percent, the 2007 Columbia Crest, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Grand Estates scored 87 points and cost $8 which is 19 percent of the average $43 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $6, the 2009 Vi�a Santa Rita, Sauvignon Blanc Lontue Valley 120 received an average score of 86 points and is 46 percent of the average $13 cost of a similar scoring Sauvignon Blanc earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,247 wines are profiled in this issue.
March, 2010
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, Bordeaux, West Coast Chardonnay and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the last 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Peter Michael Winery, Chardonnay Sonoma Ma Belle Fille received an average score of 96 points and at $79 is 49 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay which rates it a "Great Value".
At a value index of 22 percent, the 2006 Ladera, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley scored 96 points and cost $29 which is 22 percent of the average cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $9, the 2008 Snoqualmie, Chardonnay Columbia Valley received an average score of 89 points and is 29 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
A total of 1,200 wines are profiled in this issue.
Bonus issue - West Coast Chardonnays (February, 2010)
This Special Summary Issue covers 2001-2007 West Coast Chardonnay wines. Updated West Coast Chardonnay wines, scores and prices in this issue show the "Average Price per Score" from 2004-2007 wines scored by at least two of the major wine critics and available for sale in the US.
We did a comparison between January 2007 and February 2010.
The Feb 2010 'price per score' differences were much lower for the higher scoring Chardonnays.
At the high scoring end, the 2006 Rodney Strong, Chardonnay Sonoma Reserve received an average score of 94 points and at $26 is 32 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay, earning it a Great Value moniker.
At the low price point of $8, the 2008 Bogle, Chardonnay California received an average score of 87 and is 36 percent of the average $25 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay, a Great Value.
A total of 2,925 West Coast Chardonnay wines are profiled in this issue.
Bonus issue - West Coast Zinfandels (February, 2010)
This Special Summary Issue covers 2001-2007 West Coast Zinfandel wines. Updated West Coast Zinfandel wines, scores and prices in this issue show the "Average Price per Score" from 2004-2007 wines scored by at least two of the major wine critics and available for sale in the US.
We did a comparison between July 2007 and February 2010.
The Feb 2010 'price per score' differences were small and mixed across the board for all scores
At the high scoring end, the 2005 Ravenswood, Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Teldeschi received an average score of 93 points and at $26 is 47 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Zinfandel, earning it a Great Value moniker.
At the low price point of $9, the 2004 Rancho Zabaco, Zinfandel California Dancing Bull received an average score of 87 and is 36 percent of the average $25 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Zinfandel, a Great Value.
A total of 1,683 West Coast Zinfandel wines are profiled in this issue.
February, 2010
This month's issue covers many Southern Rh�ne, West Coast Pinot Noir and Red Burgundy wines that were scored in the last 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Clos du Mont-Olivet Rh�ne Red Blend Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape La Cuv�e du Papet received an average score of 96 points, and at $65 is 38 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Southern Rh�ne, which rates it a "Great Value".
At a value index of 35 percent, the 2007 Chasseur Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Freestone Station scored 94 points and cost $61, which is 35 percent of the average $174 cost of similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noirs, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the low price of $12, the 2007 Durigutti Malbec Mendoza received an average score of 90 points and is 48 percent of the average $25 cost of a similar scoring Argentine Malbec, earning it a "Great Value" moniker. Another low price point value wine is the 2007 Quinta do Crasto Port Douro that scored 88 points and cost $16, which is 31 percent of the average $51 cost of a similar scoring Port wine.
A total of 821 wines are profiled in this issue.
January, 2010
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, Champagne, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and West Coast Pinot Noir wines that were scored in the last 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Roessler Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills La Encantada Vineyard received an average score of 95 points and at $46 is 22 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir.
At a value index of 18 percent, the 2007 Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 'The Ranch' scored 94 points and cost $40 which is 18 percent of the average $217 cost of similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the low price of $10, the 2007 Delas Rhone Red Blend C�tes du Rh�ne St. Esprit received an average score of 89 points which is 29 percent of the average $28 cost of a similar scoring Southern Rhone, earning it a "Great Value" moniker. Another low price point value wine is the 2007 Louis Martini Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma that scored 88 points and cost $11, which is 24 percent of the average $45 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
A total of 1,376 wines are profiled in this issue.
Special Issue - Syrahs
This Special Summary Issue covers 2001-2007 West Coast Syrah wines. Updated West Coast Syrah wines, scores and prices in this issue shows the "Average Price per Score" from 2004-2007 wines scored by at least two of the major wine critics and available for sale in the US.
The Nov 2009 'price per score' for wines remained relatively the same except for the high scoring 93-94 point range which lowered substantially.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Tensley Syrah Santa Barbara Colson Canyon Vineyard received an average score of 95 points and at $35 is 33 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Syrah, earning it a Great Value moniker. ?The 2007 Jaffurs Syrah Santa Barbara Bien Nacido Vineyard also received an average score of 95 and at $40 is 37 percent of the average $107 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Syrah.
At the value end, at $9, the 2005 Cycles Gladiator Syrah Central Coast received an average score of 87 and is 35 percent of the average $26 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Syrah, a Great Value.
A total of 2,389 West Coast Syrah wines are profiled in this issue.
Special Issue - Champagnes
This Special Summary Issue covers Champagne wines.
Updated Champagne wines, scores and prices in this issue show the "Average Price per Score" from non-vintage and recent vintage (1996-2005) wines scored by at least two of the major wine critics and available for sale in the US.
Our comparision with prices in November, 2006 shows that the November, 2009 "price per score" for lower-scoring (and lower-priced) wines inched up a bit while the "price per score" for high-scoring (and high-priced) wines lowered in price substantially.
At the high-scoring end, the NV Larmandier-Bernier, Champagne Brut Saignee de Ros� received an average score of 94 points and at $84 is 48 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Champagne, earning it a Great Value moniker. The NV Piper-Heidsieck, Champagne Brut Cuv�e Rare received an average score of 93 and at $36 is 28 percent of the average $127 cost of a similar scoring Champagne.
At the value end, at $25, the NV Moutardier, Champagne Brut Carte d'Or and NV Piper-Heidsieck, Champagne Brut both received an average score of 89 points and both are 45 percent of the average $56 cost of a similar scoring Champagne. Both are Great Values.
A total of 1,069 Champagne wines are profiled in this issue.
Special Issue - Argentine Malbec
This Special Summary Issue covers Argentine Malbec wines.
Argentine Malbec has garnered much wine critic attention in the recent years to allow WineBlueBook to collect enough statistical data (scores and available wines in the US market) to add Argentine Malbec to our list of 19 wine varietals covered.
We developed the "Average Price per Score" from recent vintages (2004-2008) from wines scored by at least two of the major wine critics and available for sale in the US.
The point spread of the "Average Price per Score" is close, between the $13 average price for an 83 average score to $15 for an 87 point average scored Argentine Malbec. This means that an extra $2 will buy you a wine that scored four more points. And the point spread is also close with only a $2 difference between a 90 point Malbec (at $25) and a 91 point Malbec (at $27).
Overall Malbec is a great value red wine value. For $27, you can purchase a 91 rated Malbec or for roughly the same amount of money, you can buy the following red wines:
- - 89 rated Australian Shiraz
- - 86 rated Bordeaux
- - 84 rated Red Burgundy
- - 88 rated Southern Red Rhone
- - 87 rated Tuscan Sangiovese
- - 85 rated West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
- - 87 rated West Coast Merlot
- - 85 rated West Coast Pinot Noir
- - 87 rated West Coast Syrah
- - 88 rated West Coast Zinfandel
At the high scoring end, the 2006 Renacer, Malbec Mendoza Punto Final Reserva received an average score of 92 points and at $15 is 38 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring Argentine Malbec, earning it a Great Value moniker. �The 2002 Kaiken, Malbec Mendoza received an average score of 90 and at $12 is 48 percent of the average $25 cost of a similar scoring Argentine Malbec. At the value end, at $9, the 2008 O. Fournier, Malbec Mendoza Urban Uco Valle de Uco received an average score of 89 points and is 45 percent of the average $20 cost of a similar scoring Argentine Malbec.
A total of 522 Argentine Malbec wines are profiled in this issue.
Future Argentine Malbec scores will be included in WineBlueBook's regular monthly issues.
October 2009
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, Champagne, West Coast Pinot Noir and Southern Rh�ne wines that were scored in the last 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Roessler Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict received an average score of 95 points and at $51 it is 24 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker. The 2005 Mount Eden Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains Estate received an average score of 94 and at $43 is 47 percent of the average $92 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay.
At the low price of $13, the 2007 Shoofly Shiraz South Eastern Australia received an average score of 90 points which is 39 percent of the average $33 cost of a similar scoring Australian Shiraz earning it a "Great Value" moniker. Another low price point value is the 2006 Ch�teau Teyssier, Bordeaux Montagne-St Emilion, which received an average score of 87 points and cost $14 which is 47 percent of the average $30 cost of a similar scoring Bordeaux.
A total of 1,174 wines are profiled in this issue.
September 2009
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, West Coast Syrah, West Coast Chardonnay and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the last 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2006 Andrew Will Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Sorella received an average score of 95 points and at $60 is 22 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker. The 2006 McPrice Myers, Syrah Arroyo Grande Valley Les Galets Vineyard received an average score of 94 and at $35 is 21 percent of the average $165 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Syrah.
At the low price of $16, the 2007 Cuvaison Chardonnay Carneros received an average score of 90 points which is 44 percent of the average $36 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay earning it a "Great Value" moniker. Another low price point value is the 2007 Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay Edna Valley Paragon which received an average score of 88 points and cost $10 which is 38 percent of the average $26 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay.
A total of 646 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
August 2009
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, Sauvignon Blanc and Australian Shiraz wines that were scored in the last 30 days by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2007 Domaine William Fevre White Burgundy Chablis Les Clos received an average score of 95 points and at $94 it is 17 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring White Burgundy earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker. The 2006 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley received an average score of 91 and at $20 is 26 percent of the average $78 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.
At the low cost of $12, the 2006 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa Valley received an average score of 91 points which is 27 percent of the average $44 cost of a similar scoring Australian Shiraz earning it a "Great Value" moniker. Another low price point value is the 2008 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough which received an average score of 90 points and cost $9 which is 47 percent of the average $19 cost of a similar scoring Sauvignon Blanc.
A total of 816 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
July 2009
This month's issue covers many German Riesling, West Coast Pinot Noir, West Coast Chardonnay and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored in the last 30 days (see below) by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2006 David Arthur, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley received an average score of 95 points and at $90 it is 32 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it a "Great Value" moniker. The 2006 Saviah Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley received an average score of 91 and at $28 it is 36 percent of the average $78 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.
At the value end, at $9, the 2006 and 2007 Hogue, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley both received an average score of 88 points and both cost $9 which is 20 percent of the average $45 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning both "Outstanding Value" monikers.
A total of 907 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
June 2009
This month's issue covers many Bordeaux, West Coast Pinot Noir and West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
The 2006 Roessler, Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Savoy received an average score of 95 points and at $42 it is 20 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir earning it a "Outstanding Value" moniker. The 2006 Rodney Strong, Chardonnay Sonoma Reserve received an average score of 94 and at $24 it is 26 percent of the average $92 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay.
At the value end, at $13, the 2006 Hogue, Merlot Columbia Valley Genesis received an average score of 88 points and is 42 percent of the average $26 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Merlot. The 2007 Beringer, Chardonnay Napa Valley received an average score of 89 points and at $7 it is 23 percent of the average $31 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Chardonnay.
A total of 1,196 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
February 2009
This month's issue covers only 268 wines as two monthly wine review publications do not publish January issues. Red Burgundy and West Coast Pinot Noir make up the bulk of the wines listed in this issue.
The 2006 Russian Hill, Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Estate received an average score of 92 points and at $34 it is 50 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir, earning it a "Great Value" moniker. The 2007 Seghesio, Zinfandel Sonoma received an average score of 91 and at $20 it is 42 percent of the average $48 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Zinfandel.
At the value end of $16 the 2006 MacMurray Ranch, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast received an average score of 88 points and is 41 percent of the average $39 cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir.
A total of 268 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
January, 2009
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne and West Coast Pinot Noir wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2005 Hewitt, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford received an average score of 95 points and at $70 it is 34 percent of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon earning it an "Great Value" moniker. The 2006 Henri Boillot, White Burgundy Corton-Charlemagne received an average score of 95 and at $165 it is 40 percent of the average $555 cost of a similar scoring White Burgundy.
At the value end of $18 the 2006 Vietti, Barbera Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne received an average score of 90 points and is 45 percent of the average $53 cost of a similar scoring Piedmont red wine.
A total of 1,278 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
November 2008
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, White Burgundy and Piedmont Red wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2006 Shea, Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Pommard Clone received an average score of 94 points, and at $50 it is 38 percent of the average cost of a similar-scoring West Coast Pinot Noir, earning it an "Great Value" moniker. The 2006 Domaine William Fevre, White Burgundy Chablis Bougros Cote Bouguerots received an average score of 94, and at $75 it is 35 percent of the average $284 cost of a similar-scoring White Burgundy.
At the value end of $18, the 2005 Radford Dale, Shiraz Eden Valley received an average score of 92 points and is 47 percent the average $51 cost of a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz. At $16, the 2007 Torzi Matthews, Shiraz Eden Valley Schist Rock received an average score of 91 points and is 48 percent of the average $44 cost of a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz.
A total of 1,284 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
August 2008
This month's issue covers many White Burgundy, Tuscan Sangiovese and West Coast Chardonnay wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2006 Lewis, Chardonnay Napa Valley Reserve received an average score of 95 pointsm and at $62 it is 39 percent of the average cost of a similar-scoring West Coast Chardonnay. The 2006 Domaine William Fevre, White Burgundy Chablis Les Clos also received an average score of 95, and at $89 it is 16 percent of the average $555 cost of a similar-scoring White Burgundy, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the value end of $11, the 2006 Earthworks, Shiraz Barossa Valley received an average score of 90 points and is 33 percent the average $33 cost of a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz. At $18, the 2006 Mr. Riggs, Shiraz Mclaren Vale The Gaffer received an average score of 91 points and is 41 percent of the average $44 cost of a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz.
A total of 737 wines are profiled in this issue.
NOTE: While WineBlueBook is published monthly, many wine critics - whose scores WineBlueBook relies on - do not. A wine cannot be listed in WineBlueBook until at least two critics have published their scores (from which WineBlueBook creates an "average score"). As a result, the number of wines listed in a given issue will vary.
WineBlueBook
July 2008
This month's issue covers many Piedmont Reds, West Coast Pinot Noir and West Coast Syrah wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2004 Conterno Fantino, Nebbiolo Barolo Sori Ginestra received an average score of 95 points, and at $90 it is 39 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring Piedmont Red. The 2005 Ch�teau Quinault L'Enclos, Bordeaux St.-Emilion received an average score of 93, and at $55 it is 46 percent of the average $119 cost for a similar-scoring Bordeaux wine, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the value end of $12 the 2006 Columbia Crest, Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills H3 received an average score of 89 points and is 39 percent of the average $31 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Chardonnay. At $15, the 2005 Ch�teau Ste. Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Indian Wells received an average score of 88 points and is 33 percent of the average $46 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.
A total of 544 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
June 2008
This month's issue covers many Bordeaux, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Burgundy and West Coast Pinot Noir wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2005 Ch�teau L�oville Las Cases, Bordeaux St.-Julien received an average score of 97 points, and at $350 it is 37 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring Bordeaux. The 2005 Ramey Wine Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Jericho Canyon Vineyard received an average score of 95, and at $110 it is 29 percent of the average $380 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the value end of $9, the 2005 Hogue, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley received an average score of 86 points and is 29 percent the average $31 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. At $16, the 2006 Seghesio, Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Sonoma received an average score of 90 points and is 36 percent the average $44 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Zinfandel.
A total of 1,182 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
May 2008
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy and Bordeaux wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high scoring end, the 2005 Ch�teau Cos d'Estournel, Bordeaux St.-Est�phe received an average score of 97 points, and at $240 it is 26 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring Bordeaux. The 2005 Ch�teau Bellefont-Belcier, Bordeaux St.-Emilion received an average score of 94, and at $48 it is 34 percent of the average $141 cost for a similar-scoring Bordeaux, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the value end of $18, the 2005 Ch�teau Clos Chaumont, Bordeaux Premi�res C�tes de Bordeaux received an average score of 90 points and is 38 percent the average $47 cost for a similar-scoring Bordeaux. At $12, the 2006 Ch�teau de Saint-Cosme, Rh�ne Red Blend C�tes du Rh�ne received an average score of 89 points and is 43 percent the average $28 cost for a similar scoring Southern Rhone wine.
A total of 633 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
April 2008
This month's issue covers many Red Burgundy and Bordeaux wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 2005 Ch�teau l'Evangile, Bordeaux Pomerol received an average score of 97 points, and at $370 it is 39 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring Bordeaux. The 2005 Bouchard P?re & Fils, Red Burgundy Chambertin Clos-de-Beze received an average score of 96, and at $375 it is 39 percent of the average $952 cost for a similar-scoring Red Burgundy, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the value end of $11, the 2005 Louis Jadot, White Burgundy Macon received an average score of 86 points and is 32 percent of the average $34 cost for a similar-scoring White Burgundy. At $16 the 2006 Seghesio, Zinfandel Sonoma received an average score of 91 points and is 33 percent of the average $48 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Zinfandel.
A total of 677 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
February 2008
This month's issue covers many West Coast Zinfandel but only two German Rieslings and no other wines. as the monthly wine critics do not publish scores in January.
At the high-scoring end, the 2005 Ravenswood, Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Teldeschi received an average score of 93. At $24 it is 45 percent of the average $53 cost for a similar-scoring Zinfandel, earning it a "Great Value" moniker. The 2005 Sobon Estate, Zinfandel Shenandoah Valley Rocky Top received an average score of 89 points, and at $14 it is 40 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Zinfandel.
At the value end of $10, the 2005 Four Vines, Zinfandel California Old Vine Cuv�e received an average score of 87 points and is 42 percent of the average $24 cost for a similar scoring-West Coast Zinfandel.
A total of 237 wines are profiled in this issue.
WineBlueBook
January 2008
This month's issue covers many West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, West Coast Pinot Noir, Piedmont reds, West Coast Chardonnay and Australian Shiraz wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high-scoring end, the 1995 Charles Heidsieck, Champagne Blanc des Millenaires received an average score of 95, and at $80 it is 32 percent of the average $245 cost for a similar-scoring Champagne, earning it a "Great Value" moniker. The 2005 Ramey Wine Cellars, Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Hudson Vineyard received an average score of 95 points, and at $50 it is 35 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Chardonnay.
At the value end of $9, the 2004 Jacob's Creek, Shiraz South Australia Reserve received an average score of 88 points and is 41 percent the average $22 cost for a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz. At $10, the 2005 Grayson, Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles received an average score of 86 points and is 32 percent the average $31 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.
These four wines and 1,082 more are profiled in the December 2007 issue of WineBlueBook.
WineBlueBook
December 2007
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, West Coast Syrah, Piedmont Reds, West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and Australian Shiraz wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
The 2005 K Vintners, Syrah Walla Walla The Beautiful received an average score of 94, and at $43 it is 26 percent of the average $165 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Syrah, earning it a "Great Value" moniker.
At the high-scoring end, the 2004 Greenock Creek, Shiraz Barossa Valley Alice's received an average score of 97 points, and at $66, it is 41 percent of the average $161 cost for a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz. The 2006 Glaetzer, Shiraz Barossa Valley Amon Ra received an average score of 97 points, and at $80 it is 41 percent of the average cost for a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz.
At the value end of $8, the 2005 Cycles Gladiator, Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast received an average score of 86 points and is 26 percent the average $31 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. At $11, the 2004 Kenwood, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County received an average score of 87 points and is 27 percent the average $41 cost for a similar-scoring West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.
These five wines and 1,108 more are profiled in the December 2007 issue of WineBlueBook.
WineBlueBook
West Coast Pinot Noir, Australian Shiraz, and Piedmont Reds
This month's issue covers many West Coast Pinot Noir, Australian Shiraz, and Piedmont red wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
The 2005 Domaine William Fevre, White Burgundy Chablis Les Preuses received an average score of 94, and at $65 it is 23 percent of the average $284 cost for a similar-scoring White Burgundy, earning it an "Outstanding Value" moniker.
At the high scoring end, the 1996 Billecart-Salmon, Champagne Brut Cuv?e Nicolas Fran?ois Billecart received an average score of 95 points. At $107, it is 43 percent of the average $248 cost for a similar-scoring Champagne. The 2005 John Duval Wines, Shiraz Barossa Valley Entity received an average score of 94 points, and at $31 it is 40 percent of the average $78 cost for a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz.
At the value end of $13 the 2005 Jim Barry, Shiraz Clare Valley Lodge Hill received an average score of 90 points and is 39 percent the average $33 cost for a similar-scoring Australian Shiraz. At $15 the 2005 Domaine De La Mordoree, Southern Rhone C?tes-du-Rh?ne La Dame Rousse received an average score of 90 points and is 45 percent the average $33 cost for a similar-scoring Southern Rhone.
These five wines and 1,063 more are profiled in the November 2007 issue of WineBlueBook.
WineBlueBook
Pinot Noir, White Burgundy and more
This month's WineBlueBook issue covers many Pinot Noir and White Burgundy wines that were scored last month by the wine critics.
At the high end, the 2005 Bouchard Pere & Fils, White Burgundy Corton-Charlemagne received an average rating of 95, and at $150 it is 25 percent the average price of $555 for a similar-scoring White Burgundy. The 2004 Donum, Pinot Noir Carneros scores 94 points, and at $50, it is also 25 percent of the average $197 for a similar-scoring Pinot Noir.
For Cabernet lovers, the 2004 Leonetti, Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley scored 94 points, and at $80 it is 36 percent of the average scoring Cabernet Sauvignon. For a value Cabernet, the 2004 Ferrari-Carano, Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley scored 89 points and at $20 it is 37 percent of the average cost for a similar scoring Cabernet Sauvignon.
At the value end of $13, the 2005 De Loach, Pinot Noir Russian River Valley scored 88 points and is 33 percent the average cost of $40 for a similar-scoring Pinot Noir. Two value Shiraz wines, the 2005 Hewitson, Shiraz Barossa Valley Ned & Henry's and the 2005 Rusden, Shiraz Barossa Valley Stockade, both averaged 91 points and at $17 are 39 percent of the average price for a similar-scoring Shiraz.
These seven wines and 573 more are profiled in the October 2007 issue of WineBlueBook.
WineBlueBook
2001-2005 West Coast Zinfandel
In this issue you will find 2001-2005 Zinfandel wine from the West Coast.
When we combine all the vintages by score and price, the 2003 has nine Great Values while the 2004 has seven, the 2002 and 2005 have five and the 2001 has two.
Comparing wines scoring 90 points or more, we find only 26 percent of the 2005 vintage wines average 90 points or above; the 2002 and 2003 vintages have 21 percent, the 2004 vintage has 18 percent and the 2001 has 16 percent. In terms of price, the 2004 vintage averages $37, the 2002 averages $41, the 2001 averages $42, the 2003 average $50 and the 2005 averages $51.
At the high end the 2003 Carlisle Winery, Zinfandel Russian River Valley Carlisle Vineyard averages 92 points, and at $29 it is 43 percent of the average $68 price for a similar-scoring wine earning a "Great Value" moniker. At $19 the 2004 Summers, Zinfandel Napa Valley Villa Andriana Vineyard averages 91 points and is 40 percent of the average price, earning it a "Great Value." At the value price of $11, the 2002 Castle Rock, Zinfandel Russian River Valley averages 88 points and is 37 percent of the average price, earning it a "Great Value."
These four wines and 662 more are included in the WineBlueBook 2001-2005 West Coast Zinfandel issue.
WineBlueBook
2000-2004 West Coast Merlot
In this issue you will find 2000-2004 Merlot wine from the West Coast. 2004 is the Value and High Scoring Vintage while 2002 has the most Great Values.
When combining all the vintages by score and price, the 2002 has 11 Outstanding or Great Values while the 2001 has 10, the 2003 has 8, the 2000 has five and the 2004 has only three.
When comparing wines scoring 90 points or more, only 35 percent of the 2004 vintage wines average 90 points or above; the 2001 and 2002 vintages have 25 percent, while the 2000 and 2001 vintages have only 17 percent. In terms of price, the 2004 vintage averages $41, the 2002 averages $42, the 2003 $43, the 2001 $44 and the 2000 vintage averages $48.
At the high end the 2003 Novelty Hill, Merlot Columbia Valley Stillwater Creek Vineyard averages 92 points, and at $25 it is 37 percent of the average $68 price for a similar-scoring wine earning a "Great Value" moniker. At $15, the 2004 Barnard Griffin, Merlot Columbia Valley averages 90 points and is 32 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value." At the value price of $7, the 2002 Columbia Crest, Merlot Columbia Valley Two Vines averages 89 points and is 19 percent the average price earning it an "Outstanding Value."
These three wines and 472 more are included in the WineBlueBook 2000-2004 West Coast Merlot issue.
WineBlueBook
2000-2004 West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
For West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 may be the value vintage, but 2002 and 2003 have more value wines. When we combine all the vintages by score and price, the 2003 has 49 Outstanding or Great Values while the 2002 has 47, the 2001 has 31, the 2000 has 16 and the 2004 has only 14.
When we compare wines scoring 90 points or more, 70 percent of the 2004 vintage wines average 90 points or above. The 2003 vintage has 54 percent, the 2001 has 48 percent, the 2002 has 47 percent and the 2000 has only 32 percent. In terms of price, the 2004 vintage averages $50, the 2003 averages $57, the 2002 $58, the 2001 $64 and the 2000 vintage averages $67.
At the high end, the 2002 Laurel Glen, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Mountain averages 94 points, and at $45 it is 20 percent of the average $220 price for a similar-scoring wine, earning an "Outstanding Value" moniker. At $30, the 2003 Simi, Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Landslide Vineyard averages 92 points and is 26 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value." At $20, the 2003 Beaulieu Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Rutherford averages 90 points and is 31 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value." At the value price of $10, the 2003 Castle Rock, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley averages 88 points and is 22 percent the average price, earning it an "Outstanding Value."
These four wines and 1,071 more are included in the WineBlueBook 2000-2004 West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon issue.
Housekeeping note: Recent issues have been slow to be published as WineBlueBook is working on an improved system. Stay tuned for the announcement.
WineBlueBook
2001-2004 Australian Shiraz
When we combine all the vintages (plus a few 2005s) by score and price, the 2003 has 13 Great Values while the 2004 has 11. The 2002 vintage has six while the 2005 and 2001 have four Great Values.
Comparing wines scoring 90 points or more, 53 percent of the 2002 vintage wines average 90 points or above, while the 2004 vintage has 51 percent, the 2003 has 50 percent and the 2001 has only 46 percent. In terms of the average price for a 90-scoring wine, the 2004 vintage averages $26, the 2002 averages $33, the 2004 averages $36, and the 2001 vintage averages $38.
At the high end the 2004 Oliverhill Winery, Shiraz McLaren Vale Jimmy's Section averages 94 points. At $33, it is 42 percent of the average $78 price for a similar-scoring wine earning a "Great Value" moniker. At $17, the 2004 Thorn-Clarke, Shiraz Barossa Valley Shotfire Ridge averages 92 points and is 33 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value". At $11 the 2003 Yalumba Winery, Shiraz Barossa Valley averages 89 points and is 38 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value".
These three wines and 664 more are included in the WineBlueBook 2001-2004 Australian Shiraz issue.
WineBlueBook
Low Prices Across the Board Allow for Great Value German Riesling
In this issue you will find 2002-2005 Riesling from Germany.
When combining all the vintages by score and price, the 2004 and 2005 vintage both have only three "Great Value" wines while the 2002 and 2003 vintage do not have any "Great Values." But don�t let the small number mislead you: The average price of a 90-point German Riesling is only $27.
When comparing wines scoring 90 points or more, 68 percent of the 2005 vintage wines average 90 points or above while the 2004 vintage has 55 percent, the 2003 has 46 percent and the 2002 vintage has 45 percent. In terms of the average price for a 90-scoring wine, the 2005 vintage averages $23, the 2002 averages $27, the 2004 averages $28 and the 2003 vintage averages $30.
At the high end, the 2005 St.-Urbans-Hof, Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter Goldtr�pfchen averages 92 points, and at $18 it is 49 percent of the average $37 price for a similar-scoring wine earning a "Great Value" moniker. At $16, the 2005 Florian Weingart, Riesling Kabinett Mittelrhein Schloss F�rstenberg averages 91 points and is 50 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value". At $11 the 2005 St.-Urbans-Hof, Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer averages 89 points and is 44 percent the average price, earning it a "Great Value."
These three wines and 538 more are included in the WineBlueBook 2002-2005 German Riesling issue.
WineBlueBook
Vintage and Non-Vintage Port
When combining Vintage and Non-Vintage Port by score and price, the Non-Vintage Port wines have four "Outstanding Value" and 26 "Great Value" wines while the Vintage Port wines have seven "Great Value" wines.
When comparing wines scoring 90 points or more, 56 percent of the Vintage Port wines average 90 points or above while Non-Vintage Port wines has only 29 percent. In terms of the average price for a 90 scoring wine, the Non-Vintage wines average $43, while the Vintage wines average $55.
At the high end the 1994 Dow, Vintage Port averages 97 points, and at $66 it is 29 percent of the average $225 price for a similar-scoring wine earning a "Great Value" moniker. At $35, the NV Niepoort, Tawny Port 10 year old averages 94 points and is 45 percent of the average price, earning it a "Great Value." At $20, the NV Warre, Tawny Port 10 year old Otima averages 91 points and is 33 percent of the average price, earning it a "Great Value." At the value end of $11, the NV Cockburn, Ruby Port Fine averages 86 and earns a 30 percent "Great Value" QPR.
These four wines and 283 more are included in the WineBlueBook Vintage and Non-Vintage Port issue.
WineBlueBook
Quality Price Ratio Wines: 2000-2002 West Coast Merlot
When we combine all the vintages by score and price, the 2001 has the only "Outstanding Value." The 2002 vintage has 13 of the 29 "Great Value" wines, the 2001 vintage has 11 and the 2000 has five.
When we compare wines scoring 90 points or more, 20 percent of the 2002 vintage wines average over 90 points, while the 2000 vintage has 19 percent and the 2000 vintage has only 16 percent. In terms of price, the 2001 vintage averages only $37 and the 2002 vintage averages $44, while the 2000 vintage averages $46 for a 90-point wine.
At the high end, the 2002 Nickel & Nickel, Napa Valley Suscol Ranch Merlot averages 93 points, and at $50 it is 49 percent of the average $102 price for a similar-scoring wine. At $25, the 2002 Miner, Oakville Merlot averages 91 points and earns a 47 percent QPR. At $9, the 2001 Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley Grand Estates Merlot averages 89 points and earns a 24 percent "Outstanding Value" QPR. At $7, the 2001 Covey Run, Washington Merlot averages 87 points and earns a 31 percent QPR.
These four wines and 397 more are included in the WineBlueBook 2000-2002 West Coast Merlot issue.
On another note, in a recent post to his thoughtful New York Times blog, The Pour, Eric Asimov shared his mixed feelings about wine scores. While I would encourage you to read it in its entirety, he seems to have netted out where we do: "Most consumers simply want guidance on how best to spend their money. They want to believe that when they buy something - a book, a movie, theater tickets or a bottle of wine - the chances will be good that they will like what they?ve purchased. Ratings help with that."
To view brief summaries of all prior editions of QPRwines, predecessor to WineBlueBook, click to the QPRWines archives on WineLoversPage.com.
The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook
