January 2010 Wine Value Picks

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% of the average cost of a similar scoring West Coast Pinot Noir.

At a value index of 18%, the 2007 Snowden, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The Ranch scored 94 points and cost $40 which is 18% 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, Rhône Red Blend Côtes du Rhône St. Esprit received an average score of 89 points which is 29% of the average $28 cost of a similar scoring Southern Rhône 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% 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.