Best Wines over $20

Our main focus is under $20, but sometimes we find exceptional wines for just a few dollars more. Here we list 20 terrific reds, whites, rosés, sparkling and dessert wines. Here are 3 examples:

1. Piper’s Brook Riesling 2015 – $23 at Gasworkscellardoor. This Tassie classic from a great maker is close to $30 or more at other wine sellers. Shows the Dresden China style that Riesling can produce in Tassie, deceptive in its youth as it builds body over many years. Haven’t tried this vintage.

2. Yalumba The Cigar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $23 at Jim’s Cellars or $24 at Nicks / Vintage Direct. The fruit is sourced from Yalumba’s Menzies vineyard in Coonawarra. The cigar is the long, slim shape of central Coonawarra’s Terra Rossa. I liked the 2010 a lot for its combination of depth and elegance. The fruit in the 2012 is bigger, and so is the oak to keep it company. Blue fruits, dark chocolate and pencil shavings. Great concentration, depth and length here, and polished tannins finish it off neatly. Will get even better given a few years in the cellar. 94+ points

3. Jansz Premium Cuvée – $19.40 at Dan M’s (today). One of our favourites, but usually on the wrong side of $20. Great cool climate Aussie bubbles from Tassie, showing superb balance (not too lean and mean).