My 15 favorite wines of 2014 for under $20

I’m doing this from memory so it’s possible that I may have overlooked a few wines, but here are my favorite wines from 2014 for under $20.

1. 2012 Pali Wine Company Huntington Vineyard Pinot Noir $20
Better than some of the $40 pinots I tasted this past year. And even though it’s young, it’s drinking well right now.

2. 2012 Andrew Murray Tous les Jours $16
A great value on a lovely Santa Ynez Valley Syrah

3. 2012 Michael David Petite Petit $18
A blend of 85% Petite Sirah 15% Petite Verdot. The 2012 is just now hitting the shelves, so you may find the 2011 instead. I drank quite a few bottles of the 2011 this past year and it’s very good, although not as good as the 2012. I also tried the 2010 this past year, but didn’t like it as much as either the 2012 or 2011.

4. Norton Reserva Malbec 2011 $18
The Norton Reserva Malbec consistently delivers top quality. 2011 was a good year in Mendoza. Made Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines list for 2013

5. 2011 Robert Hall Syrah $18
A good introduction to Central Coast Syrah at an affordable price

6. 2013 J. Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay $14
From California’s Central Coast

7. 2013 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc $13
I probably drink more Sauvignon Blanc than any other white wine, and this is the one I drink more than any other. Year in, year out a very high quality-to-price ratio

8. 2012 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec Mendoza $12
I lived in Buenos Aires for a few years and I can tell you that Trapiche is one of the oldest, most respected wineries in Argentina. Still very young, give it some time to breathe before serving.

9. 2012 Columbia Crest Grand Estates $12
From Washington State, the entire Grand Estates line from Columbia Crest delivers high quality at affordable prices.

10. 2012 Bogle "Essential Red" Old Vine Red Blend $11
A blend of old vine Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, every day house wine, this would be a good one to choose.

11. 2013 Hedgeline Chardonnay $10
Another wine from Washington State, very surprising quality for the price

12. 2012 Bogle Merlot $10

13. 2012 Terrazas de los Andes Altos Del Plata Malbec $12

14. 2013 La Vielle Ferme Rose $9
A very nice dry rose made from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. Absolutely incredible quality for the price

15. 2013 Matua Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (New Zealand) $15