2012 has seen an astounding array of great tasting wines and to compile a “Top Ten List” in such a year is near on impossible.  So, I’ve taken upon myself to split it up into two parts, under and over $25.

1.   The 2009 Chono Reserva Syrah ($23) from Chile has been called the closest wine to Cote Rôtie and I would have to agree.  Aged in new French and American oak barrels for 6 months barrels, this wine displays an intense, opaque purple/violet-red colour, intense aromas of toasty oak, creamy vanilla, cassis, blackberry, plum, black cherry, roasted meat/dry-rub spices, licorice, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf.  The palate is full of powerful flavours of candied black fruit, rich chocolate, soft, velvety acidity and silky tannins that lead to a full, concentrated finish.  One of the finest Syrahs on the market, its enjoyable now or over the next decade.

2.   One of the best white wines of the 2011 vintage, the 2011 Wild Goose Pinot Gris ($22) is loaded to the brim with luscious fruit aromas of pink grapefruit, apricot, pear, Fuji apple with peach, nectarine and a hint of honey.  The flavours of citrus and tropical fruit and honey carry on and on through to the soft, slightly off-dry finish.  Superb with pan-seared jumbo prawns or scallops with garlic butter, Basa fillets or Fettuccine Alfredo.

3.   A great tasting Pinot Noir from Burgundy, the 2008 Bichot “Old Vines” ($22) is produced from vines aged between 25 to 35 years old in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits areas, on clay-and-limestone soils. This diversity allows for the beautiful complexity of this wine.  A velvety, silky-smooth wine displaying ripe raspberry, cherry, strawberry and cassis fruit aromas with hints of sweet licorice, menthol, vanilla and new leather, the delicate notes of red and black fruit, roses, violets, hints of vanilla and smoke balance a lush and rich texture.  Velvety soft acidity with medium tannins on the finish, this is a “drink-me-up” wine, not intended for aging.  Just invited some friends over and enjoy.  This is generous wine can stand up to a number of rich foods.  Try pairing it with salmon steaks or duck Confit with garlic-mashed potatoes.

4.   Lodi is to Zinfandel what Napa is to Cabernet. Lodi Zins are delicious wines with great depth and complexity.  This wine comes from vineyards with not just old vines but ancient vines, some 100 years old.  The vines are low yielding but provide fruit of excellent quality. A big wine for the price, the 2010 Flying Winemaker Old Vine Zinfandel ($23) is loaded with complex aromas of black cherry, raspberry, red plums and cassis with hints of raspberry jam, smoke, Asian spice and a smooth vanilla-scented oakiness.   Rich and full on the palate with ripe cherry, blackberry, plums, spice and a hint of vanilla culminating in a lingering finish.  Soft, chewy tannins add to the luscious texture of this excellent wine.  Great with a rotisserie grilled pepper-crusted roast.

5.   The View Winery in southeast Kelowna produces a Frizzante wine they call Distraction ($22). A blend of Pinotage, Riesling and Gewurztraminer, there is a soft explosion of the fresh fruit aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry and cranberry with a gentle squeeze of lemon and peach flourishing at the finish.  It combines lightness, freshness with terrific fruit intensity, delicate floral notes and bubbles that gently dance on your palate.  At only 12.5%, this wine has danger written all over it.

6.   Finding a decent Pinot Noir is sometimes a hit and miss, such are the problems but to find one that really stands out is a Pinophiles dream come true.  The 2009 Veramonte Pinot Noir ($20) was one of the hits at the 2012 Vancouver International Wine Festival. The aromas are pure decadent pleasure with its rich cherry, raspberry, smoke leather, forest floor characteristics and subtle spicy oak.  The texture is pure Burgundian, soft, velvety and rich with a stunningly long, long finish.  Superb with rich meat/game dishes with mushroom-based sauces.

7.     You could have great difficulty finding another Malbec that competes with the 2011 Casa de Campo Malbec ($12) at this price for depth, breadth, complexity, and length.  The colour is almost a dark purple with an intoxicating aroma of black raspberries, black currants, crushed dried berries, cocoa, and grilled meat.  On the mid-palate, the wine is pure, supple, and medium to full-bodied with flavours that are an extension of the aromas intertwined with plums, chocolate and toasty oak.  This wine is incredibly versatile with food, perfect for summer entertaining and is a tremendous value.

8.     The 2010 Villa Borghetti Valpolicella ($13) is the traditional Valpolicella blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Rondinella and 10% Corvinone.  Aged for three — six months in traditional Slavonian oak, the wine displays a rich, ruby red colour with vibrant violet hues.  The aromas and flavours are of black cherry, raspberry, cloves, tobacco, licorice, smoke and vanilla.  Super-soft acidity and firm tannins on the finish, this wine is one of the better Valpolicella on the market.  Very Yummy!!!!

9.  The 2010 Calliope Rose ($17) is a delicious blend of Syrah with just a splash of Viognier.  Boasting fresh aromas of ripe Bing cherry, cranberry, red plum, with hints of orange blossoms, watermelon, and pomegranate, the palate has just a hint of sweetness but balanced by crisp acidity allowing the fresh citrus and red fruits to shine through.

10.  A better than average red at a fair price, the 2010 Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel ($22) displays aromas of clove, white pepper, blueberry, and blackberry jam that leads into a mouthful of fruity blackberry, licorice, cedar, and sweet spice.  With the addition of little Petite Syrah, which gives it the characteristic supple tannins and concentrated fruit flavours, the wine displays more heft while maintaining an appealing, easy-drinking quality.