I have been buying a lot of wines on auction and here are some world-class wines under $80.
- 2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah In the Hills – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (10/12/2023)
Day 1: Wow on the pop and pour. Green olives, white pepper, flint, stones, floral, spices, mild smoke and blue currants. This is an amazing wine and bought at auction for an amazing price. Thank you Napa Valley for not buying these world class wines for under $60. 95 points (95 points) - 2019 Pax Syrah Sonoma Hillsides – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/11/2023)
Day 1: Pop and pour. Exotic spices, pepper, dried flowers, minerals, dust, rust, earth and iron. Medium to long finish and concentrated wine. Very complex effort and one of my top 5 producers of Syrah in the US. 93+ points
Day 2: No surprise this is better on day 2. Pax wines inside of 10 years are almost always better on day 2. Pepper, roasted meats, iron, earth, exotic spices, crushed rock, minerals and damp earth. Super complex and medium to long finish. An outstanding value. 94 points (94 points) - 2011 Sleight of Hand Syrah Levitation – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (10/10/2023)
Day 1: Much better than the last time sampling this wine. Rosted meats, iodine, rose petals, violets, soy and forest floor. Medium plus finish and complex wine. This has aged well and from a less than stellar vintage this delivers. 92 points
Day 2: Really nice with a rustic edge along with roasted meats, violets, underbrush, pepper, iodine and blue currants. This is a wonderful Syrah that I for sure am enjoying more than the last bottle back in 2019. Medium plus finish. 93 points (93 points) - 2005 Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon – Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (10/3/2023)
Knowing about good wine and buying at the right price at auction is always rewarding. Decanted 1.5 hours. Blueberries, Eucalyptus, mild pepper, spice and earth. Concentrated wine and super balanced. Tastes like $100 plus Cab but paid $45 with shipping. Win! (94 points) - 2020 Rôtie Cellars Southern Blend – USA, Washington (9/28/2023)
Day 1: Will say this is better than the last bottle with spice, dried flowers, raspberries, minerals, white pepper and tar. Medium plus finish. Amazing what time can do on a bottle of wine. 92 points
Day 2: Even better with green olives, dried flowers, raspberries, white pepper, minerals, spices and tar. Super complex wine and long finish. Excellent value at purchase after a disappointing first bottle. 93 points
Recommendation: Don’t shy away from the 2020 vintage from Washington. This is great and have had some other amazing wines. (93 points)