Wines of the Year 2021: the top Value wines
Decanter staff, and its experts around the world, were asked to nominate their favourite classic, offbeat and value wines that most impressed in 2021. See the top-scoring bottles in the Value category, under £25, blind tasted by our judging panel.
Neither the category nor price is revealed to the judges in Decanter’s Wines of the Year, so every entry is assessed purely on a quality basis – a fact appreciated by our judges, Stefan Neumann MW, Matt Walls and Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW.
‘It should always be about the quality in the glass before price becomes a consideration,’ said Neumann.
Consequently, several Value wines (under £25) nominated by Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Chairs, key contributors and staff stood shoulder to shoulder alongside bottles several times their price.
These included two Chenin Blancs from Stellenbosch in South Africa as well as a Soave Classico, all scoring above 95 points and costing between £11 and £18.
Italy was also strong in the reds, with a £13.99 Chianti Classico and a Primitivo di Manduria both scoring 95 points, as was Mendoza in Argentina with an organic Malbec and a Cabernet Franc.
Other notable high-scoring wines nominated in the Value category (many of which might have since become more expensive since judging – or have sold out) came from Australia, Spain, Bordeaux, Hungary, Languedoc and Greece.
Full list of all Value wines nominated and tasted
98 points
Cape Landing, Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia, 2019. Nominated by Rupert Owen
97 points
Barón de Ley, Tres Viñas.Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2018. Nominated by Sonja van Praag
Oldenburg Vineyards, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2020. Nominated by Georgina Hindle
96 points
Morris, Classic Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia. Nominated by Huon Hooke
95 points
Argento, Single Vineyard Finca Altamira Organic Malbec, N/A, Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina, 2019. Nominated by Amanda Barnes
Basilica Cafaggio, Villa Cafaggio, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2018. Nominated by Peter Czismadia Honigh
Château Lancyre, Coste d’Aleyrac, Pic Saint-Loup, Languedoc, France, 2019. Nominated by Michael Denton
Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2019. Nominated by Jane Anson
Cillar de Silos, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2018. Nominated by Simon Field MW
Coffele, Ca’ Visco, Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2020. Nominated by Michael Garner
Dagaz, Kolwe Vineyard, Pumanque, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2019. Nominated by Alistair Cooper MW
Diamantakou, Naoussa, Naoussa, Greece, 2018. Nominated by Yiannis Karakasis MW
Tinazzi, Feudo Croce Imperio – LXXIV, Primitivo di Manduria, Puglia, Italy, 2019. Nominated by Stephen Hobley
Tokaj Nobilis, Hárs Barakonyi dűlő, Tokaj, Tokaj, Hungary, 2018. Nominated by Caroline Gilby MW
94 points
Babylonstoren, Shiraz, Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa, 2019, Michela Nassiz
Domaine Maby, Libiamo, Tavel, Rhone Valley, France, 2019. Nominated by Elizabeth Gabay MW
Jansz Tasmania, Premium Cuvée Brut, Tasmania, Australia NV. Nominated by Justin Knock MW
Château Joanin Bécot, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France, 2018. Nominated by Yohan Castaing
Villa Huesgen, Alte Reben Enkircher Steffensberg Riesling Wurzelecht, QbA, Mosel, Germany, 2019. Nominated by Markus Del Monego MW
93 points
Bodegas Garcia de Lara, Finca Villalobillos Pie Franco Airen, Castilla, Spain, 2019. Nominated by Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW
Château de Plaisance, Sur la Butte, Anjou, Loire, France, 2019. Nominated by Tina Gellie
Claudie Jobard, En Villerange, Rully, Burgundy, France, 2019. Nominated by Andy Howard MW
Cullen, Cullen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, Wilyabrup, Australia, 2017. Nominated by Sarah Ahmed
Graham Beck, Ultra Brut, Robertson, Western Cape, South Africa, 2015. Nominated by Fiona McDonald
KWV, Roodeberg 1949, Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2017. Nominated by Greg Sherwood MW
La Guardiense, Janare Senete Falanghina, Falanghina del Sannio, Campania, Italy, 2020. Nominated by Susan Hulme MW
Moric, Blaufränkisch, Qualitätswein, Burgenland, Austria, 2019. Nominated by James Lawther MW
S.C. Pannell, Tempranillo-Touriga, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, Australia, 2018. Nominated by Michael Hill Smith MW
Verget, Sur la Roche, Mâcon-Vergisson, Burgundy, France, 2020. Nominated by Charles Curtis MW
92 points
Bodegas Verum, Ulterior Parcela No. 17 Graciano, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, 2016. Nominated by Sarah Jane Evans MW
Casa Santos Lima, Quid Pro Quo, Alentejano, Portugal, 2019. Nominated by Barbara Philp MW
Filos Estate, Single Vineyard Aspri Petra Assyrtiko, Florina, Greece, 2020, Jim Budd
Ktima Foundi, Xinomavro, Naoussa, Greece, 2016. Nominated by Amy Wislocki
Nutbourne Vineyards, Bacchus, West Sussex, South East, England, 2019. Nominated by Sylvia Wu
St. Andrea, Bull Egri Bikavér Superior, Eger, Hungary, 2019. Nominated by Beth Willard
91 points
Fattoria di Magliano, Heba, Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy, 2018, Aldo Fiordelli
Thorne & Daughters, Wanderer’s Heart, Western Cape, South Africa, 2020. Nominated by Natalie Earl
89 points
Heppington, Pinot Noir, Kent, South East England, United Kingdom, 2020 Nominated by Justin Howard-Sneyd MW.
See tasting notes and scores for the top Wines of the Year: Value
Wines are listed in score order by style; sparkling, white, red then sweet
Related content:
Wines of the Year 2021: top-scoring bottlesTop-scoring wines of 2021: 100-point wines
Jansz, Premium Cuvée Brut, Tasmania, Australia
<p>Complex aromas of croissant, salted butter, hints of caramel and cashew nuts, wind candied Amalfi lemon peel nuances. It delivers power and elegance in equal measures. Delicious from start to finish. Nominated by Justin Knock MW.</p>
Jansz
Graham Beck, Ultra Brut, Franschhoek, South Africa, 2015
<p>Toasty nose of brioche with hints of seashell and oysters. Crunchy and crisp on the palate, quite refreshing with a lot of persistence. Nominated by Fiona McDonald.</p>
2015
Graham Beck
Baron de Ley, Tres Viñas Reserva Blanco, Rioja, Northern Spain, Spain, 2018
<p>A very expressive nose of clarified butter, vanilla, toasty nuts and peaches, with hints of red apples. Creamy on the palate with a fresh acidity which adds lift and liveliness. Has great energy, with a savoury edge. Nominated by Sonja van Praag.</p>
2018
Baron de LeyRioja
Oldenburg Vineyards, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2020
<p>Inviting nose with touches of lime skin, oyster shell, green fruit, wax, candied rose petals and hints of curry. This is very classic and seriously focused, intense with a vibrant and perfectly integrated freshness. Nominated by Fiona McDonald</p>
2020
Oldenburg Vineyards
Coffele, Ca' Visco, Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2020
<p>Lovely freshness with mineral undertones, delicate yellow plum, ripe citrussy notes and hints of exotic fruits under peach and pear aromas. Peppery and crisp palate with freshness and elegance. Nominated by Michael Garner</p>
2020
CoffeleSoave Classico
Villa Huesgen, Alte Reben Enkircher Steffensberg Riesling Wurzelecht, Mosel, Germany, 2019
<p>Aromatic and fresh aromas or petrichor, nectarine, yellow plums, white peaches, lemon peel and subtle kerosene notes. Nice crunchy mid-palate with a citrusy spark of ripe lemon and lemongrass. Nominated by Markus Del Monego MW.</p>
2019
Villa Huesgen
Bodegas Garcia de Lara, Finca Villalobillos Pie Franco Airen, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, 2019
<p>Mineral and salty nose with a flinty touch and nuances of almond and macadamia nuts. Impressive freshness and focus with a persistent finish. Nominated by Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW.</p>
2019
Bodegas Garcia de Lara
Domaine Claudie Jobard, En Villerange, Rully, Burgundy, France, 2019
<p>Aromatic and expressive with buttery notes, brioche and white toast under yellow apple and cloves. Crisp and concentrated on the palate. Nominated by Andy Howard MW.</p>
2019
Domaine Claudie JobardRully
Cullen, Cullen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, Wilyabrup, Western Australia, Australia, 2017
<p>Delicate floral expression with minty undertones, nettles and yellow apples with waxy nuances. Harmonious and crisp on the palate. Nominated by Sarah Ahmed.</p>
2017
CullenWilyabrup
Verget, La Roche, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Vergisson, Burgundy, France, 2020
<p>Generous aromas of ripe stone fruit, lemon rind and savoury notes. Gently plump with a remarkable freshness, crisp and saline. Nominated by Charles Curtis MW.</p>
2020
VergetMâconnais
La Guardiense, Janare Senete Falanghina, Falanghina del Sannio, Campania, Italy, 2020
<p>Aromatic blossom, peach, lemon curd and ripe lime notes on the nose. Refreshing in the mouth with a chalky mid-palate. Nominated by Susan Hulme MW.</p>
2020
La GuardienseFalanghina del Sannio
Cape Landing, Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia, 2019
<p>Cape Landing is an independent, family-owned winery making classic Margaret River wines. Single-vineyard wines are made in order to reflect the style of each plot, integrating biodiversity, restoration and the maintenance of native species in the vineyards. The finest parcels of fruit from each vintage are selected for Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon, and production is generally restricted to 1,800 bottles per year. Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW: Fragrant with notes of dill and rosemary. Loads of blackcurrant mixed with woodsmoke and spice. Acidity adds an element of freshness. Stefan Neumann MS: This is a highly perfumed style. Shows ripeness of dark fruit but it’s not too fruity or intense. Has a remarkable balance of power and concentration yet elegance. Matt Walls: A perfumed, pure Cabernet Sauvignon that feels very Margaret River; elegant, refined, pure. Very silky, velvety, plush, but still fresh and harmonious. Very seductive. Nominated by Rupert Owen.</p>
2019
Cape LandingMargaret River
Argento, Single Vineyard Finca Altamira Organic Malbec, Uco Valley, Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina, 2019
<p>Complex nose displaying ripe blackcurrant, plum, perfumed flowers and herbs. Fresh and drinkable, with firm tannins and elegance. Nominated by Amanda Barnes.</p>
2019
ArgentoUco Valley
Cafaggio, Villa Cafaggio, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2018
<p>Villa Cafaggio's vineyards are located in the heart of Chianti's Conca d'Oro ('Golden Basin'), considered a prime location for producing Chianti Classico. This easy drinking wine, presented here in magnum format but also available in 75cl bottle for £13.99, ages for 12 months in 65hl Slavonian oak barrels and a further 12 months in cement vats. It's expressive on the nose, fragrant with dark cherry fruit which continues on to the palate alongside some plum notes and a spicy length.</p>
2018
CafaggioChianti Classico
Château Lancyre, Coste d'Aleyrac, Pic St-Loup, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2019
<p>Aromatic and fresh nose with olive notes, tomato tapenade, lavender, plums, camphor and violets over nuances of creamy oak and leather. Rich and full on the palate with plenty of smooth tannins. Nominated by Michael Denton</p>
2019
Château LancyrePic St-Loup
Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 2019
<p>Restrained nose with complex aromas of blackcurrants, dark plums and tobacco. Gentle and plush, with gravelly tannins and a crisp acidity. Seriously wonderful and complex expression of a modern Bordeaux. Nominated by Jane Anson</p>
2019
Château Smith Haut LafittePessac-Léognan
Cillar de Silos, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2018
<p>Highly seductive aromas of refined dark fruit with layers of spice and smoke. Refined elegance on the palate, with a bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, precise in style, fresh and focused. Nominated by Simon Field MW.</p>
2018
Cillar de Silos
Dagaz, Kolwe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua, Chile, 2019
<p>Attractive aromas showing generous blackcurrants, blackberries, mint chocolate and leafy notes. Fine, elegant and fresh, yet showing serious concentration and velvety tannins. Very long finish. Nominated by Alistair Cooper MW</p>
2019
Dagaz
Diamantakos, Xinomavro, Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece, 2018
<p>Delicate nose with crunchy red fruits, spicy cumin, juicy raspberry and peppery cranberry aromas with hints of dried herbs. A good amount of concentration, with herbal freshness. Nominated by Yiannis Karakasis MW.</p>
2018
DiamantakosNaoussa
Babylonstoren, Shiraz, Simonsberg, Paarl, South Africa, 2019
<p>Perfumed and fresh nose with elegant notes of juicy black fruits seasoned by sweet spices and creamy undertones. Juicy and lengthy, with pliable, well-worked tannins. Fully ripe, defined and elegant. Nominated by Michela Nassiz.</p>
2019
BabylonstorenSimonsberg
Domaine Maby, Libiamo, Tavel, Rhône, France, 2019
From grapes grown on the hotter galet roulé soils, the use of Cinsault and white Grenache keeps this wine at the paler end of the Tavel spectrum, while fermentation and ageing in barrel gives added weight – Maby aims for flavour rather than colour. A deep golden amber colour with delicate smoky chestnut aromas, the wine opens up to rich white chocolate, bitter orange and honeyed red fruits. It is powerful, complex, atypical, and rather gorgeous. The tannins are delicately integrated and sweet.
2019
Domaine MabyTavel
Château Joanin-Becot, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, 2018
<p>Ripe and concentrated plummy character on the nose with hints of oaky sweet spices. Rich in the mouth yet showing some restraint. Soft tannins, with a fresh acidity providing balance. Nominated by Yohan Castaing.</p>
2018
Château Joanin-BecotCastillon Côtes de Bordeaux
Château de Plaisance, Sur la Butte, Anjou, Loire, France, 2019
Vanessa Cherruau’s wines are a delight! This biodynamic blend of two Cabernets boasts a floral, red-berry perfume. The silky palate balances sappy fruit tannins, vibrant acidity and fleshy summer-pudding fruit. Graceful, generous and moreish.
2019
Château de PlaisanceAnjou
KWV, Roodeberg 1949, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2017
<p>Ripe and concentrated with smoke notes, cured meat, bramble and blackberries. Rich with a firm structure on the palate. Nominated by Greg Sherwood MW.</p>
2017
KWV
Moric, Blaufränkisch, Burgenland, Austria, 2019
<p>Savoury nose with sappy notes of fresh mushrooms and autumn leaf, paprika and blueberry. Juicy, lively and fluid, firm tannins. Nominated by James Lawther MW.</p>
2019
Moric
SC Pannell, Tempranillo-Touriga, South Australia, Australia, 2018
<p>High pinched perfume and peppery nose with gamey nuances and jammy red fruits. Great concentration and freshness, firm tannins. Nominated by Michael Hill Smith MW.</p>
2018
SC Pannell
Morris, Classic Liqueur Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia
<p>Perfumed nose, full of caramelised sweet nuts, toffee, succulent dates, prunes and molasses. Silky on the palate with a line of orange zest-like acidity balancing its viscous texture. Never-ending layered finish. Nominated by Huon Hooke.</p>
MorrisRutherglen
Tokaj Nobilis, Hárs Barakonyi dűlő, Tokaj, Hungary, 2018
<p>Lovely toasty nose with tangerine peel, ripe red apple, spiced quince, cloves and oolong tea over nuances of lime marmalade. Very pleasant refreshing acidity with a slightly bitter backbone. Nominated by Caroline Gilby MW</p>
2018
Tokaj Nobilis
