Last week we featured wines from the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 for 2014 and I ended by saying that we sell number 55 for a mere $13.65, but I did not elaborate. Now I will.

Firstly these 100 were selected from more than 18,000 tasted during the year and number 55 was our Veramonte 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. There was no lower price on the whole list and this beautiful, sustainably farmed vineyard offers exceptional value year after year.

As often happens when wines are reviewed in the earlier part of the year, by the time the list comes out the vintages that we have in stock will have changed. This is the case with the Veramonte as we now have the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon that we sell for $13.65. I still think it worthy of mention though as the climate is quite even and reliable in Chile and the standards are consistent in this modern winery. The 2012 is deeply coloured with rich blackcurrant flavours. It is deliciously smooth thanks to ageing in American and French oak barrels. Just imagine a Top 100 candidate at a Monday to Thursday night price.

Now if we turn to the current issue of the Wine Enthusiast magazine we see that they have also released their Top 100 that has been chosen from more than 17,500 tasted during the year. This time we can offer you the actual vintage mentioned for two of the wines.

Number 50, with a score of 93/100 is our San Felice 2010 “Il Grigio” Chianti Classico Reserva from Tuscany. The magazine writes: “Hallmark Sangiovese aromas of blue flowers, woodland berries, underbrush, leather and spice take centre stage in this stunning wine. The palate delivers succulent black cherry flavour accented by black pepper, cinnamon, mint and sage, with bracing yet ripe tannins. It’s already delicious, but hold for additional complexity. Drink 2015 — 2025. Editor’s choice.”

I should point out that this magazine states a selling price in the USA of $26 and our price in Bermuda is $25.45.

I must mention that San Felice that is owned by a company with offices in Bermuda has a remarkable track record. In 2011 their 2006 Brunello scored 96/100 and placed fourth overall on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100. They are one of the first to release a brand new classification of Chianti called Gran Selezione and their 2010 San Felice “Il Grigio Gran Selezione” Chianti Classico scored 94/100 with James Suckling, 94/100 with the Wine Enthusiast and 93/100 from Parker. We bought it in recently, ran right out, and now have just received more. The cost is $38.25

Some years ago I answered my office phone and a gentleman introduced himself as Jonathan Maltus. He asked if I knew who he was and I quite honestly replied “no”. Turns out that he has made quite a name for himself and he has now actually produced a 100/100 wine in St Emilion. We bring in his Chateau Teyssier, which is his home, and also Le Dome and Laforge which are all St Emilion Grand Cru reds.

Jonathan wanted to spread his wings to the New World and in 2008 he released his first Napa Valley wines from his newest venture that he calls World’s End. We stock five of these wines and they are all named after great rock songs. World’s End “If Six was Nine” Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 of course honours the 1967 Jimi Hendrix album “Axis Bold as Love”.

If Six was Nine 2010 has placed eighty second overall on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 with a score of 94/100. The publication describes it thusly: “A brooding Cabernet full of green and black olive, velvety cassis and cinnamon spice, this is ready to enjoy now. A juicy red, it has resolved tannins and a lingering taste of tobacco. Power and finesse are here, along with smoky minerality and savoury fruit.” $55.25. This is a classic example of how a team from Bordeaux can coax forth the beautiful bounty of Napa Valley.

This column is a paid for advertorial for Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. Michael Robinson is Director of Wine at Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. He can be contacted at mrobinson@bll.bm or 295-0176. Burrows Lightbourn have stores in Hamilton (Front Street East, 295-1554), Paget (Harbour Road, 236-0355) and St George’s (York Street, 297-0409). A selection of their wines, beers and spirits are available online at www.wineonline.bm.