IVWA 2010: Top 15 Wines Under Screwcap

It’s been years since we first suggested screwcaps could help many wineries produce better wines. Finally, the screwcap has broken through the bias and now appears on quality wines at all price points. We want to celebrate those producers who, for certain styles of wine, value freshness, approachability and increased quality. Add to that the wide consumer reception to the easy-to-open, drinker-friendly closure and you have a success story.

Here are the top 15 highest-scoring wines finished under screwcap from this year’s competition.

Jackson Estate 2009 Stich Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 90 $20-$22 

Wakefield  2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley, South Australia 90 $18-$23

Cono Sur 2009 Organic Chardonnay, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile 90 $13-$15

Rabbit Ranch 2007 Pinot Noir, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand 90 $25-$27

Spy Valley 2009 Pinot Gris, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 90 $20-$26

Three Winds 2008 Syrah, Languedoc, France 90 $13-$15

Château Ste. Michelle   2008 Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States 89 $14-$17

Cono Sur 2008 Merlot, Region del Valle Central, Chile 89 $10-$13

Giesen 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 89 $16-$18

Nero by Giorgio & Gianni 2008 Negroamaro, Veneto, Italy 89 $14-$16

Yalumba 2007 Y Series Shiraz Viognier, South Australia 89 $15-$18

Spy Valley 2009 Pinot Noir, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 89 $22-$32

Red Rooster 2009 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada 89 $17-$21

Sileni Estates 2009 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand 89 $16-$22

Mission Hill 2008 Reserve Viognier, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada 89 $18-$20

More results from the Wine Access 2010 International Value Wine Awards