Bastide Miraflors, Syrah et Vieilles Vignes 2 — Grenache 2021
When browsing the aisles of the wine section at my local liquor store my attention is often drawn to those bottles or price labels noting an awarded point, such as 91 points. These signs don’t always say who awarded the points or whose point system is being used (but we can reasonably assume the points are awarded on a scale of 100). Sometimes they do. And when they happen to say the wine was rate by Wine Spectator Magazine, I usually buy the bottle.
Most would agree that a rating by Wine Spectator Magazine is considered a significant endorsement, if not promise of a very enjoyable wine.
During these past few years, I have regularly purchased Wine Spectator Magazine’s annual issue that ranks what it considers the top 100 wines of that particular year. I am always curious to see the highest and lowest priced bottles on the list. Each year I am surprised to find that wines ranked among the top 10 of the list range in price from the very modest to extravagant.
I have tried some of the more modestly priced ($20 — $35CAD) wines that Wine Spectator Magazine considers to be among the best for that year. Some have been disappointing, while others wonderful.
A few weeks ago, while at my local LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) I came across a bottle of wine awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator Magazine per the sticker affixed to the bottle’s neck (I have not checked to see if this bottle is ranked within the magazine). The wine was Bastide Miraflors, Syrah et Vieilles Vignes 2 — Grenache 2021. And it goes without saying that I bought it.
This French red wine, said to be made in the Languedoc-Roussillon style, did not disappoint. It lived up to my expectations for a wine determined by Wine Spectator to be deserving of a 90 point rating.
Bold, smooth, rich, are the first words that come to mind when thinking of each sip I enjoyed from my glass of Bastide Miraflors. Tobacco balanced by dark chocolate and berries are the next. Each glass was a perfect marriage of scent and taste.
The LCBO has priced Bastide Miraflors at $19.95 CAD (at the time of writing). From my experience with this wine, combined with its 90-point rating, I would not have been surprised were it priced higher. But this is a clear example of price not being a determining factor in the quality or enjoyment of what is considered ‘good’ wine.
Do I believe that every wine rating will guarantee a positive wine experience? Definitely not. Instead, I believe that these ratings will continue to pique my curiosity and lead me to new wines I might not have previously considered. And that is the aim of my wine journey: to be open to learning and exploring more of what the wine world has to offer.
Cheers!
SJ