Most wine lovers enjoy reading the many Wine of The Year articles that come out during the holiday season. At the Wine Shack, we taste a lot of amazing wines during the year, which qualifies us to write our own best of list.

Thus, not to be left out of the end-of-the-year compilations, I asked the Shack staff to create their personal best wines and best value wines lists. I did the same and enjoyed comparing my list against theirs. There were quite a few wines that were on each of our lists, but it was interesting to see where each of us went our separate ways. Now, lets see how your own favorites compare:

The Wine Shacks Best Wines of 2013:

No. 1: Zerba Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington

The Wine Shacks Wine of the Year is Zerba Cabernet Sauvignon. If you read this column regularly, this shouldnt be a big surprise. Ive written about this wine a couple of times during the year. Zerbas Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of black fruit, with a distinct nuttiness. In the mouth, this wine delivers big flavors of dark plum, chocolate and vanilla. This is a delicious wine and is my go to big red wine.

Here are the other wines that are exceptional enough to make it on The Wine Shacks Best Wines of 2013 list:

No. 2: White Rose Estate Pinot Noir, Oregon

No. 3: Cristom Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir, Oregon

No. 4: Puffin Pinot Gris, Oregon

No. 5: Noval Black Port, Portugal

No. 6: Angel Vine The Hellion Red Blend, Oregon/Washington

No. 7: Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, California

No. 8: Sokol Blosser Evolution Sparkling Wine, Oregon

No. 9: Chateau Ste. Michelle/Dr. Loosen, Eroica Riesling, Washington

No. 10: Capitello,Dolcino Dessert Wine, Oregon

We poured almost all of these wines in our tasting room during the year. In fact, many of these wines were poured as a part of our summer winery series. If you havent joined us for one of these events, you are seriously missing out.

Each Saturday afternoon from mid-June to mid-October, we have a local winery in our tasting room pouring a number of its wines there are no losers in the bunch. This has become a very popular event series. Watch our website and Facebook pages for 2014 dates were already scheduling the wineries!

Lets move on to the Best Value Wines of 2013 list. To qualify for this list, the wine has to be priced at $25 or less. Great wines at affordable prices equal exceptional values. I really like this list. and I think you will, too. After all, who doesnt like a great deal?

The Wine Shacks Best Value Wines of 2013

No. 1: Puffin Pinot Noir, Oregon, $25.

Initially released in August 2012, this wine immediately became The Wine Shacks best selling wine. This pinot noir starts with spice and fruit and then finishes with notes of black cherry and tobacco. At only $25 for a single vineyard, estate-grown pinot noir, this wine is an exceptional value. In an effort to ensure full disclosure, Maryann and I own Puffin Brand Wines, so yes, were partial to it, but this pinot noir won a bronze medal this year its that good!

The other wines that made The Wine Shacks Best Value Wines of 2013 list:

No. 2: LEcole Columbia Valley Syrah, Washington, $25

No. 3: Lujon Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon/Washington, $23

No. 4: Abacela, Vintners Blend Red Blend, Oregon, $17

No. 5: Wine by Joe, José Rosé, Rosé, Oregon, $12

No. 6: Capitello Sauvignon Blanc, Oregon, $21

No.7: Luccio Moscato dAsti, Italy, $15

No. 8: Amity, Pinot Blanc, Oregon, $17

No. 9: Deusa Nai, Albarino, Spain, $23

No. 10: Peachy Canyon, Incredible Red Zinfandel, California, $16

The average price for these exceptional wines is only $19. If you are able to take advantage of our locals appreciation program, these wines average $17! I like the mix of this list as there is something for everybody. Those who are red wine lovers can enjoy a couple of really nice wines without breaking the bank.

We hope you enjoyed reading The Wine Shacks Best of 2013 lists, but even more so, we hope you try each of these wines. Go ahead, leave your comfort zone and try something new. Of course, every selection weve made is up to debate, disbelief and ridicule, but you cant argue with us if you havent tried it. The next time you visit The Wine Shack, we would love to hear which wines made your personal Best of 2013 list.

One final note: Recently, Maryann read the terrible statistics about drinking and driving. Do the smart (and legal) thing. Please do not drive if youve been drinking.

Happy holidays from all of us at The Wine Shack.