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Consumers, retailers, restaurant owners and distributors — we are all faced with thousands of choices when it comes to buying a wine.

Last month I was honored to judge for the Professional Wine Buyers Competition in Santa Rosa, Calif. With more than 400 wines and 16 judges, our appraisal offered a unique methodology compared with that at other competitions. In addition to the wines’ overall quality, the retail price was also considered in the scoring, a crucial factor in any buyer’s recommendation of a wine.

The competition concluded with a similar opinion resonating among all the judges: Buyers are looking for wines they would recommend to a friend because it tastes great and is a great value.

Below are a few winning wines available in Arkansas (with two Arkansas wines making the winners list). For a complete listing of results visit ProWineBuyersComp.com.

  • 2008 Duck Pond Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $12 retail)
  • 2007 Duck Pond Syrah, Oregon (about $12 retail)
  • 2008 Eola Hills Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $17 retail)
  • 2008 Eola Hills Chardonnay, Oregon (about $14 retail) 2008 Vertikal Riesling, Germany (about $10 retail)
  • 2007 Vertikal Spatlese Riesling, Germany (about $12 retail)
  • NV Post Familie Vineyards White Muscadine, Arkansas (about $10 retail)
  • NV Post Familie Vineyards Red Muscadine, Arkansas (about $10 retail)
  • 2005 Beaucanon Estate L’Cuvee Cabernet Franc, California (about $30 retail)
  • 2006 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Chardonnay, California (about $24 retail)
  • 2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon (about $22 retail)
  • 2008 Erath Vineyards Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $18 retail)
  • 2008 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington (about $18 retail)
  • 2008 Turnbull Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $20 retail)