WOW! What A Year!
This year I didn't pull no punches. I went for the Jugular. Last year I posted my top 15 wines of 2009, but this year how I even came up with a top 20 list is insane. From opening bottles to celebrate birthdays or parties, to opening bottles to toast family that has passed away. From meeting "Rock Star" wine makers to opening one of the rarest bottles of wine around. It was one hell of a ride. My light estimate of 400 plus wines that I tasted this year would make it pretty hard to narrow it down to a top 20 list. Last year I tried to educate my fellow blog readers by including what I thought were great value wines that I bought and drank throughout the year. Unfortunately this year only one bottle made my list as a bottle that I bought and drank several times throughout the year. Every other bottle I would think deserves a place in history not to mention one in a museum.
I would like to thank my very very generous friends from La Canada, Whittier and Monrovia for having the desire to share some of there most prized wines. I really do hope that my friends enjoyed the wines from my own collection as well. I always follow the rule, that I don't collect wines. I collect memories of wines shared with friends and family.
I would like to thank my very very generous friends from La Canada, Whittier and Monrovia for having the desire to share some of there most prized wines. I really do hope that my friends enjoyed the wines from my own collection as well. I always follow the rule, that I don't collect wines. I collect memories of wines shared with friends and family.
So without further delay! Let us Begin~
#20
2006 & 2008 Seasmoke Botella Pinot Noir
Okay, I lied, it's actually my top 21 wines, but I cannot put a price on 2 wines that were shared amongst friends on Christmas Day to honor the passing away of my mother-in-law on Christmas Eve. Then again Sea Smoke is my all time favorite Pinot producer from Central coast. I was together with my wife and some of my very best friends around. We all laughed and shared stories about relatives living and gone. A perfect wine moment with 2 perfect wines. Nothing can be better.
#19
1988 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne
From my very good friend Ken Rushworth came a gift that was given to my brother for helping him with his annual Halloween party. To our surprise this bottle was in pristine shape for 22 years old. Super tiny bubbles and great amounts of fruit were still very present. This particular wine comes with a wine medallion hiding under the foil cap. It required my brother to explain to me how Heidsieck made a vintage champagne that included a medallion to be worn as a charm. I had never heard of any other winery ever doing that before. Let's hope my brother wears it.
#18
2005 Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf Du Pape
It may have a long name and it was the BIGGEST bottle of wine that I have ever drank from at 6 liters, but what a treat it was to taste this wine not once but twice from the same bottle. Large format bottles seem to last forever. There is no exception to the rule with this Chateauneuf Du Pape. I first tasted it at the "Envy Tasting" from Wine Warehouse. That same bottle was then given to my good friend Ernie Ceja of Vinatero Wine Shop 7 days later. To our surprise the wine was still drinking very well. This wine could easily last another 25 years. Still young and closed up the first time we tasted it. The wine developed ripe and sweet fruit 7 days later. Very soft tannins with good amounts of acidity. What a special wine treat~
#17
2007 Peter Michael Chardonnay Belle Cote
I will continue to say how Chardonnay is not my favorite white wine varietal. So why was I buying some Peter Michael Chardonnay? What was I thinking? Oh yeah there is that thing about my wife loving Chardonnay and of course very expensive Chardonnay like Peter Michaels to boot. Of course my wife ended up not getting any of this particular bottle because I shared it with my good friends the "Padres Panel" Yeah I think it went over really well. Peter Michael is a solid producer of exceptional wines. I will say that I would prefer there big red wines ahead of there whites, but my wife is very special to me and must be allowed from time to time to have exactly what she wants. I guess I better start saving up again.
#16
2005 La Sirena Syrah Barrett Vineyard
When you meet and hang out with a rock star like Heidi Barrett everything tastes better. She is a legend and probably the most approachable person in the wine business that I will ever get the chance to meet. I have always said how famous wine makers are like your "Rock Star" Chefs that you see on TV. What a special treat it was tasting Heidi's wines with her personally explaining them to me. The Barrett Syrah isn't very fruit forward on the nose, but makes up with huge amounts of blackberry and spice that I have become accustomed too with Syrah. This was the year that I tasted more and more Syrah. This was the very best one I had all year long.
#15
2000 Arietta Red H Block
What happens when a good friend opens an exceptional wine. Like every other time before that, we sit back and say WOW. What a treat it was to have finally tasted a wine from Arietta. It only took forever, but was worth every patient moment. This wine was enormous with oak and chocolate. It had big tannins for a 10 year old wine. Could very well have lasted another 10 years. This is what you get when you have the coolest friends ever.
#14
2002 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet
What happens when a bottle of your favorite Cabernet of all time finally gets opened to share with friends. Just like the Arietta above, you sit back and say WOW again. I cherish so much the wines from certain wineries. Spottswoode is my all time favorite producer of Cabernet. Hopefully I will continue to buy some forever. This wine had plenty of perfectly ripe fruit, aromas of fresh berries, leather, mocha, with a touch of smoke. Was in a perfect stage for consumption. I guess that is why it didn't last long.
#13
2008 Rivers Marie Summa Old Vine Pinot
Rivers Marie makes some pretty damn good Pinot Noir. I put my name on there mailing list last year but decided not to buy any of there wines in 2010. That was a big mistake, because after one of my good friends allowed me to taste all 3 of there Pinot Noirs, I quickly tried to pick up some of my allocation. Like many small producer, if you "snooze you loose" and the wine was all gone. Then again it's nice to have friends in high places. I was still able to pick up a few bottles months later. The Summa Old Vine is the most expensive of the 3 Pinots Rivers Marie produces. This is a super ripe California Style Pinot. Ripe red cherries, wild strawberry, and herb on the nose. Light acidity that makes it very refreshing. Not sure about the wines longevity, but I can't wait to find out years from now.
#12
2007 Ketcham Estate Pinot Russian River Valley
Twice I tried this wine in 2010 and both times, I was surprised on how much I really like the efforts from this winery. To me the biggest surprise is how this wine doesn't come off as your typical Russian River Valley Pinot. The wine has potent acidity and back end structure that isn't too typical to Russian River Valley Wines. It shows a touch of oak on the nose with black cherry and blackberry. I may have to look into purchasing some of these wines in the near future.
#11
1998 Cuvee Louie Champagne
One of my best efforts this year was the pairing of this beautiful vintage Champagne with some perfectly roasted potatoes and crab cake with a garlic aioli. When your wife is about to have a major surgical procedure and wants a great meal. I put my best foot forward. Many thanx to my good friends the Ceja's for there enormous hearts and generosity for supplying this bottle. The wine made a harmonious connection with the food that I prepared on that day. I couldn't of asked for a better wine and food moment. Then again there are many more to come~
#10
1979 Karthaeuserhof Kronenberg Reisling Auslese
Did I just write down that I drank a 31 year old bottle of white wine? Yep that is not a typo. Best part was sharing it with my good friend Ken Rushworth for our birthdays. I would say that it's rare to find another friend that shares the same birth date as your own. Then add the fact that he happens to be a very generous huge wino and wine collector. Extra Rare~ I must admit that when the cork of this wine came out, I was a bit scared. Then a beautiful golden glow poured into the glass and the nose of honey, apricot jam, and petrol filled the air. The wine is medium sweet on the palate and the acidity is still very high. What an effort from an old world wine. Can California ever produce something like that? I guess I will have to wait and see in about 25 more years.
#9
2007 Brown Estate Chaos Theory
Okay so far every wine on my list has been a rock star - cult wine that few people ever get a chance to see let alone drink, but I had to include the most drinkable, approachable wine that I bought several times in 2010 on my list. I was first introduced to Brown Estate wines at Vinatero Wine shop 2 years ago. The Chaos Theory is a blend of Cabernet and Zinfandel that makes this wine perfect to pop open any time or day of the year with so many food options as well. I bought several bottles throughout the year and shared them with my wine club members. They in turn bought more of the wine for the same reason I did all year long. The wine opens up very nicely with a nice long finish that makes it a perfect bottle to just drink by itself or have with food.
#8
2004 J. Rochioli Chardonnay - South River
One of my best efforts this year was the pairing of this beautiful Chardonnay with my famous Cashew Crusted Chicken Breast in Apricot Curry Sauce. When your wife is about to have a major surgical procedure and wants a great meal. I put my best foot forward. Didn't I just type that about 3 wines ago?? Either way, what an effort from the famous Rochioli Vineyard and how lucky am I that my good friend had wine to sell me. This was a perfect pairing with the Chicken that I made. The wine is drinking perfectly for an 04 vintage. Lots of tropical fruit aromas with a full mouth feel. This is a wine with strong acidity and more mineral on the finish than most California Chardonnay's. I may just have to buy more for Angie's sake. I better start saving again~
#7
2003 Pride Merlot
No more Merlot jokes please. I love the movie, but am getting tired of it. I had a few chances to try Pride wines this year. The Pride Merlot supplied by Chris Poole for our Merlot Tasting was the last wine that I got a chance to taste that night. Instantly, I declared that it was the best wine of the night. Absolute perfect balance of flavors, fruit and tannins on this wine. Soft color with cherry, mocha, and oak aromas. Perfect mouth feel and balance. The finish lingered for just the right amount of time. I am glad it was the winner that night.
#6
2003 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir
I have already talked and talked to much about how I love this winery. The 06 and 08 wines perhaps were young, but oh how I still enjoyed having them this year. The 03, Southing happened to be the very last bottle I had. This time I checked really good in my cellar and there are no more of them left, I swear~ The wine was fantastic! Tons of Cherries and berry on the nose. It still had plenty of life and not showing any age at all. What a way to enjoy Mother's Day. That is just how I roll.
#5
2004 Bodegas El Nido Clio
I continue to buy and buy this wine every year. It has yet to disappoint me once. From having the 2002 make my list last year, to finally opening my 04 this year for my birthday. What a treat it was for my friends in Monrovia on that day. The fruit on this wine is so precise, so tasty and enjoyable. Not jammy at all and yes the oak is there but receded into the background as the wine opened up. Not to expensive, so I will keep on buying it over and over again.
#4
1995 Chateau Lynch Bages, Bordeaux
So many friends I have made in the last 4 years. Thad Brennan is no exception. He loves bringing out curious old world wines. He also loves pulling the trigger and bringing out BIG BOY wines. This was definitely one of them. Well structured with the lead pencil, leather, black fruit and forest. Big french Terroir comes screaming at you. This is a great reason to collect and hold onto certain wines. Perhaps that is why the next wine made my list! Please continue reading~
#3
1986 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Bordeaux
It probably belongs in a museum. Braised Lamb Shoulder Roast was a perfect pairing.
ENOUGH SAID Shhhhhhhhhhhh~
#2
1994 Ken Wright Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
I am still learning every year just how good the wines from the United States can compete against the French. When I first started drinking Pinot it was from California. I still don't have the wallet to buy top notch Burgundies from France, but what a treat it was on that summer day to pour myself a glass of 16 year old Pinot Noir not from California, but from Oregon. Some of my wine expert friends that I know swear by Oregon for there ability to produce high end Pinot's that can rival French Burgundies. The Ken Wright makes me hold out hope for a few of the California Pinot Noir's that I have collected the last 5 years. It also makes me want to learn more about the Pinot's being produced in Oregon. The Ken Wright had a beautiful nose of cherry, spice and flowers. In the mouth a young tasting Pinot with serious acidity, cherry and cranberry flavors. Very well integrated Tannins as well. What a treat! Thank you Mr. Rushworth.
AND THE NUMBER #1 WINE OF 2010 IS?????
2006 Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly - SILEX
Oh gee~ I just finish talking about how wines from the United States can compete against the French then this happens. I will take you back to January of 2010 and just one of many many "Padres Panel" tastings that took place throughout the year. I brought Peter Michael's Sauvignon Blanc in a brown bag for the group to try and my good friend Jon Jilg brought Silex. I remember my brother talking about Didier Dagueneau dieing in a plane crash in 2008 and how he was using unconventional French methods to make some serious wines. Little did I know just how good this wine would turn out to be. Everything about Silex that day was in perfect harmony. Intense nose of exotic fruit, melon and white pear. On the palate the wine has good weight with a heavy fruit concentration but in balance with perfect acidity and a very long mineral finish. To me, it is the absolute perfect expression of Sauvignon Blanc. The only thing missing that day was food. Then again, I will have another chance at the perfect food and wine pairing as a bottle of this fine wine made it's way into my locker for Christmas. Thank you Mr Jilg for the coolest wine gift of the year. I have already stated to some of my friends that this could very well be a wine that may make my top 5 wines of all time EVER!.
Lets just hope I get to drink wine for another 45 plus years!
~So there is my list~
~As I said last year~
Wine Geek? - Wine Snob? - Wine Collector?
Perhaps you should listen to me!
I may just know something!
Cheers~
#20
2006 & 2008 Seasmoke Botella Pinot Noir
Okay, I lied, it's actually my top 21 wines, but I cannot put a price on 2 wines that were shared amongst friends on Christmas Day to honor the passing away of my mother-in-law on Christmas Eve. Then again Sea Smoke is my all time favorite Pinot producer from Central coast. I was together with my wife and some of my very best friends around. We all laughed and shared stories about relatives living and gone. A perfect wine moment with 2 perfect wines. Nothing can be better.
#19
1988 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne
From my very good friend Ken Rushworth came a gift that was given to my brother for helping him with his annual Halloween party. To our surprise this bottle was in pristine shape for 22 years old. Super tiny bubbles and great amounts of fruit were still very present. This particular wine comes with a wine medallion hiding under the foil cap. It required my brother to explain to me how Heidsieck made a vintage champagne that included a medallion to be worn as a charm. I had never heard of any other winery ever doing that before. Let's hope my brother wears it.
#18
2005 Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf Du Pape
It may have a long name and it was the BIGGEST bottle of wine that I have ever drank from at 6 liters, but what a treat it was to taste this wine not once but twice from the same bottle. Large format bottles seem to last forever. There is no exception to the rule with this Chateauneuf Du Pape. I first tasted it at the "Envy Tasting" from Wine Warehouse. That same bottle was then given to my good friend Ernie Ceja of Vinatero Wine Shop 7 days later. To our surprise the wine was still drinking very well. This wine could easily last another 25 years. Still young and closed up the first time we tasted it. The wine developed ripe and sweet fruit 7 days later. Very soft tannins with good amounts of acidity. What a special wine treat~
#17
2007 Peter Michael Chardonnay Belle Cote
I will continue to say how Chardonnay is not my favorite white wine varietal. So why was I buying some Peter Michael Chardonnay? What was I thinking? Oh yeah there is that thing about my wife loving Chardonnay and of course very expensive Chardonnay like Peter Michaels to boot. Of course my wife ended up not getting any of this particular bottle because I shared it with my good friends the "Padres Panel" Yeah I think it went over really well. Peter Michael is a solid producer of exceptional wines. I will say that I would prefer there big red wines ahead of there whites, but my wife is very special to me and must be allowed from time to time to have exactly what she wants. I guess I better start saving up again.
#16
2005 La Sirena Syrah Barrett Vineyard
When you meet and hang out with a rock star like Heidi Barrett everything tastes better. She is a legend and probably the most approachable person in the wine business that I will ever get the chance to meet. I have always said how famous wine makers are like your "Rock Star" Chefs that you see on TV. What a special treat it was tasting Heidi's wines with her personally explaining them to me. The Barrett Syrah isn't very fruit forward on the nose, but makes up with huge amounts of blackberry and spice that I have become accustomed too with Syrah. This was the year that I tasted more and more Syrah. This was the very best one I had all year long.
#15
2000 Arietta Red H Block
What happens when a good friend opens an exceptional wine. Like every other time before that, we sit back and say WOW. What a treat it was to have finally tasted a wine from Arietta. It only took forever, but was worth every patient moment. This wine was enormous with oak and chocolate. It had big tannins for a 10 year old wine. Could very well have lasted another 10 years. This is what you get when you have the coolest friends ever.
#14
2002 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet
What happens when a bottle of your favorite Cabernet of all time finally gets opened to share with friends. Just like the Arietta above, you sit back and say WOW again. I cherish so much the wines from certain wineries. Spottswoode is my all time favorite producer of Cabernet. Hopefully I will continue to buy some forever. This wine had plenty of perfectly ripe fruit, aromas of fresh berries, leather, mocha, with a touch of smoke. Was in a perfect stage for consumption. I guess that is why it didn't last long.
#13
2008 Rivers Marie Summa Old Vine Pinot
Rivers Marie makes some pretty damn good Pinot Noir. I put my name on there mailing list last year but decided not to buy any of there wines in 2010. That was a big mistake, because after one of my good friends allowed me to taste all 3 of there Pinot Noirs, I quickly tried to pick up some of my allocation. Like many small producer, if you "snooze you loose" and the wine was all gone. Then again it's nice to have friends in high places. I was still able to pick up a few bottles months later. The Summa Old Vine is the most expensive of the 3 Pinots Rivers Marie produces. This is a super ripe California Style Pinot. Ripe red cherries, wild strawberry, and herb on the nose. Light acidity that makes it very refreshing. Not sure about the wines longevity, but I can't wait to find out years from now.
#12
2007 Ketcham Estate Pinot Russian River Valley
Twice I tried this wine in 2010 and both times, I was surprised on how much I really like the efforts from this winery. To me the biggest surprise is how this wine doesn't come off as your typical Russian River Valley Pinot. The wine has potent acidity and back end structure that isn't too typical to Russian River Valley Wines. It shows a touch of oak on the nose with black cherry and blackberry. I may have to look into purchasing some of these wines in the near future.
#11
1998 Cuvee Louie Champagne
One of my best efforts this year was the pairing of this beautiful vintage Champagne with some perfectly roasted potatoes and crab cake with a garlic aioli. When your wife is about to have a major surgical procedure and wants a great meal. I put my best foot forward. Many thanx to my good friends the Ceja's for there enormous hearts and generosity for supplying this bottle. The wine made a harmonious connection with the food that I prepared on that day. I couldn't of asked for a better wine and food moment. Then again there are many more to come~
#10
1979 Karthaeuserhof Kronenberg Reisling Auslese
Did I just write down that I drank a 31 year old bottle of white wine? Yep that is not a typo. Best part was sharing it with my good friend Ken Rushworth for our birthdays. I would say that it's rare to find another friend that shares the same birth date as your own. Then add the fact that he happens to be a very generous huge wino and wine collector. Extra Rare~ I must admit that when the cork of this wine came out, I was a bit scared. Then a beautiful golden glow poured into the glass and the nose of honey, apricot jam, and petrol filled the air. The wine is medium sweet on the palate and the acidity is still very high. What an effort from an old world wine. Can California ever produce something like that? I guess I will have to wait and see in about 25 more years.
#9
2007 Brown Estate Chaos Theory
Okay so far every wine on my list has been a rock star - cult wine that few people ever get a chance to see let alone drink, but I had to include the most drinkable, approachable wine that I bought several times in 2010 on my list. I was first introduced to Brown Estate wines at Vinatero Wine shop 2 years ago. The Chaos Theory is a blend of Cabernet and Zinfandel that makes this wine perfect to pop open any time or day of the year with so many food options as well. I bought several bottles throughout the year and shared them with my wine club members. They in turn bought more of the wine for the same reason I did all year long. The wine opens up very nicely with a nice long finish that makes it a perfect bottle to just drink by itself or have with food.
#8
2004 J. Rochioli Chardonnay - South River
One of my best efforts this year was the pairing of this beautiful Chardonnay with my famous Cashew Crusted Chicken Breast in Apricot Curry Sauce. When your wife is about to have a major surgical procedure and wants a great meal. I put my best foot forward. Didn't I just type that about 3 wines ago?? Either way, what an effort from the famous Rochioli Vineyard and how lucky am I that my good friend had wine to sell me. This was a perfect pairing with the Chicken that I made. The wine is drinking perfectly for an 04 vintage. Lots of tropical fruit aromas with a full mouth feel. This is a wine with strong acidity and more mineral on the finish than most California Chardonnay's. I may just have to buy more for Angie's sake. I better start saving again~
#7
2003 Pride Merlot
No more Merlot jokes please. I love the movie, but am getting tired of it. I had a few chances to try Pride wines this year. The Pride Merlot supplied by Chris Poole for our Merlot Tasting was the last wine that I got a chance to taste that night. Instantly, I declared that it was the best wine of the night. Absolute perfect balance of flavors, fruit and tannins on this wine. Soft color with cherry, mocha, and oak aromas. Perfect mouth feel and balance. The finish lingered for just the right amount of time. I am glad it was the winner that night.
#6
2003 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir
I have already talked and talked to much about how I love this winery. The 06 and 08 wines perhaps were young, but oh how I still enjoyed having them this year. The 03, Southing happened to be the very last bottle I had. This time I checked really good in my cellar and there are no more of them left, I swear~ The wine was fantastic! Tons of Cherries and berry on the nose. It still had plenty of life and not showing any age at all. What a way to enjoy Mother's Day. That is just how I roll.
#5
2004 Bodegas El Nido Clio
I continue to buy and buy this wine every year. It has yet to disappoint me once. From having the 2002 make my list last year, to finally opening my 04 this year for my birthday. What a treat it was for my friends in Monrovia on that day. The fruit on this wine is so precise, so tasty and enjoyable. Not jammy at all and yes the oak is there but receded into the background as the wine opened up. Not to expensive, so I will keep on buying it over and over again.
#4
1995 Chateau Lynch Bages, Bordeaux
So many friends I have made in the last 4 years. Thad Brennan is no exception. He loves bringing out curious old world wines. He also loves pulling the trigger and bringing out BIG BOY wines. This was definitely one of them. Well structured with the lead pencil, leather, black fruit and forest. Big french Terroir comes screaming at you. This is a great reason to collect and hold onto certain wines. Perhaps that is why the next wine made my list! Please continue reading~
#3
1986 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Bordeaux
It probably belongs in a museum. Braised Lamb Shoulder Roast was a perfect pairing.
ENOUGH SAID Shhhhhhhhhhhh~
#2
1994 Ken Wright Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
I am still learning every year just how good the wines from the United States can compete against the French. When I first started drinking Pinot it was from California. I still don't have the wallet to buy top notch Burgundies from France, but what a treat it was on that summer day to pour myself a glass of 16 year old Pinot Noir not from California, but from Oregon. Some of my wine expert friends that I know swear by Oregon for there ability to produce high end Pinot's that can rival French Burgundies. The Ken Wright makes me hold out hope for a few of the California Pinot Noir's that I have collected the last 5 years. It also makes me want to learn more about the Pinot's being produced in Oregon. The Ken Wright had a beautiful nose of cherry, spice and flowers. In the mouth a young tasting Pinot with serious acidity, cherry and cranberry flavors. Very well integrated Tannins as well. What a treat! Thank you Mr. Rushworth.
AND THE NUMBER #1 WINE OF 2010 IS?????
2006 Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly - SILEX
Oh gee~ I just finish talking about how wines from the United States can compete against the French then this happens. I will take you back to January of 2010 and just one of many many "Padres Panel" tastings that took place throughout the year. I brought Peter Michael's Sauvignon Blanc in a brown bag for the group to try and my good friend Jon Jilg brought Silex. I remember my brother talking about Didier Dagueneau dieing in a plane crash in 2008 and how he was using unconventional French methods to make some serious wines. Little did I know just how good this wine would turn out to be. Everything about Silex that day was in perfect harmony. Intense nose of exotic fruit, melon and white pear. On the palate the wine has good weight with a heavy fruit concentration but in balance with perfect acidity and a very long mineral finish. To me, it is the absolute perfect expression of Sauvignon Blanc. The only thing missing that day was food. Then again, I will have another chance at the perfect food and wine pairing as a bottle of this fine wine made it's way into my locker for Christmas. Thank you Mr Jilg for the coolest wine gift of the year. I have already stated to some of my friends that this could very well be a wine that may make my top 5 wines of all time EVER!.
Lets just hope I get to drink wine for another 45 plus years!
~So there is my list~
~As I said last year~
Wine Geek? - Wine Snob? - Wine Collector?
Perhaps you should listen to me!
I may just know something!
Cheers~
