My TOP 10 WINES for 2011

I know..Here I go with another list..I suppose I dwell in a world of superlatives and some un-defined satisfaction of creating parameters.

For some reason I have this internal need to know what is the best. Somehow this knowledge gives me a basis from which I can improve and perhaps strive for. Though something that is "best" is certainly a relative concept I seem to formulate what is "best" by my experiences and research. In other words what I consider the"best" may not necessarily be your "best". I understand this all too well and hope that my Top 10 wine list will at least help you understand that these are my choices and by no means represent any portion of the 7 billion people that now inhabit our planet.

Shew! Now that the self humiliating disclaimer is out of the way..Lets move on.

So without a calculator I have determined that I have roughly tasted 600 wines in the past year (2011). Yep, I know that sounds amazing but after all this is my job. 

I wake up.....Go to work....Taste wine.. Sell wine... and buy wine.

So over the years I have developed my palate to hone in on various nuance and micro flavors in all types of wines. Again I have created many parameters and levels of taste that I look for and expect in different types of wines. I use these parameters and taste formulas to determine what is good and what sucks.

So my top 10 wines this year are mostly value wines. Nothing is priced over $25. These are everyday wines that I have found to be exciting and delicious for the low price.

For full disclosure, however I also create a "higher end" wine list every year but this list is better reserved for luncheons with the queen and other insignificant dignitaries.

                 My Top 10 wines for 2011

10. St Peyer Pic poul pinet  $12

      This crisp, light white is sourced from Southern France 

      and is the perfect summer sipping wine but try it with any version

      of shellfish (ie; oysters) and its a sure winner. I love it!

9. 2005 Croix Esperance St Emilion.  $16 

       This 100% Merlot Bordeaux is a hidden gem among bathtubs of

       over-rated, over priced, wines of Bordeaux. Not only does it thrill

       with the superb 2005 vintage but it is very approachable and needs

       little additional cellaring. The wine is rich and complex and has

       become my favorite everyday, easy drinking Bordeaux.

8. Fausti Passerina.  $13

       Fresh and clean this delicious white from Marches Italy beams

       with touches of citrus, green apple and pear. Though more dry

       than fruity, the wine is a perfect pairing with summer salads,

       gazpachos and watching the waves.

7. Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva.  $13

      Though this Chianti is barrel aged for 24 months in oak it is a softer

       style. Its a medium bodied red with thick raspberry and licorace

       notes.  Well balanced and silky. All you need is a hearty red sauce 

       and some crusty Italian bread. Yum!

6. Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone. $15

       This is a 100% Syrah  from some of the best hills in Southern

       Rhone. Big and muscular with heavy black and red fruit notes.

       Concentrated notes of fresh earth and spice...Great value!

5. Luigi Bosca single vineyard Malbec.  $22

      Prepare your palate..This is a monster Malbec from high altitude

      vineyards of Mendoza Argentina. Super rich and concentrated with

      fleshy notes of blackberry, fermented cherry and mocha. Great

      length and finish.. wow!

4. Botanica old vine Chenin Blanc.  $21

     This South African Beauty is one of the best Chenin blancs Ive ever

     tasted outside of France. Nuance of yellow apple merge with notes

     fresh citrus and almond.Wonderful finish. This wine is hard to find

     but well worth the prize!

3. La Bercau Blanquette Limoux.  $14

    This is a fabulous sparkling wine from Southern France that never

    disappoints. Its a Brut / non vintage style wine that beams with toasty

    apple and nutty characters. The price and quality are incredible.

    Try with fresh sushi...D'lish!

2. Heartland Stickleback red.   $12

      Ben Glaetzer is the wine maker for this under priced gem. He blends

      heavy Shriaz and Cabernet with touches of Dolcetto and Lagrein to

      make a full bodied red that explodes with rich and concentrated

      notes of black raspberry, blackberry and semi sweet dark

      chocolate. Very impressive for an entry level Australian wine!

       12 bucs? Are you kidding me?

1. Milbrandt Traditions Syrah.  $15

      I would put this Syrah against many that are double or even triple

      the price. Sourced from the slopes of Columbia Valley Washington,

      its very consistent and very delicious. Big and chewy with notes of

      saturated rhubarb, spicy raspberry and warm oak. Beautiful wine,

      beautiful price. Cheers!