As the 2009 year comes to a close I thought it would be fitting for me to write about some of my most memorable wines that I've had this past year.
In no particular order here are my Top 5:
1) 2007 Saint Prefert Auguste Favier CDP/ 96 RP / $99.95 - Probably one of the greatest young Chateauneuf Du Papes I've ever tasted. The freshness & abundance of fruit without being cloying, just illustrates what an amazing vintage 2007 was for the Rhone valley. I was at first skeptical of Parker saying this was the greatest viticultural region he's ever tasted in his 30 years, but after tasting this wine I was sold! Stock up on 2007 Rhone's...You will thank me.
2) 2006 Sassicaia / 97 RP / $175 bottle- The best young Sassicaia I have ever tasted and most likely will go down in history as the best Sassicaia ever made. With the legendary 1985 vintage trading for $2500 + bottle this is definitely one to buy a couple cases of.
3) 2007 Frescobaldi Castiglioni / 93 WS / $19.95 - One should never let price be an indicator of how good a wine is & this is a prime example. I made the mistake of not expecting much for $14.95 and I was totally blown away by this Tuscan blend! Full-bodied with lush tannins this wine is just simply delicious. A perfect house red and it drinks like a $30-$40 bottle!
4) 2007 Brewer Clifton Pinot / 93 RP / $39.95 - Very cool boutique Pinot from one of the best winemakers in California. In Parker's Wine Advocate, 10 of the Top 17 "Recommended California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir" are from Brewer-Clifton, so these guys definitely have a handle on how to make quality wine, and Pinot Noir for that matter. For lovers of Pinot this is definitely a must buy!
5) Guy Charlemagne Reserve Blanc de Blancs /92 RP / $38.95 - I'll have to admit I'm usually not a huge Champagne drinker or fan for that matter, but this one really caught me off guard. Hailing from vines from the Mesnil - sur - Oger vineyards, which are the same as where Krug & Salon are made, is this amazing Champagne for Only $38.95?! With Krug & Salon selling for over $300 + bottle you'd be surprised at how similar they do taste. At this price it's definitely a must have for any celebration and the upcoming holidays. You'll find NO better house Champagne!