Monday, December 19, 2011

Best Wines of 2011

Ok, I know it’s a little like choosing your favorite child, but here’s the Top 10 wines I had in 2011. Wine districts represented include several from California.  As I am a Pinot lover the Russian River (#1,5,6,7,8) had the most entries, but  I also adored one from Santa Barbara County (#3).  Bordeaux also floated to the top (#4) along with the Yarra Valley of Australia (#2).   The last two will surprise many:  Portugal (#9), and most unpredicted of all, the Temecula wine district of Southern California (#10). 

They are in no particular order…the earth moved fairly equally with each one.

  1. Dehlinger Pinot 2001  ($50)
  2. Yarra Yering Red Number 3  2008 ($90)
  3. Piedrasassi White 2010 ($42)
  4. Chateau Leoville Poyferré 1996  ($175)
  5. William Selyem Pinot 1998  ($120)
  6. Hartford Court
    Pinot 2008 ($65)
  7. Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($30)
  8. Dehlinger Chardonnay 2008 ($45)
  9. Quinta do Vallado Reserva Douro 2008 ($50)
  10. Leoness Signature Select Melange 2008 ($75)
Top Value for 2011?  Hands-down it goes to Guigal’s 2007 Cotes de Rhone for $13….we’ve bought at least 10 cases at Costco and are heading back for more.  A top notch French producer, Guigal’s Rhone blend could masquerade in a blind tasting for 3-4 times its price.

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