In what is quickly becoming a post-holiday tradition here at Notes from Wine Country, it’s time to reveal my personal list of the Top 5 new wines enjoyed (immensely) by yours truly over the span of the last year.  Yes, it’s hard to believe that this is now my third installment of The List and I have to admit that I actually considered changing the theme to something entirely different.

I mean, with 2012 being such a pivotal year in many aspects, I could have gone with the Top 5 Most Interesting but Ultimately Disappointing Doomsday Predictions, for example.  Yes, I’m sure I speak for many out there who think the Mayans could have done a much better job foretelling mankind’s end.  ;-)

 

So here they are!  And as usual, they’re listed in no particular order! (This technically means that wine number 5 could really be wine number 1).

5) 2010 Agostino Pavia e Figli Barbera d’Asti Bricco Blina

My vote for the best pizza wine on the planet!  A terrific single-vineyard value!  Kudos to Agostino, Pino and Giuseppe……and to Nadia Galati :-) 

4) 2010 Bunan Bandol Rosé Moulin des Costes

When I think of great rosé, the appellation of Bandol is home to many legendary producers i.e. Domaine Tempier, Domaines Ott etc.  Here’s a terroir-driven rosé priced at a fraction of some of the more hollowed names in the region.  It’s a blend of organically farmed Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault, producing an outstanding wine with complexity, verve and depth. 

3) 2010 Bodegas Baigorri Rioja Blanco en Fermentado

A very modern-styled white Rioja, with luscious, creamy, honeydew, guava and kiwi notes.  In a word, it’s exotic!

2) 2011 Marchori & Barraud Malbec Perdriel

The follow-up to the delicious 2010 (92 WA) is another 90-point rated wine (90 IWR) from Lujan de Cuyo’s dynamic duo.

1) 2005 Xavier Vins Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Anonyme

“X” marks the spot on this amazing Rhone wine.  While technically, not a “new” release this year, this wine is brand new for us at ABCFWS (okay, let’s call it a “new” library release then).  It’s a phenomenal GSM blend produced by the very talented Xavier Vignon, one the appellation’s best enologists.  I tasted this wine during the last week of December 2012, and I think the finish is still on my palate!  A real stunner!

Here’s wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2013!

Jim Greeley, WS SWFL