Yearly Top Ten

[stevebody]

Every year, the wine buyers and salespeople where I work are asked to post a Top Ten of both fine wines and bargains. I've made a real avocation out of locating and talking up value gems and my personal list is now over 100 wines long.

This year was a freakin' bonanza. Lots and lots of new, inexpensive stuff out there and the quality has never been higher.

I thought I'd post my personal pix here and let you see if there's something you missed.

I hope you find a winner here!

Number One (with a Bullet!):
Pepperwood Grove Syrah California - Bob Broman, who runs PG has an eidetic taste memory. If somebody ships him a mis labelled barrel of wine, he calls up and says they've sent the wrong vineyard lot or batch. His customers report that he is ALWAYS right. He buys from some of Napa's and the North Coast's best estates and his skill as a blender is evident in this Syrah cuvee. God, what a wonderful little wine! A world of real Syrah character, black fruit for days, a strong suggestion of CA terroir, even a few rustic notes like saddle leather and hay. I slipped this into a tasting of procey CA and WA Syrahs, including Babcock, Havens, McCrae, Cayuse, Hogue, and even a Katherine Kennedy and EVERYONE of the 14 people picked this No. 1. When I pulled it out of the bag, there were distinct gasps. I buy this by the case and, man, you should too, if you like Rhone wines at all.

2. A-mano Primitivo
3. Botromagno Gravina: 60/40 Greco/Malvasia
4. Laurel Glen Reds
5. Taurino Notarpanaro: Brilliant, overlooked masterpiece of Negro Amaro and Malvasia Nera (I think)
6. Vega Sindoa Red Table Wine: 60/40 Tempranillo/Merlot
7. Ballantyne Zin Napa Valley
8. Abadia Retuerta Rivola
9. Zenato Merlot: More sheer Merlot character than any I've tasted at any price this year and all for about $12
10. Montpelier Viognier: Stunning, real Viognier character, about $5!!

Hope you find these. They're worth a taste.