It's year end again. Can you believe it ?!?
I make the effort to bring up some memorable wines for the year; which are some of the overall best; standouts! In the past the list was a little more comprehensive. Last year I started a 'Lucky Seven' list. This year we are a concise again nd it's a great seven wines. So let's get on with 2014's top wines.
2012 Fess Parker Santa Rita Hills Ashley’s Chardonnay
2009 Clos Figueras Font de la Figuera - Priorat Spain
With a direct July ruby color; stone scented with a sexy floral nose. Firm
blackberries with pencil lead break through, black currant, cherry and licorice; It’s a
schist soil wine with a clean feel and this deep dark cherry and crème de cassis in
the mid palate…plenty of flavors abound.
2011 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vine
Just so much going on. This is what it’s all about. Deep
black ripe cherries nose, fruits and herbs, jam and good acidity with concentrated
layers at the center of this classic zin
. Hints of cinnamon spice and toasted oak; full bodied tannins. It screams for stews, pizza,
a big thick grilled steak with blue cheese or just bring out the cuisine!
2011 Chateau Lilian Ladouys St, Estephe Bordeaux, France
The last few vintages of this wine have been spot on and
this one is topper most. Rich in licorice blackberry and has these tangy citrus
that hints flow through this rounded feel that's truly earthy and stony. It’s a plush and long Bordeaux
that’s located very near Petrus. So there is great acidity and structure here,
to go along with it’s plushiness.
2012 Tikal Jubilo Mendoza Argentina
The heart of dark chocolate prevails on this lush supple
integrated cherry pit and blackberry steeped wine that’s a focused effort with a glimpse
of coffee notes and Asian spices. Think Duck and Lamb with fruit sauces or really
strong cheeses and mushrooms. Wow!
2013 Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling Columbia Valley
Crisp and racy with the mouth-watering acidity which is that you
would expect from flavorful Washington Riesling fruit. I beg to differ that only Alsace has similar terroir to do Riesling like this. But Hey! The core with hints of
honey and minty lime combined with its layered citrus, peach and apricot stone fruits come across with a vibrant appeal…It goes the distance.
2013 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Washington
State
This is a blend of 3 Amavi vineyards... just about. There are
actually six estate vineyards as I understand it! Not only do they make an outstanding Syrah; This Cabernet is the kind that you pair
with a pan fried pork belly, grilled steak, earthy mushrooms; risotto… you get
the picture. The aromas of sweet oak, blueberry cobbler and french style lavender seasonings.
It is inviting yet challenging to the spirit with supple flavors of black plums
which texturize the tannins to support the taste and the long finish.
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