Everyone has their favorite things, and I admittedly play favorites. Especially with my wine. Therefore, after tasting over 1200 wines this year, the verdict is in for which wines will occupy my Top 10 list for 2018. Determining which wines are best, or at least superior to their peers, is an interesting process. For me it comes down to taste, style, and if the wine is varietally correct. In other words, does the Malbec taste like a Malbec? Is the structure balanced? Can you tell the level of expertise shown in the vineyard and the winemaking facility? Or, if it’s a blend, is it pleasing on the palate? Do the varietals come together in a cohesive and complimentary way? If the answer to all of these questions is “yes”, then the fun begins. By fun, I mean looking for and trying to define the unique characteristics that make the wine stand out. All of the wines listed below also represent a tremendous value for the quality in the bottle. Read on, check out the descriptors, and then try the wines if they seem of interest to you. Cheers!
Left to Right – Cascina Fontana Dolcetto D’Alba, Blandy’s Malmsey Madeira, Cashburn Pinot Noir, Colterris Malbec, Roca Altxerri Txakolina
10. Roca Altxerri, Getariako Txakolina, “Camino”, 2017 – If you’ve been to Basque country and enjoyed some wine, chances are you’ve seen Txakolina poured in the traditional way (with the bottle starting low and then rising at least two feet above the glass to bring out the slight effervescence). Bright, dry, light, and crisp – this fruity and fizzy elixir is beautiful on its own, with fish, and is also versatile enough to pair with just about anything you lay out on your table.
9. Colterris, Grand Valley, Malbec, 2016 – Proprietors Scott and Theresa High have recently expanded their team of experts with seasoned winemakers Bo Felton and Justin Jannusch. The quality of fruit and diligent selection that goes into their wine is arguably the best in Colorado. The fruit was sourced from 4 single vineyards to derive a flavor profile complete with plum, mocha, and the softest hint of white pepper. Enjoy this with anything grilled, charcuterie, or cheese.
8. Cashburn, Central Otago, Pinot Noir, 2016 – Using various clones of Pinot Noir cultivated in the Southernmost grape growing region in the world (Central Otago New Zealand), this wine is aged in Mercurey & Damy French oak barrels for 12 months. Cashburn is a Ted Lemon project and uses all biodynamic estate fruit. The nose and palate boast strawberry and cherry with an appropriate barrel spice component that leads up to a vibrant finish. Only 468 cases produced.
7. Blandy’s, Malmsey, Madeira, 5 Year – Hailing from the Portuguese Madiera Island, Blandy’s Malmsey 5 year undergoes an interesting fortification process. Steps include the addition of a neutral grape spirit (in this case, grape brandy) and it’s aged in American oak casks using the “Canteiro” system. This wine features nutty, rich flavors of caramel and toffee along with a decent degree of acidity to counter the sweetness. Rich desserts are notoriously difficult to pair with wine, but this wine provides an effortless and flawless companion. Enjoy!
6. Cascina Fontana, Dolcetto D’Alba, 2016 – If you’re looking for a traditional and quality-driven depiction of the Piedmont, take a look at Mario Fontana’s wines. Cascina Fontana emphasizes the value of consistent methodology while maintaining an original style, and draws from experience and knowledge shown by their winemaking team. All of this is done using estate fruit and family owned vineyards. Dolcetto is the Piedmont’s fruity, uplifting, and lighter answer to the more weighty and tannic Nebbiolo. Try putting a light chill on this soft and juicy red to enjoy it like the locals.
Left to Right – Domaine du Banneret Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau de Bellet Blanc, Domain Grand-Chemin Viognier, Langmeil Three Gardens Red Blend, Gradis’Ciutta Friulano
5. Gradis’ciutta, Collio, Friulano, 2015 – The winery’s namesake is derived from a hamlet within Italy’s Collio, and is the work of the Princic family who have been making wine there since the 1780s. The Princics now farm 20 hectares under vine, from which they produce thoughtful, high quality wine at approachable prices. Their Friulano is lightly perfumed with warm spice, but still has a delicate overall nature with an incredibly balanced acidity. If you’re looking to expand your horizons, this wine might be just the catalyst for you to try something new and noteworthy. Pair with Italian style cheeses and charcuterie.
4. Langmeil, Barossa, Three Gardens Red Blend, 2013 – Proprietor James Lindner of Langmeil Winery has a special focus when it comes to creating stellar wines. Aside from beautiful vines and great soil, it’s the people who work diligently to produce the excellent wines of Langmeil that garner the most respect and praise in creating the final product. This blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (Mourvedre) shows nice spice with raspberry and blueberry fruit reflecting the quality of the winemaking process. Spicy and juicy on the palate, this bold but still restrained version of classic Rhone varietals finishes with velvety tannins. Pair with lean cuts of beef, chicken, or cheese.
3. Domaine Grand Chemin, IGP Pays d’Oc, Viognier, 2013 – This wine has been a favorite of ours for years due to its consistently strong performance vintage after vintage. Another one of Viognier’s strong points is its versatility. Being that it’s appropriate for summer, but also makes a lovely winter white. Varietally correct and true to form, this wine has the presence of stone fruit (peaches and ripe nectarines) along with a round texture balanced with a focused and clean finish. Makes a great accompaniment to poultry, fish, and of course, cheese.
2. Chateau de Bellet Blanc, Bellet, 2016 – With so many unique things to offer, this wine has it all when it comes to thinking out of the box while still enjoying a French wine. Coming from Nice in the South of France with limited distribution, this wine focuses on the grape variety Rolle (the local term for Vermentino) and spends 10 months in French oak casks. Fragrant notes of perfumed honeysuckle linger throughout the bouquet, and the palate has a perfect balance between weight and tension leading up to a succulent and bright finish. Pairs lovely with seafood or light hors d’oeuvres.
1.Domaine du Banneret, Chateauneuf du Pape, 2015 – The Vidal family has been cultivating vines in Chateauneuf du Pape since at least 1405. If that doesn’t display an old-world pedigree, I’m not sure what does. The property is small with only 4 hectares planted to vine with low yields. This allows for a high-quality blend using all 13 allowable red grapes with an emphasis on Grenache. The wine possesses a brighter spice component that is layered into the earthier flavor profile to provide a quintessential old-world style CDP. Pair especially with duck or other poultry selections for a magical experience.
