Selected By: Adrian Bryksa
Seasons greetings friends. As we come to the end of another year, it is time to reflect and to count down our top 10 wines reviewed in 2012. We were lucky enough to taste some amazing examples this year and wanted to present a list that was as balanced as it could be in terms of retail price, score and overall enjoyment. Without further adieu, we give you our list for 2012.
10. 2011 Artadi Bodegas y Vinedos Artazu ‘Artazuri’ Garnacha Rosado
Summer time is all about putting away the big reds and sipping on cool whites and Rose. This 90 point rosado of Grenache showed freshness, bright fruit and mouthwatering acidity, all of which were coupled to a super affordable $17.00 retail price tag.
We got to assess 6 examples of non vintage Champagne this year and for our palates, this 91 point example from Delamotte was at the top. Its relative finesse and gorgeous acidity along with stunning citrus and apple sensations elevated it and its $55.00 price tag make it one of the more affordable examples on the market.
8. 2009 Firriato Chiaramonte Ansonica Sicilia IGT
We went gaga for this 92 point Sicilian white and its ultra affordable $18.00 retail price. It showed surprising complexity while remaining approachable and made us forget about Chardonnay, albeit just for a while.
7. 2004 Miguel Torres Conde De Superunda
This 94 point Chilean blend of Spanish and Bordeaux varietals caught our attention from the get go. It drank beautifully in 2012 and will continue to reward those with the patience to hold. It is a splurge for most at $54.00 however this asking price isn’t completely unattainable for most enthusiasts.
6. 2008 Joseph Drouhin Mersault
No top 10 list would be complete without some white Burgundy. This 91 point example from Maison Joesph Drouhin reminded us that new oak is not always the pre-requisite to craft a stunning expression of Chardonnay. We can only just imagine what the houses premier and grand cru whites have in store for those who can afford them. $69.00
5. 2008 Norman Hardie Prince Edward County Pinot Noir
We were absolutely mesmerized and blown away by this elegant expression of 91 point Ontario Pinot Noir. Norman Hardie has his heart in Burgundy and for those looking for complexity, subtlety and grace in a wine should look no further. $38.25
We are suckers for Super Tuscans, especially ones that score 93 points and retail for 1/3 the price of Sassicaia or Ornellaia. We have heard the Italians are doing Bordeaux varietals better than the Bordelais and this one might just be evidence of that. 2007 as a vintage for Tuscany will be one to be remembered with wines that will reward cellaring but are approachable now. $45.00
This wine was a throwback to a time where big extraction, big booze and big oak were king. Fortunately the winemaking team, led by Chris Ringland managed to keep everything in line on this Spanish red blend of Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon and created this 94 point hedonistic beauty. At $75.00, one should really find a place in ones cellar for a bottle or two of it.
2. 2007 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito D.O.C.G.
Vietti is a Piedmont producer that is steeped in history and tradition so we recognize that we are extraordinarily lucky to be able to sample their expression of Nebbiolo in the 96 point single vineyard Lazzarito Barolo. $184.00 gets you a wine of power and depth and should be a consideration as a cornerstone of any cellar. Spendy? Yes, but worth every penny especially as a wine to pass down to the next generation.
1. Non Vintage Krug Grande Cuvée
What can we say? Our tastes are simple, we like the best. Krug is one of the finest Champagne houses in the world and this was brought to our attention after tasting this 97 point Grande Cuvée retailing for $225.00 a bottle. Put simply, it is a wine to try before you die.
We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 list of wines we reviewed in 2012. What were your top wines of 2012? Drop us a line. Have a safe and happy holiday season and please do not drink and drive.
