Here are 12 wines worth trying in 2009
EL PASO -- A new book making the wine circuit is called "1001 Wines You Must Taste efore You Die" (Universe Publishing, 2008) by multiple wine contributors (generally wine professionals) and edited by Neil Beckett.
It is one in a similar series on albums, books, movies, paintings and other aspirational 1,001 things we must all do before we die.
I have some problems with including wines in this list. First, who decided the wines and what were the selected wines' qualifications? Second, after reading through the book, I can scarcely find 1,001 days to try different wines, let alone the rare and unavailable wines they suggest.
Last, probably the most important factor in my resistance to taking on this challenge is that many of the suggested wines are just too darn expensive.
The recommended Domaine de la Romanee Conti-La Tache GC, 1999 costs a mere $4,000 to $6,000 a bottle! This wine is known as the greatest wine commune in Burgundy -- indeed in the world. Not a wine you will probably find in El Paso.
So while your e-Bay bid of $69 sits waiting on that recommended bottle of 1989 Petrus (valued at $4,000), I thought it might be fun instead to suggest "12 wines you must try in 2009."
The two most important criteria for inclusion on my "12 Suggested Wines in 2009" are they are wines you can actually find in El Paso and are generally affordable.
These wines won't let the current financial vortex force you into an unwanted sobriety test!
I did, however, try to include wines that you might not have tried before but that are generally recognized as outstanding.
The wines are what I consider to be classics in their represented varietal or country. They aren't exactly "bargains" but are the wines that I would recommend to anyone who wants to try and learn about the representative wine varietal, well respected in its class or country.
Here are my recommended wines, first by varietal in the U.S. wines, and simply a recommended wine or two from the other countries.
U.S. chardonnay: Most good chardonnays are from Carneros or Sonoma. Try a 2005 Kongsgaard The Judge. Anything from Peter Michael as well.
Cabernet: Napa, Calif., or Washington state are the wines to try. Try a 2003 Quilceda Creek from Washington, or any Caymus Special Select from California.
Pinot noir: California or Oregon reigns. Try a California pinot from Rochioli, Williams-Selyem or Goldeneye. For Oregon, try any recent Pinot from Archery Summit.
Merlot: California rules. Try a 2005 Napa Estate Merlot from Duckhorn.
Meritage: California is best. Nothing better than a 2001 Ridge Monte Bello.
Zinfandel: California reigns. Try a 2002 Ravenswood's Vineyard Designate wine or any recent vineyard designate wine from Seghesio.
France: Try any red burgundy Grand Cru From Domaine Joseph Drouhin. A first or second growth Bordeaux from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, or a Rhone such as Domaine Du Vieux Telegraphe from Chateauneuf-du-Pape to truly understand France's great wines.
Germany: A 2003 Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling is remarkable. Any Zind-Humbrecht Riesling or Gerwurtztraminer is great.
Italy: A 2001 Gaja Barbaresco or any Antinori Tignanello or Solaia. All wonderful wines.
Australia: Shiraz is the master! Try an E&E Black Pepper or a shiraz from Elderton Command.
New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc is the grape of choice. Try Cloudy Bay for the true essence of sau blanc.
Argentina: Malbecs are supreme. Try a wine from Bodega Catena Zapata. The 2003 Malbec Mendoza Alta is beautiful.
Chile: Any of the recent wines from Casa Lapostolle. The 2005 Clos Apalta was Wine Spectator's 2008 wine of the year.
While I am sure many readers may have other suggestions, these are wines that I simply believe everyone who is interested in wine should try -- if for no other reason to broaden your perspective on the world of wine and to expand your life out of your standard "go to" glass of merlot or chardonnay.
In future columns I have challenged local restaurateurs and wine "snobs" to offer their selections. This will be fun!
Salud!