Wine, Etc.: Looking forward: Wines to buy in the new year
Last week we looked back on 2009 and our wine meanderings. With the beginning of 2010 it's now time to look forward and make a plan for both purchasing wines and consuming those wines that are now ready to drink.
Visit our WebsiteRed Bordeaux is one of our favorite wines, and the region just completed a decade of some wonderful vintages - some are drinking well now. The 2000s are still a little stingy in flavor and - with the exception of some of the less prestigious producers - should be left to slumber.
The one exception is the 2000 Chateau St Colombe Cotes de Castillon, which we paid less than $15 for, as a futures purchase. The 2003 red Bordeaux were controversial after maturing during a torrid summer when thousands of French citizens succumbed to the unprecedented heat. The resultant ripe and relatively low-acid wines are already enjoyable and still on the market. We've recently enjoyed the following 2003s: Chateau Hortevie, St Julien, Brane Cantenac, Chateau Du Terte, Margaux and the slightly less open but still enjoyable Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse.
Falling in between two heralded vintages (2003 and 2005), the 2004s are orphans in the wine market today, and can be found frequently in the discount bin for under $40. These are very nice classically structured wines that are already drinking well now and providing a lot of pleasure for Bordeaux enthusiasts.
We recently found great deals on the 2004 Chateau Carbonnieux, Brane Cantenac and Chateau Giscours.
The 2005 red Bordeaux crop is already legendary with prices to match in most cases. We bought several wines from this vintage, but for the first time in our lives had to check life expectancy charts to estimate if we will be able to enjoy these epic wines during our lifetimes. The grand crus are 15-20 year wines at least, so we'll hopefully enjoy these beauties in our 70s. In the meantime we recommend hands off.
We haven't tasted many of the somewhat pricey 2006s, and the 2007s are mediocre at best. The jury is still out on the 2008s.
But don't be disappointed if you missed out on any of the jewels of the first decade of the 21st century, since the word is that the 2009s are another vintage of the century. Hopefully the prices will come down from the lofty heights set by the '05s - but don't hold your breath.Wines to buy
SKN Chardonnay 2007 ($15). Perhaps Don Sebastiani thought Screw Kappa Napa was too offensive, because the name of the wine is now abbreviated. It's still the good drink with tropical fruit flavors. Good value.
Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007 ($35). The first winery to produce a single-vineyard pinot noir in Russian River, Bynum has excellent sources for this wine. Now under the ownership of Rodney Strong Wine Estates, the winery continues to make pinot noir under new diretion from winemaker Gary Patzwald. This medium-body pinot has bright cherry fruit, a soft mouthfeel and a dash of spice.
Robert Talbott Diamond T Chardonnay 2006 ($52). Although pricey, this chardonnay has the body and finesse of a great burgundy. Lush and ripe banana and tropical fruit flavors with pear and hazelnut aromas. Good mineral thread.
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($27). Knight's Valley has been used by Beringer since 1974 and remains a winner. With Laurie Hook as winemaker, the wine exhibits extracted black cherry flavors, chocolate and cassis. Well integrated and full of fruit.
Boroli Quattro Fratelli Barbera d'Alba 2007 ($18). Ripe raspberry flavors with a floral, blackberry aroma. Enjoyable for current drinking.
Feudo Principi di Butera Nero d'Avola ($17). This Sicilian grape variety is gaining traction in the Italian wine market. Sweet raspberry fruit and a touch of chocolate. Very nice.
Raymond Napa Valley Reserve Merlot 2006. Classic cherry and raspberry notes with mocha and cassis flavors. Easy drink now, but it can age for a few years too.
Bennett Lane Maximus 2006 ($35). This is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (64 percent), merlot, syrah, malbec, petit verdot and other red varietals - whew! All of that variety makes for a highly flavored wine with ripe black berry and cherry fruit and long finish.
Do you have a question or suggestion for a topic? Write to the authors in care of this newspaper or e-mail tmarquardt@capitalgazette.com.
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Below are locations of wines featured in Wine Etc. The vintages listed in the wine column may not be the same at what is sold in stores. The list is subject to availability and prices listed in the column vary from store to store. Store owners can special order wines they do not carry.