Steve's Top 10 Reds
& Whites of 2010
This is a list of my 2010 top 10 reds and whites. To make my top 10 list they have to have something that makes them unique, be it their style, flavor or exceptional balance that I value in wine. It is usually a combination of all 3 and is a great value at their price point no matter the cost, because that is what enables us to sell them to you, our customers.
This year's lists are all under $60.00 and most are under $30.00. This was the type of wines our customers were looking for this past year and we are proud of all the great drinking value priced wines we were able to bring in for our friends.
Everyone wants a $20-$25.00 wine that drinks like a $50 wine and most of these wines fit the bill especially the Reds.
In the Red list there are 3 from Spain, and 2 from South America. The U.S. is represented by 4 wines, a Cabernet, a Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and a cool blend. This list is rounded out by a French Vin de Pays that may be our best selling French wine in the time we have been open.
1. Alvaro Palacios Camis Del Priorat 2007 Priorat Spain $24.00
91 points Robert Parker great balance of fruit, acidity, and oak at an awesome value. A wonderful blend of Carinena, Granacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
2. Orin Swift Abstract Red Wine 2009 California $26.00
Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah; absolutely delicious!
3. Peter Franus Brandhyn Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 Mt. Veeder Napa Valley $38.00
Best Zinfandel of the year!
4. Tikal Patriota 2008 Bonarda/Malbec Mendoza Argentina $24.00
Wonderful for wine for food or just sipping.
5. Bodegas JA Calvo Casajus Vendima Saleccionada 2006 Ribera del duero Spain $21.50
91 points Robert Parker could be#1, a great full bodied balanced wine.
6. Hacienda Arucano Alka Carmenere 2007 Chile $56.00
7. John Anthony Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley $57.00
John Anthony Truchard hit a home run with a great Napa Cabernet!
8. Abigail Adams Cameo Pinot Noir 2008 Carneros $27.00
This well balanced, light yet big fruit Pinot Noir is a recent acquisition. Judging by sales customers like it as well as I do and the In Vino Veritas staff!
9. O. Fournier Alpha Spiga 2004 Ribere del Dueno Spain $44.00
Another wonderful Spanish wine I could swap them all around in order. Just be sure and get some!
10. Calvet Thunevin 2005 Cuvee Constance Vin de Pays France $16.00
Robert Parker 90 points
WHITES
The Top 10 Whites are a fun set of white wines that are great values with nothing over $40.00. Dominated by the Sauvignon Blanc grape with 3 of that varietal and 2 wines blended with it. These are all great year-round whites that work with food and are wonderfully balanced with fruit and acidity and easy to drink.
1. Little James Basket Press 2009 Vin de Pays France $14.00
Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc
2. Mapema Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Argentina $13.50
3. Mohua Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough New Zealand $14.00
4. B Cellars Blend 23 2009 White Wine Napa Valley California $32.00
5. L' Ecole 41 2008 Chardonnay Columbia Valley Washington $22.00
6. Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier 2009 Australia $20.00
7. Agustinos Chardonnay 2008 Chile $9.50
Best value white of the year
8. Domaine de La Rossignole L'Essentiel Sancerre 2008 Loire France $25.00
9. Pewsey Vale Eden Valley dry Riesling 2009 Australia $16.00
10. Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 2008 Columbia Valley Washington $26.00
We have all of these wines in inventory, but some are in limited quantities; hurry if you want them all!
Cheers with Great Wine!
Steve
