Charles Smith named Food & Wine Winemaker of the Year 2009

mike_pobega · September 10, 2009, 11:56pm

I know its not thought of as much, but for 2009 F&W Magazine people have named Charles Smith Winemaker of theyear. Well deserved.

J_Benjamin · September 11, 2009, 12:13am

Good for him!
He had dinner at my restaurant a few times this week…a very knowledgeable and interesting guy. A bit larger than life, I don’t think many of the local desert rats knew what to make of him.

John_Liotta · September 11, 2009, 1:27am

He is dangerous to drink with. You definitely have to bring it.

Daniel_Posner · September 11, 2009, 1:33am

That Skull was wasted at SLONYC. The shit probably doubled in value now!

mike_pobega · September 11, 2009, 1:37am

Wasted seems like the right word.

Mark_F_r_a_n_k_s · September 11, 2009, 2:33am

Good for him!! I love his wines.

Mike_Quetel · September 11, 2009, 2:40am

Had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time this past June and ended up doing a bunch of barrel tasting with Charles. He really has a bit of a mad scientist streak in him, but I am a big fan of his syrahs and tempranillo. Even got a chance to taste a pinot he has hanging out in barrel!

Anyway, you captured my takeaway impression perfectly: a very knowledgeable and interesting guy… a bit larger than life.

Congrats, Charles!

Daniel_Posner · September 11, 2009, 6:12pm

Anyone tasted his 2007s???

Matthew_Brown · September 11, 2009, 6:26pm

Only the Boom Boom. May have been a bit bottle shocked as it had just been released, but I was disappointed compared to the 06. Lacked some weight, especially facing off against some of the 07 Rhones showing up. May revisit in a few more weeks to see if it wakes up.

Mark_F_r_a_n_k_s · September 11, 2009, 6:31pm

07 Boom Boom Syrah and 07 Velvet Devil Merlot are my house wines, can’t be beat for the price.

mike_pobega · September 11, 2009, 6:32pm

The Boom Boom is from his Charles Smith lineup. Its a decent little $15 wine, but should not be confused the the mid range K’s. Nor should they be confused with his Royal City, Skull, et al.

Daniel_Posner · September 11, 2009, 6:37pm

We have the Boom Boom, arrived last week. Good wine, but I am looking for advice on the K stuff…

mike_pobega · September 11, 2009, 7:05pm

I had the '07 The Boy. very nice indeed. Notes here somewhere.
I have had most of the others within the last three vintages. Milbrandt is usually great. MCK is a great deal and choke full of syrah love. Morrison is another wonderful choice. Ovide is a great blend that needs time.

I dont think you can go wrong with any. the Royal City went from $80 pre-sale to $100. I think its one of the best I have ever sampled, and I sampled them all one time or another…

The Kung Fu Girl Reisling is a super QPR.

You should hire me as your cali/wash wine buyer…

Mark_F_r_a_n_k_s · September 11, 2009, 7:06pm

True dat. I killed a case this summer.

Daniel_Posner · September 11, 2009, 9:26pm

Why not just drink it, Mark?

Violence is clearly not necessary, in my opinion.

Seo_S_a_l_i_m_i · September 11, 2009, 9:38pm

Good for him. I had the fortune of having him over to my place with one of his reps. Great guy and awesome wines. Definately a dangerous guy to drink with…

Chris_Presutti · September 11, 2009, 10:02pm

I purchased a bottle each of 2006 The Boy and The Creator on a whim a few months ago. Just getting into Washington wines. Any advice on holding or decanting time on these?

David_Whitworth · September 11, 2009, 10:08pm

I haven’t had the 06 Boy in 10 months, but back then it was pretty much a pop and pour. It did develop nicely in the glass over time but was pretty darn good right out of the gate.

Seo_S_a_l_i_m_i · September 11, 2009, 10:15pm

The creator is a baby. 2+ hours decant time.

Mark_F_r_a_n_k_s · September 11, 2009, 10:21pm

I have to kill something, it’s my nature.