To piggyback off the other thread, which seems to lean with an Old World bias, what would be the five greatest ‘New World’ wines you have ever had the pleasure of drinking?
Not having experienced older wines from the likes of Charles Krug, BV, Inglenook, Mayacamas, etc, or much from anything in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, etc I would have to say my top 5 would:
'01 Harlan
'02 SHS
'08 Marcassin Estate Chard
'91 Monte Bello
'07 Spottswoode
1999 Wendouree Shiraz-Mataro
1997 Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon
1975 Ridge York Creek Petite Sirah
1994 Mount Mary Quintet
2003 Harlan Estate- normally not my style of wine, but amazingly well made, balanced, compelling
1976 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast
1977 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill
1978 Clos du Val Merlot
1980 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
2001 Van Der Heyden Cabernet Sauvignon Late Harvest
Jason - I appreciate you starting this thread. Honestly, I can’t narrow it down to the 5 top wines I’ve ever experienced. I can say that growing up in California the wine that first opened my eyes to this fruit of the gods was a 1968 Beaulieu Vineyard George de Latour Private Reserve Cab.
Off the top of my head I’ve had some really nice Tor’s (Beckstoffer To Kalon), ‘07 Maybach, Morlet’s, 03’ Blankiet Paradise Hills, Aubert’s, Bevan Cellars, Shafer’s, Lewis Cellar’s, Viader’s, Rochioli’s, '07 O’Shaughnessy Cab, Colgin’s and many others that just aren’t cropping up into the frontal lobe.
Wow – this is the first time I can recall seeing this winery mentioned on a wine board. I’ve tried a few vintages of this wine and have always really enjoyed it. Interesting tasting experience too.
My wife and I randomly stopped there on our first visit to Napa, which was before we were really into wine. I’m not sure if they still do it the same way, but it was a fun tasting experience in their barn/garage. We grabbed this bottle and hid it away until this year. It was a wonderful experience. I posted the notes here and on CT, if you are interested.
I stumbled there accidentally on purpose. The winemaker was walking around and his grandson was riding a big wheel. IIRC, their house was maybe 20 feet from where the tasting room was set-up. Very unique experience.