Why, I would really like exposure to smaller producers who do not fit their commercial model. First, to find these niche producers and second to support these smaller direct to consumer artisans. With the exception of Bordeaux, for me, these are the wines I enjoy buying, drinking, and normally find higher quality.
Been on their list for about a year so not a lot of experience yet. On a thread not too long ago someone said the gap between the regular Summa and the Old vine was closing. From what I’ve had I would not disagree.
It is a bit more concentrated and introverted out of the gate, and was historically quite a bit more complex than the regular bottling, though I think the regular bottling has closed the gap over the last few years in that respect. It’s a special site, and that has been apparent right from the first 1988 Williams-Selyem bottling, which I will never forget drinking with Burt back when I lived in California.
This is a list I could like, but the scores read like participation trophies. I assume he would argue that the entire industry makes better wines than it used to and that’s why the scores are higher - like the continuing improvement in the world records for swimming or running.
I have already had 3 of the wines on his list and he gave them scores over 95. They are all outstanding and I would gladly own them, but my scores would be 3-4 points lower. What does that mean to those who hate scores or hate the 100 point scale? I think the wines were outstanding and worthy of mention, but none were over 95 points, which is a range that I reserve for wines that, as Ben Franklin said, “prove that God loves us.”
By the way - since my cellar is too full already, I will give you all a recommendation. The 2018 Gigondas is FANTASTIC. Not exactly inexpensive, but compared to the wines priced in the three digits, it is a great thing to buy.
Mostly just selfish reasons. I would like to still be able to buy the wine I love and these lists tend to drive prices up and availability down. I’m sure it would be even more pronounced for a small producer’s offering.
I spied a chardonnay at #94!! A hundred pointer, of course.
If the newly released Rivers Marie Summa is 100 points, I think the 2006 Littorai Summa I had a few weeks back might cause his rating system to implode.
Another white wine that made the list was the 2017 Chateau Rieussec at #49. Jeb gave it very high praise.
Regarding the Tour Saint Christophe, this wine has become an annual purchase for us since tasting the 2014 a few years ago. This is not a wine that I would recommend for someone who is looking for a ‘traditional’ Bordeaux, but it is a darned good bottle of wine that is very modestly priced for the quality. IMO, the 2017 is not quite as good as the 2015 and 2016, but it is a wine that I am happy to drink!