True. Musar teeters on the edge of that price point, it’s possible but not easy to obtain, and I’m not as sure how big of a hit it is with civilians, but it’s a great wine year to year at a moderate price (moderate in the scheme of what we WBers spend, I guess).
Another vote for Guigal CdR, although it may not fit with the consistency requirement, because in a bad vintage it can be pretty bad if they don’t declassify other stuff. I also vote for JJ Prum W.S. Kab. and Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Kab. You know the Rausch vineyard comes right down to the sidewalk in the middle of town.
With all the votes for Gonon and Baudry, I’ll have to go find some to try. I do not think I’ve ever had one - - - hence this is a great thread if we can avoid pissing on each other.
Let us pray (and not for umbrellas)
Cascina Fonda Vendemmia Tardiva Moscato d’Asti “la Tardja”.
Aside from being probably the best MDA EVER, it makes the little girls go out of their minds…
Disclaimer, we and many other fine retailers and restaurants offer this wine.
For chards, I’d say Beringer Private Reserve.
2010 Marcoux VV
Tempier Rosé
Dehlinger Syrah Goldridge
Huet Vouvrays (subject to vintage)
Chidaine Vourays
Gonon St. Joseph (just about beyond the threshold in price and availability
Donnhoff Riesling (no designation)
Hiedler Riesling Hieligenstein & Gaisberg
Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling Gaisberg
Roulot Bourgogne Blanc
Peay Syrah La Bruma & Les Titans (edge of the price line)
Hudelot Noellat Chambolle Musigny
Fevre Champs Royaux
Chandon De Briailles Ile Des Vergelesses (probably over the price line now)
Tempier Bandol
Albert Boxler Riesling & Gewurztraminer “Reserve”
Vacheron Sancerre
Some wonderful examples here. And some Euros that I’ll seek out.
I expected the European examples would outnumber the American, and that is what we’re seeing. I have more thoughts on the California side, however.
I know that the word “perfect” has a wine connotation other than what I defined for the purpose of this thread (100 points, “unforgettable” experience, once in a lifetime, incomparable … etc.).
I’m not sure though that the definition used in this thread isn’t more useful, less subjective and every bit as relevant.
Well said, Mike. Perhaps for some of us, perfection is not a literal, clinical definition of that word, but instead, just throwing on that comfortable, affordable pair of Levi’s that makes your ass look good, worn enough to be soft in all the right places. Remember, I’m the yak that called the 2011 Thivin CdB as my wine of the year in 2013. May have liked some first growths more, but they are not my daily existence.
Exactly Robert. And even more - for me a Ridge Geyserville with a little age on it can be the bespoke suit that was obtained for the price of a comfortable pair of Levi’s. Makes your ass look good and gives you more than a touch of savoir faire!
Ogier La Rosine
Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon
Doennhoff Riesling
Hudelot Noellat’s “village” level wines
Carillon Puligny Montrachet
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon
Coudolet de Beaucastel
Despite the “misuse” of the attribute “perfect” (sorry, but that´s what it is) I recommend:
- Sauvignon blanc “Joseph” / Stefan Potzinger (Styria/Austria) - 20 € here (or the Morillon/Chardonnay for 10 €)
- Vacqueyras / Chateau des Tours (Rhone/F) - 22 € at domaine (or the Cotes-du-Rhone for 10 €)
No Burgundy below 45 $ (33 €) comes close anything that can be called (even with tongue in cheek) “perfect”.
However - I have not the slightest idea what´s available across the Atlantic, where and for how much.
The amount of wines from Germany that could answer this question is staggering.
- Riesling - Kabinett, Feinherbs, Spatlese, Spatlese Trocken etc.
- Weissburgunder and Grauburgunders (e.g. Holger Koch, Laible)
- Scheurebe (e.g., Keller)
- Sekts (e.g., Lauer or Dr Becker)
I was aware that the word “perfect” would stir up controversy (and worse, confuse) but frankly when I tried to find a word for wines that were affordable, available, distinctive, consistent and versatile - no better word came to mind. But I’m open to suggestion!
Sadly, this wine is no longer made, so there’s another reason it’s not eligible.
Title changed for you pedants!
FWIW I have no problem with Mike’s use of “perfect.”
For example:
Person 1: “I’m planning to pick up a bottle at the grocery store tonight. Can you recommend anything that’s distinctive, everyone will like, and under $45? I don’t know anything about vintages either.”
Person 2: “Ah, here’s one that perfect for you. Ridge Geyserville.”
Change it back, you !
The Ridge and Zilliken that I would have named are already mentioned.
Christoffel Erben Urziger Wurzgarten Kabinett and Spatlese
Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR
Scott Paul “La Paulee” Pinot Noir, OR
FWIW I only opened this thread now that you changed the title. I had assumed that you were looking for our 100 point wines.