SF Chron's Top 10 wines of 2010

WINE TALK
1

I just saw this:
10 most memorable wines of 2010" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Congrats to Kevin, Jeff, and Josh of Rhys for getting one of their great 2008’s on the list.

2

This should be more-precisely described as JonBonne’s Top 10 wines of the year.
But a very interesting list it is.
Tom

3

I agree with Jon Bonne in these areas:

  • Rhys is setting a Pinot Benchmark - anywhere!
  • I’m still getting to know Rhys’ Alpine and Skyline Vineyards … but right now I think I prefer the intensity and spice of Skyline.
  • This is a most exciting project to follow!


    2008 Rhys Vineyards Alpine Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir ($59): It’s easy to say that Kevin Harvey’s project in the Santa Cruz Mountains is redefining great California Pinot Noir. I think that’s an understatement. Rhys is setting a benchmark for great Pinot Noir - anywhere.

I’m still not sure whether I prefer his Skyline parcel, planted at an astounding 7,000 plants per acre, or the Alpine, a steep site west of Skyline Boulevard and just 8 miles from the coast. Both are planted to a mix of heritage California and unofficially imported French selections that come at Pinot from a completely different genetic profile than the usual roster of fashionable Dijon clones.



Read more: 10 most memorable wines of 2010" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

4

Backatcha. [cheers.gif]

5

I agree that the list title is deceiving and should be “memorable”-to-Bonne-wines-of-2010. I heartily agree with his 2008 Rhys selection though, as would most people who had the opportunity to taste their lineup.

6

Am not at all familiar with the SF Chron but, from a European perspective, am well impressed with the selection of Laurent Ponsot’s Mont Luisants - and a 1995 at that.

Well done Mr Bonne.

7

Me too, but I think Horseshoe is better then both!

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8

Nice picks and personally overjoyed with #3 (08 A Tribute to Grace Grenache). Angela is my housemate, our asst. winemaker, and her wine is just effen’ beautiful.

9

And I’m not sure that Swan Terrace isn’t better than all three. I am sure that I’m buying all (of each of these) that I can get my hands on!

10

It’s always fun - and refreshing - to read Jon’s picks each year. His tastes certainly are ‘different’ than many other Top 10’s, and I for one appreciate that.

Hardy, I have not had a chance to try Angela’s 2008 Grenache, but did have the 07, and was mighty impressed. Please pass along my congrats.

Cheers!

11

I don’t normally buy wines after reading newspaper lists lbut I ordered some of Angela’s grenache. Excited to try it out. [cheers.gif]

12

Larry- The 07 is great stuff too. The 08 is crazy light in color, almost rose-- I can’t sound objective, but it is special stuff. I’ll pass Ange your message when she gets back from lunch.

We will be driving bins down this spring, and we will probably be chilling at Midland for a night or so- We need to get together.

(If you need an immediate fix, I think LOC may still have a bottle or two of 08 sitting on the shelf.)

13

The Ageno is great, great stuff.

I haven’t been as impressed with the Ponsot Luisant as some of my wine geek buddies.

Love the Rhys wines.

best,

Doug