WsOTY -- 2023 Edition and your Discovery of the Year--TABULATIONS COMPLETE

WINE TALK
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WOTY:

  • '04 Jamet Cote de Roti

Closely followed by - '95 Tempier Cabassaou

DOTY:

  • Ivan Enjingi Rizling 2012
  • The ciders of Jerome Forget

Noticeable firsts:

  • First Walter Scott Chardonnays - great!
  • First Chablis I Loved - Dauvissat '00 Vaillons
  • First Charles Heidsick I loved - '12 brut
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Happy to see this old school legendary Croatian winemaker from Slavonia on a DOTY! In some vintages the wines are very good and age worthy, Venje in particular.

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The Sphera First Page is one of our house whites. Sphera is the only winery in Israel devoted solely to white wine.

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WOTY & Champagne of the Year:
Egly-Ouriet - Blanc de Noirs Grand Gru

  • not only was the company and the evening everything one could hope for, this wine was was just wow. I don’t/didn’t drink much champagne and to drink one of this caliber was a highlight of the wine year.

White
Given my cellar, no surprise that two Riesling wines are there:

2012 Weiser-Künstler Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling Kabinett

  • This was just such a terrific wine in every way and comes out top of the white wines this year.

2022 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Sonnenberg Riesling Kabinett trocken “Munny”

  • I love this wine for its drinkability and overall qualities. There is sometimes too much focus on old and aging wines, and I move between moments of loving aged (yet fresh with primary notes included) and that fresh younger direction. The latter more in the last years. Maybe its the aging of oneself? :smiley: Back to the wine, to be fair, this tasted much better, in fact terrific in 2024, though the bottle was opened 21 December.

Amber
Tie, cannot pick between:
2016 Blažič Rebula Selekcija
2018 Skerk Ograde,

really like them both a lot.

Red
2016 Foradori Teroldego Sgarzon

  • To me this, after the funk and I don’t know what blew off on the second night is the best Foradori wine. It knocked me out of my socks and I cursed myself for pouring two large pours the first night. Red of the year and below are two honorary mentioning that coincidentally are from 2012:

2012 Schiavenza Barolo Broglio

  • What a Serralunga wine, loved it for all it’s contractions

2012 Vedran Kiridžija Plavac Mali Dingač

  • A beautiful expression of Dingac, one of the best that ages effortless it seams.

DOTY
2018 Giuseppe Gorelli Rosso di Montalcino

  • A beautiful RdM, can’t even imagine what BdM would be up to within a couple of years.

2010 Dominique Lafon Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes

  • I rarely drink Beaune wines and coming across this on a wine list now in December was a real treat. Drank terrific from the go, in fact so good that decanting didn’t make sense, however that might have been a misjudgment as the wine shifted gears along with the last glasses.

Reconfirmation of the year:
Langhe Nebbiolo - the quality level among serious producers is just terrific. The better ones give many good Barolo/Barbaresco wines a run for your money.

Didn’t live up to my expectations OTY wine:
2011 Azienda Agricola Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera

  • It’s wasn’t a bad wine at all, I just had higher expectations and this wine felt quite chunky and square (while I had hoped for more of elegance).
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That’s my favorite Egly bottling by far.

I had a few 2012 Wei-Ku last year, and they’ve been in a very good spot. Kabi and Trocken.

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I’ve only had this bottle from them. I find it great, singular, and at the price!!! Looking forward to exploring more.

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Top 10 (ordered by vintage)

1967 Prunotto Barolo Riserva Bussia di Monforte d’Alba (Nebbiolo)
1967 Cantina [Bartolo] Mascarello Barolo (Nebbiolo)
1998 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Clos St. Urbain Sélection de Grains Nobles Riesling (Riesling)
1999 Chateau Margaux (Left bank Bordeaux blend)
2000 Henri Boillot Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru (Chardonnay)
2004 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Sangiovese) [could also be on promising list]
2005 Disznoko Tokaji Aszueszescenzia (Furmint)
2006 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage (Syrah)
2011 Paolo Bea Pipparello (60% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 25% unknown)
2013 Felsina Fontalloro (Sangiovese)

Incredible promise
2010 López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva (70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho aka Grenache)
2016 Casa Emma Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (Sangiovese)
2016 Kay Brothers Shiraz Block 6 (Shiraz aka Syrah)
2019 Chateau Montrose (64% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc)?

Discoveries
2004 Vigneti Massa Bigolla (Barbera)
2011 Cascina Chicco Roero Valmaggiore Riserva (Nebbiolo)
2012 Alberto Loi Cardedo Cannonau di Sardegna Jerzu Riserva (Cannonau aka Grenache)
2012 Domaine Tempier Bandol Tourtine (Mourvèdre aka Monastrell) [anything Tempier, Thanks to @gavin.f]
2014 Ferrandes Salvatore Passito di Pantelleria (Zibibbo aka Muscat of Alexandria)
2019 Teularju Ghirada Ocruana (Cannonau aka Grenache) [this could also be on promise list]
2018 Tiberio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colle Vota (Montepulciano)
2020 Claudio Mariotto Pitasso (Timorasso)
2021 Reis Timorasso Derthona (Timorasso)
NV Poderi Colla Bonme Vermouth (Aromatised White Moscato)

One more noteworthy wine
1958 Nervi Gattinara (Spanna aka Nebbiolo)

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Lol. My WsOTY list is mostly from one night. :upside_down_face:
As well as the '01 Prum Spats and Aus I’ve had throughout the year.

Discovery (for me): Guffens-Heynen. Carry on.

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We had a wonderful visit there this past March and left with darn near a case of wines to come back with. I know I’ve seen they come into the US now, although I’m not sure who with just yet. I left there wondering how Assyrtiko would do as a grape in that terroir.

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Halfway through the tabulation process, I’m looking at about 240 wines listed so far, so we’re a ways behind last year’s pace. Some initial observations—D’Yquem is again moving to the front, both for house votes and for 2001 as WOTY. There are a lot of wines listed that I’ve never heard of, which is amazing to see. And—rather a shock—I only have one Sauternes among my own WOTYs, though the 88 Climens drunk over the holidays came close—just missing that little push of intensity to get it there. Keep 'em coming.

Mike

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That was a freaking great night. My red of the year was in that mix, and it wasn’t even the La Tache… or the 91 Gentaz… or the 55 Bourdy… or the 00 Emidio Pepe… : )

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While I’ll welcome people to continue to post over the next little while, this is last call for tabulation purposes. I’ll put those in the OP tomorrow. Presently sitting at about 520 wines or so.

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Hodor! I usually try to post more of an essay fashion, but I have not been quite as much as leisure… My son is very fast.

Whites of the Year

1988 Krug.
1988 Yquem

Yes, I was at the same event as a few others… Yes, these two were extraordinary :kissing_closed_eyes:

Reds of the Year

I mused on doing an Advent Calendar of Burgundy in some notes I posted last month, and so now I’m going to try to put said calendar in motion. Albeit thematically rather than in actual chronological order of consumption

Winter (Deep flavors)

1990 Mugnier Musigny
2000 Mugnier Musigny
2001 Mugnier Musigny

Of these three, I thought the '90 (carefully preserved through Mike Evans) was most supreme. Just phenomenal). Simultaneously more giving & more lushly delicate. Given the flight structure, I took as much time as I could have with these Mugnier (i.e. Cheated and gave them 2+ Flight time). I am clever. I wish I could have given them even more, though. These have a special GC finish to them. Fantastic to savor.

Spring (Floral & Bright)

'21 Chambolle-Musigny Les Foucheres (William Kelley). Fight me, Donald!
'13 Drouin Chambolle-Musigny Baudes 1er Cru
Truchot Clos les Sorbes (I am not at liberty to disclose vintage)

As I wrote in April (sans sufficient Rizz) the '21 Chambolle was an immense discovery (sure, of the year). So blown away by the fresh aromatics of this wine. The Drouin was consumed at a picnic near Cluny, so it’s possible my memories of happy cows & the Maconnais are contributing, but I genuinely think it was excellent and far exceeded my expectations. And backyard Clos les Sorbes is such a floral delight.

Summer (Rizz in Spades)

'14 Roumier C-M Le Cras (Day 2, no less!)
'98 Bonnefond Ruchottes-Chambertin
'01 Bachelet Gervey Chambertin Les Corbeaux VV 1er Cru

The Roumier with sufficient time to stretch its legs was Murder on the Dance Floor. The Bachelet was so good & in perfect balance. The Bonnefond was Chanel AF

Fall (Even more future potential)

'13 Pousse D’or Clos de la Bousse D’or 1er Cru
'13 Bachelet Gevery-Chamberin Evocelles
'14 Gros Freres Clos Vougeots Musigni

These three were sumptuous in their own ways. I really took my time with the Bousse D’or and the Clos Vougeots, i.e hours and hours to let them develop & evolve in the glass.

I had all 12 of these wines with some of my favorite people. One of them with my son. And Burgundy in one’s nose while smiling at your favorite people is literally the only Holiday/Birthday/Just Glad to be Alive gift I ask for these days…

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Sparklers: 1996 Dom Perignon Rosè
Selosse Rosè

White: 2018 Keller Kirchspiel

Reds: 2000 Juge Cuvee C
2010 MacDonald CS
1984 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill
2005 SQN 17th Nail

Discovery: Keller makes a terrific Rosè, and finally acquired Parisy from Chateau Des Tours and they’re terrific

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Red: 2018 Keller ‘Reserve du Fils’ Späburgunder (Rheinhessen, Germany

White: 2015 Rings ‘Saumagen’ Riesling GG (Pfalz, Germany)

Budget Red: 2021 Rinaldi Langhe Nebbiolo (Piedmont, Italy)

Budget White: 2021 Pieropan ‘Calvarino’ Soave (Veneto, Italy)

Sparkling: 2010 Bamberger DECADE Brut Nature (Nahe, Germany)

Sweet: 1970 Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach ‘Rauenthaler Gehrn’ Cabinet Riesling

Extra choice: 2022 Keller ‘vom Austernfels’ Sylvaner (Rheinhessen, Germany)

Discovery: Tasting the new release of sparkling wines and Chardonnay by Felix Keller at the estate in March. Felix, the son of Julia & KP Keller, is the new star on the German wine sky.

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My WOTY: 1960 Gemello Cabernet
My discovery of the year: 2022 Zafeirakis Limniona Rose

Dan Kravitz

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I’d have to look back for notes to see what I drank but the 19 Kinsman Eades Voleuses was certainly number now. It was as Meadows would say zen like.

Honorable mention to the 89 Guigal La Turgue.

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Done. Tabulations are in the OP. Thanks again everyone.

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Thanks to a gentle nudge from Mike, I perused my notes and memory of hundreds of wines to select individual bottles that were truly outstanding. When I look at the list, I see there are many with higher pedigrees that are omitted such as some wines from the early 1900s and a few DRCs, Dom Perignon, Grange, Latour, Mouton, Lafite, Margaux, Salon and d’Yquem. So here is my “short list” that’s fortunately way long:

Champagne:
2008 Laurent Perrier
2014 Vilmart Emotion Rose
2012 Gosset Celebris Extra Brut
2002, 2004, 2008 Cristal
2002 and 2008 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne
2012 Delamotte
2014 Delamotte Le Mesnil sur Oger
1996 and 1999 Phllipponnat Clos des Goisses
1995 Venoge Louis XV
2002, 2006 and 2008 Piper-Heidsieck Rare
2012 Pierre Peters Les Chetillons
2016 Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Rose
2010 Billecart-Salmon Rose
2013 Champagne Dumenil Special Club
2002 Krug

White:
2012 and 2018 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
2014 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay
2007 Aubert Reuling Chardonnay
2012 Edge Hill Bacigalupi Chardonnay
2015 Laflaive Les Pucelles

Red:
1961 and 1985 Gaja Barbaresco
1971 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco
1993 Chateau Montelena Cab
1998 Dominique Laurent Echezeaux
1996 Williams Selyem Allen Pinot Noir
1995 and 1996 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Pinot Noir
1996 Williams Selyem Coastlands Pinot Noir
1995 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
1994 Williams Selyem Hirsch Pinot Noir
1995 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
1997 Williams Selyem Ferrington Pinot Noir
2005 Brogan Cellars My Father’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
1987 Opus
2010 Domaine Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
2005 and 2010 Vega Sicilia Unico
2007 Hundred Acres Ark Cab
2006 Masseto
2016 Guigal La Turque
2006 Guigal La Mouline
2009 Guigasl La Landonne
2009 Val Forno Romano Valpolicello
1990 Antinori Tignanello
1987 Montrose
2001 Haut-Brion
2003 Cos d’Estournel
1994 Mondavi Reserve Cab
2002 Ramey Jerico Canyon Bordeaux Blend
2003 Littoral Summa Pinot Noir
2010 Meo-Camuzet Clos de Vougeot
2005 Girardin Charm-Chambertin
2013 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey En Remilly Saint Aubin
2014 Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot les Clos de Vougeot
1993 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Red

Dessert:
1997 KFT Eszencia Tokaji Stanza ll

Cheers,
Blake

@Mikael_OB @Steve_Nordhoff @Chris_Seiber @Jon_Lawrence @brigcampbell
@ToddFrench @Viet_Ly @AstridKG @Warren_Taranow @Mike_Grammer

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Why are you drinking old Jasnier’s but not Huet?