Stand-Out Wines of 2006
A while back, I vowed to make a list of the best wines I’d had in 2006. I said my list would be more affordable and accessible than that of say, Wine Spectator. And well, er, I think I lied. Not on purpose, mind you.
But as I’ve thought about it over the past month, I realized my list is rather short and not that easy to locate. Oh, sure, there’s Gloria Ferrer sparkling, which is in every store, but it was their special 1996 Carneros Cuvée that I really adore. I had it at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, where it was a Sweepstakes Winner. It’s a little pricey, if you can find it. Another sparkling I loved was from Domaine Chandon, a limited edition sparkling red (get this: Pinot Noir and Zinfandel) only available at the winery and now gone. Though I’ll drink the Blanc de Noirs from either of these wineries any night of the week.
As for Pinot Noir, I’ve had some great ones from David Bruce and Testarossa, but my favorite had to be the 2002 Thomas Fogarty Rapley Trail Vineyard. It’s now sold out, excepting 3 large-format bottles, way beyond my budget.
You can also add Ridge to the list, especially the Lytton Springs and Geyserville Zinfandels. Yet what stands out in my mind the most was the barrel sample of 2005 Monte Bello when I went on a tour there. I would have bought futures (again beyond my means) but no more were available. Damn!
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Hiedler Grüner Veltliner at The Slanted Door and now have a bottle at home waiting to drink, it was the Humbrecht Rielsing that blew me away–not so simple to locate a 94 without spending too much money, especially since Olivier was named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
Chances are, I’ll never have these again. At least I have the memories…
Gloria Ferrer, Domaine Chandon, David Bruce, Testarossa, Ridge, Domaine Zind Humbrecht
January 10th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
dude, i might have to hit you up for a “best wines you can get for under $15 each” in a few weeks.
don’t hate me cuz i’m poor.
we’re redoing our kitchen and want to start up a wine collection, try out new things, and get a better handle on what we like. i’m usually a reisling girl, while he’s more of a merlot man.
any help would ROCK.
May 21st, 2007 at 8:11 am
[...] How Sweet Are Your Bubbles? May 21st, 2007 by Farley KD, fellow 451 Press blogger who is new to wine, sent me an e-mail asking about dry sparkling wine. I already replied to her with specific recommendations, which I have written about over the past few months, including here and here. [...]