LOOKING back over 2011, we're reminded yet again, that wine is first and foremost about people: those who make it (and to a much lesser extent - those of us who drink it).
It's also very much about place, of course. At least it should be.
In the year's closing moments, we've decided to revisit with just a few of those remarkable folks who give of their time to travel the world to tell their wine story - along with just a few of their wines that you too will find worth tasting.
We're not sure who wins the Mega Air Miles Award but you can be pretty sure that Yalumba's Jane Ferrari is right up there. Even following her non-stop blog (updated sometimes two or three times a day) can be exhausting as she tirelessly works her way around the world. She's an ambassador in the truest sense of the word. Yalumba was one of the first to drive the current interest in Viognier - grab a bottle of the peach-toned Y Series to see why. BCLS $17.99. Or bump it up a notch with The Scribbler '09, one of the best Cab Shiraz blends around, packed with cassis and anise tones it blends the plushness of Shiraz with firm Cab. Sauv. structure. (BCLS $25.99)
A few months back, the indefatigable and everentertaining Dr. Ernie Loosen whistle-stopped by with a suitcase full of Riesling, including some serious single vineyard wines and, of course, the ever popular "Dr. L." The big news this time was the arrival of a Dr. L Sparkler, an easy sipping bubble in classic Sekt style, with lively mousse, fresh apple notes and natural, fresh fruit-forward style, in a snappy package - perfect for New Year's Eve popping.
BCLS $18.99.
It's always a delight to break bread with the Italians; and a lunch at Cru with Maria Sabrina Tedeschi proved no exception. (It followed the previous night's exceptional Amarone dinner, with no less than a dozen top producers.) A surprise turned out to be the floral and subtly mineral toned Tedeschi Soave Classico $17.99, while Cru's braised short rib was a superb marriage with the complex, plum and cherry, mocha toned Tedeschi Classico Amarone '06 (BCLS $54.99).
Arguably one of the best of the year, Blue Water delivered a remarkable dinner to showcase Errazuriz wines, presented by encyclopedic head winemaker Francisco Baettig.
From the reception citrus-toned Single Vineyard Aconcagua Sauvignon Blanc (a serious deal at EW $19.99), through Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2010 (BCLS $19.99), perfectly matched with sablefish and beurre blanc, to the Ribena topped, complex, spicy and clove-toned Don Maximiano Founders Reserve '07 (BCLS $89.99 - superb with Frank Pabst's venison), these wines yet again underscored the remarkable depth across the board from this Chilean flag bearer. Even more than we can mention here, but we can't omit the floral and honeyed Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2010, a sweet dessert wine deal at BCLS $13.99 (375 ml.).
Linking up with Beringer's delightful Laurie Hook at Oru also yielded no shortage of good tastes and interesting anecdotes from one of California's most experienced winemakers. Worth tracking down, the well balanced, juicy, spicy and savoury streaked Beringer Napa Valley 2009 Pinot Noir (EW $33.99), while the citrus, stonefruited and mineral toned Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay 2009 yields great Napa value at $24.99 BCLS. Also of note, the cherry and blue fruited Beringer Knights Valley 2008 (EW $41.99), and of course, the plush and peppery, blackberry, anise and smoky toned Private Reserve Cab. Sauv. '07.
May your glass be filled with even more great tastes in 2012!
