WineLife365

Rather than replicating a list of the particular wines the large wine publications proclaimed as being the best of 2009, or even rehashing my own personal favorites, I thought I’d provide a different look at the top 10 wines that my palate said, “Got It Right!” in 2009.

1.  Anything But Chardonnay Brotherhood – 2009 proved to be another exciting year for wine drinkers who were looking for something other than Chardonnay.  Riesling, Torrontes, Vinho Verde, and Viognier (to name just a few) “Got it Right” in 2009.

2.  I Prefer My Chardonnay “Naked” – In 2009 we started seeing more Chardonnay producers leaving the trees in the forest and getting “naked” or “unoaked”.  So, before you scratch Chardonnay off of your wine checklist, you may want to look again!

3.  Acidity Is A Good Thing – In 2009, I experienced a lot of terrific white wines that brought the acidity to the party.  The places that rocked me most throughout 2009 were Chile, Portugal and New Zealand.

4.  Italy Is Not Just For Pinot Grigio And Chianti Anymore – Man, if you haven’t experienced an Italian sparkler this year, you’re missing out!

5.  The Wine Treasure Chest Called France – All I can say here is that the French sure know how to make fine white wines, and cheap tasty ones too!  Treasure hunters might want to start digging in the Gascony, Languedoc and Loire Valley aisles.

6.  I Never Met A Red Headed Spaniard That I Didn’t Like – I’m probably a little bit biased on this one, but damn – I had a lot of great Spanish reds in 2009 and Garnacha spoke to me like Rain Man in my ears.

7.  There’s A Lot To Like Down South! – Gadzooks I tell you – I had a love fest with many a Carmenere and Malbec this past year.

8.  California Can Still Smoke’em – Nobody brings the noise like Cali.  I had a few Cabs and red Zins that nearly took me to the moon and back in 2009.  Big, bold and 100% California gold in those hills!

9.  I Like My Wines Shaken Not Stirred – Industry insiders say that most inexpensive blended wines are an afterthought to utilize the leftover grape lots.  Well, sometimes the “leftovers” are better!  I didn’t meet too many a Meritage in 2009 that I didn’t find enjoyable – especially in the under $15 club.  Additionally, the wines created by those wineries who strive to produce Bordeaux-style blends, using only the very best grapes, weren’t too shabby either.

10.  But, I’ve Never Heard Of That Place Or Grape… – In 2009, retailers introduced wine lovers to a few more, far away, and unpronounceable places that are making exciting wines while adding a few new grapes to our growing wine vocabulary.

The question is – Were you too afraid to try any of them?  If you were reluctant or a bit intimidated in 2009, do yourself a favor and taste drive something new in 2010!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!