These are five great wines that come to mind as I think of some of the best I’ve tasted this year. They are not value wines. They are serious and all of them can be cellared for enjoyment. The Domaine Serene Chardonnay is a special one to point out because it has a cerebral quality to it that is not often found in whites as well as the Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz which is diverse enough to be served with fish and Chinese food. Seek them out and enjoy!
 
Sierra Cantabria 2010 Reserva -Rioja  Excellent baked spices and toasty notes, herbs, plums, big flavors

 Domaine Serene 2013 Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay -Dundee Hills  Big fruit, really creamy exudes a mouthfeel that is very sensuous, nice long finish.

Glaetzer 2013 Bishop Shiraz  -Barossa Valley  Nice strong chewy Shiraz the way they should be; meaty with eucalyptus, glycerin and dollops of berry fruit.

 Château Calon Ségur 2013 -Saint Estèphe  Great fresh black fruits, vivid with integrated tannins; layers and a tautness in it that says ‘lay me down’.

Château Haut-Monplaisir 2012 Prestige Malbec – Cahors  Great concentration with mouthwatering acidity and black plums, complex, intense fruit and dry tannins