By Ralph Del Rio, Wine Correspondent
Every year I make an effort to bring up some memorable wines for the year; which are some of the overall best; standouts! In previous years the list was a little more comprehensive. This year we are a bit more concise in pairing the list down to a great seven wines. So let’s get on with 2013’s top wines.
2011 M.Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem, Cotes du Roussillon Villages
Just a flat out knock out wine! It can be put up against the greats. Super complexity on parade here… there’s toasty vanilla, licorice and an all-encompassing richness. Smooth like velvet, supple and tannins are very fine it is extremely meaty and briny tang with hints of lobster!?! Has to be tasted to be understood!
2012 The Prisoner, Napa Valley
Not subtle at all. This wine has been the bees knees for some time now; It’s the 2012 is menacing; Its deep black and ruby/purple color is trailed by a big, peppery, substantial, Rhone-like bouquet with hints of Spanish cooking bay leaf, cigar tobacco, black currants and honeyed cherries. It’s yet medium to full-bodied; mouthwatery plummy…Very decadent.
2012 Fess Parker Ashley’s Vineyard Chardonnay
The wine is dry and cutting, It is completely polished in you can recognize lemons, limes and pears and tart apples, a little smoky It is a firm wine. It makes you think of salmon and baked chicken. Take your time drinking it. It saddles the old world /new world. It has tons depth.
2010 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa (750ml)
A killer from a ‘Judgment of Paris’ wine; this Cabernet is full-bodied with colossal ripeness and fruitfulness. A lush wine that has nice long finish and mid to high tannins. It is herbaceous and has sage and sweet oak savory-ness. Blackberry is integrated with the toasty sweetness of oak. There are hints cinnamon, clove. Very fulfilling!
2005 Bodega Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva, Rioja
The major value of the bunch. It is crisp acidity and firm tannins on the dry, dusty dusky finish It is very intensive. A Gorgeous nose of five spices, tobacco, balsamic and black fruits. The mouthfeel is deep with sheets of spicy ripe black fruit. Finishes in waves…
2010 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti (750ml)
This Chianti is expressive and very pretty. There is a delicacy to the wine that keeps you going to the nose over and over. It is juicy and mouthwatering. Very dark berries, cut flowers, leathery and tarry notes and spices combined with some anise that adds complexity. A delicious wine that is great with food; a lot of diversity.
2012 Poet’s Leap Riesling 2012
It is a very openhearted wine. It’s rich, and vivacious and youthful. It’s very racy. But…What is thought-provoking is that this Riesling’s bouquets drier than it is, with its limeade and papaya aromas. It’s actually feels balanced, rich and fleshy. It screams for a spicy food dish. Perhaps Asian, Indian or even spicy meats. It has a stony minerality; carroty, citrusy and exotic flavors whisk through this attractive wine
