The 10 Most Exciting Wines of 2011

I know people bag on Top Ten lists. But I don't know why. Maybe it is their fear of commitment. It is a pleasure for me to taste hundreds and hundreds of wines each year and carefully include a few in a rather short list. Those that stuck with me, stood out amongst the rest, and linger in my memories of 2011. The list I prefer to make is not necessarily those who I would score the highest (as occasionally rather perfect wines don't completely hold my interest.) Instead they are the 10 wines that were exciting for me. The 10 wines I remember exactly how they smelled and tasted, or how they added to a wonderful experience. So I present to you my 10 most exciting wines of 2011, and say without reservation that any of them would bring pleasure:

10) 2007 Scagliola Frem Barbera d'Asti - Maybe it was finding this wine for $10, but it seriously delivered with mushrooms and dark fruit, and perfect oak spicing (not easy for me to say). It was a spectacular blend of fruit and Italian rusticity that reminded me that Italian wine is made for the dinner table - as it went perfectly with our grilled sausage dinner.



9) 2008 Zotovitch Cellars Syrah - I've been a bit of a California Syrah advocate this year, and here is an example of why I love it. The meatiness and black pepper hint at the cold climate of these Sta. Rita Hills vineyards, and yet a hefty alcohol level integrates and adds some power. Steve Clifton consulted on this wine, and the result is delicious (and exciting!)



8) 2009 Uvaggio Vermentino - Back to Italy, but via Lodi, California. This wine is spectacularly savory and fresh. I chose it because I think there is something to Italian varietals and Lodi, something I would not have expected. While this is clearly my favorite wine of the lot, I have had some interesting dry Moscato, and Barbera from Lodi as well this year and hope that they are on to something. The price here is incentive to try it as well.



7) 2008 " The Day Job" Stage Left Cellars - A unique blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvedre makes for a layered wine that is distinct and exciting. I was also captivated by the story of Melinda Doty and Rich Williams who have built this urban Oakland winery piece by piece. If you get a hold of this wine, and really want to know what lingers for me, smell and taste for the Mourvedre's savory influence in the finish. I can still taste it.



6) 2008 Wind Gap Syrah Griffin's Lair - Oops, another California Syrah from a fairly cold vineyard happens to sneak in here. This one is multi-layered, broad, and a bit wild. It is truly a beautiful wine, from a label that is consistently making spectacular bottles.



5) 2010 Bedrock Compagni Portis Heirloom White - This wine makes the list because of owner/winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson's dedication to the nearly extinct 12 varietals of Compagni Portis vineyard that make up this blend. Well, some are nearly extinct. The wine is primarily Gewurtzraminer, and it is spectacularly waxy, tropical, and floral. It is a unique wine that seems truly Californian, but the spice and mineral on the finish bring it home in a way that is difficult to describe.



4) 2006 Vergari Van der Kamp Pinot Noir - I go back and forth with Pinot Noir, because there are so many bad ones. But this wine is spectacular. I first met David Vergaria at Pasadena's Pinot Fest last February, and have become a customer. His focus is clear (age able, balanced pinot from California's best vineyards) and his success is evident in each bottle I have opened. The Van der Kamp offers dusty cherries and herbs, hints of smoke and earth, and beautiful acidity.



3) 2009 E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane - Expensive, yes. Mind-blowing, yes. Able to create a Condrieu evangelist out of me, triple yes. I had no idea what Viognier could be until I tasted this spicy, musky, smokey beauty. But it was the contrast between the expansive flavors that effortlessly maintained an intense focus that really got me excited. I rarely say this on The Vino File, but this bottle is worth the nearly $100 price tag.



2) 2010 Maison Bleue Marsanne Boushey Vineyard - Another white Rhone, but from Stateside this time. The almonds, the beautiful peach, and the sublime texture makes this wine intensely appealing. Add the winery's other outstanding wines in the last two years and you have yourself an up and comer that still offers outstanding value. Washington has a winner in this wine, and in Maison Bleue.



1) Henriot NV Blanc Souverain Brut - Yep, a Champagne takes my wine of the year. I don't drink enough of this stuff, and this is the bottle that set me straight. Apple fruit and pleasing bubbles yes, but a lot more. There is a hazelnut aspect to this wine, and just the right sense of creaminess. I lingered over this glass, and went on and on, just long enough to get off my bum and start adding Champagne to my regular buying (and drinking) habits. More than any other wine, this bottle changed my wine consumption habits. I dare you to resist it's appeal.



Some amazing wines, from a great year. Making the list brings back some great memories and yet definitely propels me with excitement into 2012. I would love to hear your most exciting wine of 2011 in the comments. In the meantime have a very Happy New Year!!