Each Christmas Tom Cannavan announces his Wines of the Year and invites visitors to do the same. See Tom’s 2022 awards here.
Entries for Visitors’ Wines of the Year 2022 are now closed. Thank you to all who submitted their nominations.
Will Devize, UK
Red: Castello di Fonterutoli, ‘Siepi’ 1996, Italy
White: R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Reserva Viña Tondonia 1996, Spain
Budget Red: Semeli, Nemea Reserve 2017, Greece
Budget White: Kühling-Gillot, Nackenheim Riesling trocken 2016, Germany
Rosé: Moorooduc Estate, Pinot Gris On Skins 2019, Australia
Sparkling: Champagne Tarlant, Saga 1996, France
Sweet: Château Pierre-Bise, Quarts de Chaume 1996, France
Fortified: Equipo Navazos, La Bota de Amontillado 58 “Navazos” NV, Spain
Extra choice: Rayas, Domaine des Tours Vaucluse 2017, France
Dud: The cruel and unusual punishment that was tanking my cellar. Twice.
Thing: Bazball
Comments: It’s been a reasonably typical vinous year marked only by a distinct if entirely unintended shift away from New World wines. I can only assume that in these turbulent times my subconscious has lunged nervously to the safety of France, Spain, Germany and Italy. My increasing appreciation and consumption of RM Champagne has been another most welcome development and I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with growers such as Caillez-Lemaire, Legras, Remi Leroy and JM Vignier in particular. Tremendously exciting was a sneaky two-day trip to Bandol and three epic gourmet weekends in Paris, before which I had not left the UK since 2019. I have been lucky to enjoy more than my fair share of superb wine lunches and remain ever grateful to Don for organising WIMPS and to forumites for their wonderful company and generosity. Last but not least my thanks to Tom C for his awe-inspiring patience in hosting this most treasured corner of the internet. Hopefully more of the same this year and to that end I would like to wish everyone on the forum good health and happiness for 2023!
Fabulous sentiments Will – thank you. I know what you are saying about tanking the cellar – the quote we got for doing our basement still makes my eyes water :). Another vote for Tondonia Blanco Reserva possibly make it the most nominated white this year – I’ll have to do a final check – and Greece has done pretty well overall too; that Nemea is a cracker – Tom
Mahmoud Ali, Canada
Red: 1967 Seppelt ‘Moyston’ Claret, Barossa (Australia)
White: 2002 Wimmer-Czerny ‘Felserberg’ Gruner Veltliner (Austria)
Budget Red: 2018 Masi Campofiorin (Italy) – C$15 (~£9)
Budget White: 2018 Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier (Australia) – C$8 (~£5)
Rosé: 2016 Santa Rita ‘Limited Release’ Rose (Chile)
Sparkling: 1990 Pol Roger Brut (France)
Sweet: 1991 Agricola MARIN Picolit, Colli Orientali del Fruili (Italy)
Fortified: 2002 McWilliams Show Reserva Early Release VP (Australia)
Extra choice: 1986 Reserve du General, Margaux, 2nd wine of Palmer (France)
Dud: 1990 Antinori Tignanello (Italy)
Thing: Despite owning far too many wines, finding joy in finding bottles made with “new” varietals like Bellone, Cesanese, Pais, Schioppettino, and Verdeca.
Comments: Two bottles of 1986 from Palmer went head to head and it was the second wine, Reserve du General, that got the nod suggesting that the grand vin needed more time. However I chose the 1967 Moyston Claret, a 55 year-old Cabernet Shiraz that had no tannins but clean silky fruit that glided across the palate. Also memorable were 1989 La Dominique, 2004 Sena, and 2001 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet. The single vineyard Wimmer GV took time but gained intensity and length. Some roses find a way to age and this startles with its depth and intensity. In other years it was a’98 Charles Melton and a ’12 Belle Gloss, and this Santa Rita was such a rose. The Pol Roger was old but powerful – it had fabulous length. The 30 year-old Picolit was a revelation, vivid and intense, besting a Jacob Filcher Erben 1971 Kiedreicher Sandgrub Riesling Auslese. The McWilliams port was made with Tyrian, a CabSav/Sumoll hybrid for their 125th Anniversary, a gift from McWilliams.
Nice globe-trotting drinking Mahmoud. Interesting about the second wine of Palmer being preferred to the same vintage of the Grand Vin, but as you say, it may just need time so you have to repeat the experiment in 10 years 🙂 – Tom
Mark Carrington, UK
Red: Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Único 1960
White: J-P & B Droin Chablis Valmur 2014
Budget Red: 2018 Skouras Saint George Aghiorghitiko
Budget White: A.J. Adam Riesling Im Pfarrgarten Feinherb 2015
Rosé: Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rosé Fleur de Pinot 2016 & 2018
Sparkling: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006
Sweet: Château Coutet Cuvée Madame 2001
Fortified: Kopke Porto Colheita 1999
Extra choice: Henschke Shiraz Mount Edelstone 2002
Dud: Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2007
Thing: Sharing numerous celebrations of Karen’s xxth birthday. K started in February & partied all year long, with one more event pending.
Comments: The Unico fully lived up to its reputation. Droin is on top form & just a notch below the Chablis Big Two. The AJ Adam was purchased direct a few years ago, Andreas is a good guy & underrated wine producer. The Aghiorghitiko was tipped on the Forum & been a regular purchase from Aldi. Plenty of interesting well priced wines coming out of Greece, which will remain a VFM hunting ground in 2023, alongside South Africa. Pataille’s rosés are ageworthy gems. The Coutet was WotY & close to perfection. A strong year for fortifieds, the Kopke trumped 3 different outstanding Graham’s vintage port. I will no longer buy DdC Blanc, utterly inconsistent from the sublime to utter rubbish. Big thanks to Tom for Wine-Pages & let’s hope for plenty more wines of similar quality.
Thank you for your long-time participation on wine-pages Mark. A fine list, with some terrific wines and I agree with the sentiments on Greece (and South Africa). I’m a big fan of white Bordeaux normally, and awould have hoped a 15-year-old wine of that breeding would be singing, so understand the disappointment – Tom
Duncan McLean, Scotland
Red: Ghislaine Barthod, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Beaux Bruns 1993, France
White: Blank Canvas, Grüner Veltliner, 2015, New Zealand
Budget Red: Domaine du Cros, Marcillac ‘Lo Sang del Païs’, 2019, France
Budget White: Cieck, Erbaluce di Caluso ‘Vigna Misobolo’, 2019, Italy
Rosé: Pinea, Korde, 2020, Spain
Sparkling: Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires, 2007, France
Sweet: Daschbosch, Old Vine Hanepoot, 2016, South Africa
Extra choice: Solo Contigo, ‘Neelands Rows Selection’ Malbec, 2019
Thing: Am amazing documentary, ‘Honeyland’, which follows the life of a North Macedonian woman who lives by collecting honey from wild bees. Beautiful and revelatory.
Comments: The Champagne and the rose were drunk at trade dinners and the red at the house of a generous acquaintance. All three were so far above my general quality/price level that everything else this year was left in the dust! Having said that, there was much pleasure in more modest bottles. The NZ GV was a revelation: seven years old but fresh as a daisy, and beautifully complex. I’ve been exploring premium Argentina a bit, with the Solo Contigo Malbec just rising above Las Perdices’ Bonarda Reserva as the most exciting find so far. Very smart drinking. I am familar with some of the less well known wines in the lost like the Marcillac and the Hanepoot, both great choices. Part of me feels Malbec is both a great opportunity and a danger for Argentina: there are some wonderful wines, and a lot of cheaper not very good wines, and the consumer’s challenge is to sort them out – though mainly that is down to price – Tom
Nick Amis, UK
Red: Sylvain Cathiard Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru En Orveaux 2001, France
White: Bouchard Père et Fils Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte 2002, France
Budget Red: Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône Baron Louis 2007, France
Budget White: Kellerei Nals-Margreid Pinot Bianco Sirmian 2012, Italy
Rosé: Jacques Selosse Champagne Brut Rosé NV, France
Sparkling: Bérêche et Fils Champagne Rive Gauche Extra Brut 2016, France
Sweet: Château Climens 2001, France
Fortified: Equipo Navazos La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada 100 “Bota NO” NV, Spain
Extra choice: Vincent Dauvissat Chablis 1er Cru Séchet 2017, France
Dud: Mac Forbes Pinot Noir 2018, Australia
Thing: The odyssey that was moving house
Comments: My top wines came from the successful Burgundy dinners held at Noize, and I could easily have picked Rousseau CSJ 2001, Arnoux RSV 2002, Jadot CSJ 2002 or Leflaive Chevalier 2001 instead; thanks to all those wine-pages’ forumites who’ve shared their wines. There were other splendid events too, such as the Dauvissat dinner (from which I had to mention my WOTN as extra choice), the Italian-ish one at Quality Chop House and the OTT free-for-all when Melvin came to visit. The Selosse was luckily spotted on a list in France and I was delighted that a real bucket list wine showed so well. The Bereche on the other hand was opened unceremoniously with a friend in our back garden, and was perfectly a point – the sort of surprise that makes wine drinking such a pleasure. The Kellerei was similar, really – superbly mature and my clear sub-£20 white of the year. The Montfaucon meanwhile has been my standby through this year for a comforting, tertiary, food-friendly red: amazing quality for £15. A mouth-watering list Nick, and isn’t red Burgundy doing especially well this year? You faced the same problem that we all do, shoe-horning the Dauvissat in as an ‘Extra’, when I’m sure in other circumstances it would have been WOTY – Tom
B Dean, Scotland
Red: Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 (New Zealand)
White: S.A. Prüm Sonnenuhr Wehlen Riesling Kabinett 2008 (Germany)
Budget Red: Cantina di Soliera Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro NV (Italy)
Budget White: Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner Orange 2020 (Austria)
Rosé: Orly Lumbreras Cebreros Mil Monts Rosado 2019 (Spain)
Sparkling: Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 (France)
Sweet: Domäne Wachau Beerenauslese Terrassen 2020 (Austria)
Extra choice: Charles Fox Reserve Brut Méthode Cap Classique NV (South Africa)
Dud: Prosecco
Comments: Tried to push my boundaries, starting the year with unusual suspects, and later at wine fairs made sure I didn’t just stick to my favourites. Having said that, it reinforced my previous impressions, which I guess is reassuring – riesling, champagne, and New World pinot noir still captivate me more than most. A pleasant surprise has been Austria – a country I previously actively avoided. Having drunk my usual range and quantity of champagne, I was a little surprised to find the Cristal got the highest mark, but it was great. Pol Roger gets an honourable mention. South African sparklers seem to give the best value for money, many are truly excellent. Prosecco, even single vineyard/prestige examples left me cold. “Natural” wines have largely failed to live up to their billing, and I tried plenty – a lot of homebrew quality at premier cru prices with silly names, though some show potential. At least, unlike prosecco, they are diverse and exciting. It’s a really interesting point on Prosecco: I have written a few times about the upper-end wines; as you say, the single vineyards, organic wines, zero dosage examples, etc. I do think there are many that elevate above ‘basic’ Prosecco, but the nature of the beast ist that there just isn’t the same diversity of aromas, flavours and qualities as Champagne (for example) – Tom
Andrew Stevenson, UK
Red: Domaine de la Garance, à Clara, Vin de France NV, France
White: von Kesselstatt, Josephshöfer Riesling Kabinett 1997, Germany
Budget Red: Chain of Ponds, The Ledge Shiraz 2000, Australia
Budget White: Kurt Hain, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese #12 2005, Germany
Rosé: Aoton, Lola 2018, Greece
Sparkling: Exton Park, Reserve Blend RB23 NV, England
Sweet: Paul Cluver, Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest, 2003, South Africa
Fortified: Quinta do Noval, LBV Unfiltered Port, 1997, Portugal
Extra choice: Errazuriz, La Cumbre 2008, Chile
Dud: Almost everything that’s not involved work, food or wine.
Thing: Food deliveries from Aktar at Home and Wowzabox that are both cheaper & superior to local restaurants and takeaways
Comments: Lots and lots of ties for first place in most categories. The two reds and two whites could all be in the budget category.
Need to make honourable mention for: 2016 Gusbourne Brut Reserve, NV Laherte Frères Les 7 (made in a solera with all 7 permitted Champagne varieties) and Furleigh Estate’s Alpha Brut, all of which could have made the Sparkling category. Surprise to see the Chain of Ponds as the top red of the year, but it ended in budget as it was a sale purchase back in 2005. Was expecting it to be dead, but it was glorious. Had to slip the La Cumbre into extra, as it was a wine-pages competition prize via Edencroft. Just pipped to the post for the red category on re-reading the tasting notes. As ever still whites are dominated by riesling, but must give honourable mentions to 2021 Agro de Bazan Albarino Granbazan Etiquetta Ambar, 2020 Alta Alela Pansa Blanca and a rather curiously high-scoring 2018 Furleigh Estate White Pinot Noir from Dorset that I simply enjoyed drinking. The face that you can recall a wine that you ‘simply enjoyed drinking’ so clearly suggests it was a cut above the norm, perhaps so perfect on the occasion that it didn’t need further analysis! Will e checking out Wowzabox – Tom
Darren Band, Scotland, UK
Red: Wente Vineyards Beyer Ranch Zinfandel 2018
White: Charles Smith, Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2020, USA
Budget Red: A A Badenhorst Secateurs Shiraz Cinsault 2021, South Africa
Budget White: The Falls Canadian Riesling 2019, Canada
Rosé: Simpsons Wine Estate, Pinot Noir Rosé 2019, England
Sparkling: Villa Sandi Opere Brut Traditional Method 2021
Sweet: The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2021, New Zealand
Extra choice: Château Bandsville 2022 Sparkling Rosé
Dud: Chateau Gruaud Larose 1971
Thing: Live music after Covid!
Comments: Started the year finding I’d passed WSET Level 2 with distinction. Most of my year was filled with 2020’s plans, holiday to Venice where we visited Villa Sandi for a tour and tasting, being able to go to live gigs again including massive bands such as Queen, Weezer, Green Day… Restricted Code! Enjoyed the online tastings but desperate to attend some in-person events again. Kept up the brewing hobby, made our first ever cider with home grown apples, and our first home made sparkling Rosé wine! Looking forward to another year of nice wine, more music… And kids football! You saw one fantastic band and three mediocre ones Darren, so well done 🙂 Badenhorst Secateurs is just one of those ‘go to’ wines that never disappoints – as I’m sure your sparkling pink won’t either! – Tom
David Band, UK
Red: Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2019
White: Bolney Estate Pinot Gris 2019
Budget Red: D’Arenberg D’Arry’s Original Grenache/Shiraz 2018
Budget White: Rag & Bone Eden Valley Riesling 2021
Rosé: Coolhurst Lady Elizabeth Sparkling 2018
Sparkling: Bolney Estate Blanc de Blancs 2017
Sweet: Santa Julia Tardio Torrontes 2019
Fortified: Tio Pepe Fino en Rama 2022
Extra choice: Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth
Thing: Passing WSET Level 2
Comments: I haven’t been out dining as often as I had hope, so fingers crossed that changes in 2023. Managed to finally visit Venice (thanks for the Villa Sandi tip!) And a fantastic meal at Osteria alle Testiere.
Delighted to have helped with Villa Sandi (David and his twin brother visited as part of birthday celebrations). And interesting to see a Vermouth as an extra choice; there are some really interesting versions of Vermouth around on the UK market now – Tom
Jason Mitchell, UK
Red: Haut Brion 1982 France
White: Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte, 2002, France
Budget Red: Domain Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2018
Budget White: Foundry Roussanne 2017 South Africa
Sparkling: Roederer Cristal 2000 en mag. France
Sweet: Suduiraut 2009 France
Extra choice: Keller, Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling Großes Gewächs 2013, Germany
Dud: White burgundy with premox… quite a depressing failure rate this year
Thing: Socialising with other Wine-Pages members, one big family.
Comments: An abundance of superb wines this year that I was incredibly privileged to drink thanks to the generosity of like minded friends. The stand out wine dinner being the 1982 Bordeaux first growths where all the wines showed really well. 2022 was probably the first time that I took the opportunity to appreciate quality white wines more (being a red wine lover), however I personally suffered quite a few premature oxidised bottles of white burgundy which is incredibly frustrating. It does make me appreciate how reliable Bordeaux is in comparison to Burgundy. However when white Burgundy is not faulty it can be sublime as my favourite white of the year is testament to and just pipped the Keller Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling from the Christmas Wimps lunch. As I said… just so many fantastic wines in 2022 from which to choose for this list.
Well, it is testament to the community and quality of events that the Keller wine has made it as Wine of the Year for about four people this year including me, who all drank it at the same table at one such event! – Tom
Kevin Courtney, New Zealand
Red: Cos d’Estournel 2005
White: Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte 2015
Budget Red: Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah. HB, NZ 2020
Budget White: Bernaud Fouquet Aubuisiers Vouvray Silex 2019
Rosé: Hunters Miru Miru Rose NV. Marl. NZ
Sparkling: Comte Champagne 2006
Sweet: La Tour Blanche Sauternes 2001
Fortified: Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat. Australia
Extra choice: Craggy Range Le Sol. HB. NZ 2019
Thing: Visiting Chablis for the first time. Surely one of the most charming, compact vine regions in the world.
Comments: It was great to visit the UK for the first time in almost 4 years. I got to attend a wimps (wine-pages offline lunches), a burgundy dinner, met several forum members I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting before, and tried lots of great wines with great food, including a delightful lunch in East Finchley which was a most perfect outing. I was also delighted that my son Andrew got to attend two wimps and was made most welcome by Don and the people at his table each time. It is a very special community. I am terrible at keeping a note of the wines I try so the ones listed are the ones I remembered best for various reasons. There were lots of others. I really must try harder in future. Freedom after such a long time with the borders closed must be extra special for Kiwis Kevin, and great that you broke out in such style 🙂 – Tom
Rainer Guntermann, Germany
Red: 1982 Chateau Caronne St. Gemme
White: 1992 Corton Charlemagne Louis Latour
Budget Red: 2015 Petite Sirene
Budget White: 2021 Music Ribolla Galla
Rosé: 2015 Gusbourne Rose
Sparkling: 2012 Roederer Crystal
Sweet: 1981 Chateau de Fargues
Fortified: 1963 Warre ( half )
Extra choice: 2007 Spätburgunder S Dautel
Dud: The passing of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Thing: The bar exam of our daughter Anabel and joining our little law firm in October. Wine wise all those beautiful aged lesser wines in 2022.
Comments: Difficult times but happy and thankful to have been allowed to get through this year without greater harm. Thankful as well for being offered the opportunity to stay in touch with all those people at this civilised place which I couldn’t meet in person now for more than 2 1/2 years. Great job Tom and thanks.
Thank you Rainer – my international visitors offer a really welcome perspective on wine, food, life and everything! 🙂 And yes, great to see a modest Bordeaux like the Caronne performing so well 40 years on – Tom
Kris Kubiena, UK
Red: Vega Sicilia Unico 2002
White: Coteau de Vernon Condrieu 2018, Georges Vernay
Budget Red: Chateau d’Aiguilhe 2012
Budget White: JL Chave Circa, St Joseph 2018
Rosé: Chateau Simone Rose 2019, Palette
Sparkling: Bollinger La Grande Annee Rose 2012
Sweet: Chateau d’Yquem 2001
Fortified: Cossart Gordon Bual 1962
Extra choice: Bastardo Niepoort Projectos 2013
Dud: Vieux Telegraphe 2006
Thing: William Kentridge at the Royal Academy
Comments: A year of lovely wines and it was so very hard to chose. The Bastardo stands out as the absolute beauty of the wine was unexpected. I think Niepoort are producing some really interesting wines. I could easily have mistaken it for a great grand cru Burgundy. The impact of the William Kentridge exhibition was equally unexpected. It showed that even jaded old farts can still be shocked and astounded by Art.
Well, as one jaded old fart to another, glad to hear it 🙂 Those Niepoort table wines are absolutely fascinating I agree, many of them confounding expectations of what can be done in the Douro Valley – Tom
Keith Prothero, SA & UK
Red: Haut Brion 1989 Graves, France
White: Eben Sadie Mev Kirsten chenin 2014 Stellenbosch South Africa
Budget Red: Taaibosch Wines Crescendo Cab Franc based 2018 Helderberg South Africa
Budget White: Stefano Zoli Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, 2020, Italy
Rosé: Vine Venom Shining Cinsault 2020 , Swartland, South Africa
Sweet: Mullineux Olerasay No 2 , Swartland, South Africa
Thing: In spite of so many local political issues, corruption, power cuts etc, the SA wine industry continues to produce superb great value wine.
Comments: A year, in which due to a few health issues, I have reduced the number of wine events I host or attend. It has focused my mind on drinking up more of the fine wine I have cellared, and thus I took out of bond a case of Haut Brion 1989 and the first bottle was a great as the hype but needs perhaps another ten years. Hope I am around to drink it at its best 🙂 The Olerasay No 2 solera chenin is the greatest sweet wine I have ever tasted, and I have drunk a few !!
Sory to hear about the health issues Keith, and I hope you overcome them and continue to enjoy your wines. I am on record as saying that Haut-Brion is arguable the best red wine I have ever drunk, unfortunately only one experience and that about 20 years ago, so fascinating to read about it 20 years on and not surprising that it is still youthful – Tom
Paul Day, UK
Red: Gentaz-Dervieux, Cote-Rotie Cote Brune [believed 1990], France
White: Domaine Leflaive, Montrachet, 1999, France
Budget Red: Chateau Gloria 2010, France
Budget White: von Schubert, Maximin Grunhauser Absberg Spätlese 1997, Germany
Rosé: Louis Roederer, Cristal Rosé (magnum) 2002, France
Sparkling: Krug, Clos du Mesnil 2002, France
Sweet: Fritz Haag, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr TBA Auktion (half) 1994, Germany
Fortified: Blandy Family (ex H.M.Borges), Terrantez “Bottled by CJZ in 1977” 1862, Portugal
Extra choice: Lopez de Heredia, Tondonia Blanco 1922, Spain
Dud: White Burgundy (premox, TCA, prices, very few really great wines…)
Thing: Great meals with friends and family in UK, France, Spain and Germany
Comments: Hard to choose a single red wine, but a stray bottle of Gentaz (which retained a vintage label on which no vintage was actually printed) was sublime and vibrant. It was surprisingly good for the vintage if it was indeed 1990, as that was always more forward than the “better” vintages of 88, 89 and 91. Coincidentally, an old friend generously opened a really fine bottle of 1989 a week before drinking this, but this “1990” was perhaps even more beautiful and compelling on the nose, if perhaps a little less weighty on the palate. It is hard to get the great Gentaz experience now as many bottles are not in optimal condition despite provenance … largely due to corks. So it was a great surprise and treat to have two in quick succession.
My experience of Gentaz-Dervieux is very limited, a 1991 tasted a couple of years ago thanks to a generoud friend; I am not sure the bottle was in the best shape, and it was on the same bill as Latour and Romanee-Conti, so maybe not the ideal time to judge! – Tom
Ben Fawcett, Scotland
Red: Domaine Arlaud Vosne-Romanee 2013
White: Chateau Bouscaut Semillon ‘1850’ 2015
Budget Red: Torre alle Tolfe Chianti Colli Senesi 2018
Budget White: Tenuta La Chiusa Elba Vermentino 2021
Rosé: Domaine Tempier Rose 2021
Sparkling: Louis Roederer Blancs de Blancs 2011
Sweet: Giampaolo Tabarrini Sagrantino Passito 2007
Fortified: Niepoort 1983 Vintage Port
Dud: I’m not getting political suffice to say – picking a fight with nurses, Jesus
Thing: My family and especially my 3 and bit years old daughter Olive – who pronounced Chianti perfectly when doing a wee wine video with me.
Comments: A humble Vosne-Romanee. For me, a red of the year, has to do many things. Least of all be bloody brilliant and this is. It genuinely impresses in both gravitas and substance, at £60 offers incredible value and I love it. The Semillon from Bouscaut from 1850 vines is without a shadow of a doubt the best dry white Bordeaux I’ve ever tasted, and yes I include all the more revered ones that are just knocked out of the park by this sublime wine. Roederer’s BdB from 2011 is in such a good place right now. You see it buy it. Happy New year all, cheers.
Great list, and of those that I have tasted, there are some fabulous wines in there. I wish I’d bought more of the Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2013 – three bottles purchased, only one drunk so far, but it was in my Wines of the Year list last year – Tom
Craig Thomson, New Zealand
Red: Ch Latour, 1995, France
White: Neudorf, Moutere Chardonnay 2014, NZ
Budget Red: Te Mata, Awatea Cabernets Merlot, 2020, NZ
Budget White: Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay, 2021, NZ
Rosé: Poppies, Rose, 2022, NZ
Sparkling: Moët Chandon, Dom Perignon, 2008, France
Sweet: Akurua, Alchemy Ice Wine, 2019, New Zealand
Extra choice: Puriri Hills, Harmonie du Soir, 2013, NZ
Thing: Moving to Marlborough
Comments: A friend unannounced brought the Latour (and a LLC) around for Sunday afternoon drinks. The most casually drink first growth in my life. I have been enjoying many great Chardonnays from the 2019 vintage which I rate as NZ’s best Chardonnay vintage perhaps ever. The extra acid backbone that appears in this vintage, combined with the finesse and restraint that is currently in vogue makes great drinking. Also a plug some tasty top end Sauvignon Blanc from my new home – special mention to 2020, 2021 and 2022 St Clair Wairau Reserve. Special mention to a few reds that could have made the top spot; a stunning bottle of 2010 Stonyridge Larose, an amazing 2005 Unison Selection which stood shoulder to shoulder with a 2009 Ch Cos Estournel, a mind blowing (but not yet released) peek at 2020 Puriri Hills Pope, and a surprisingly approachable bottle of 2017 Ridge Montebello.
What a fantastic place to live; I’ve been lucky enough to tour NZ five times professionally and twice on holiday, and that Marlborough air, scenery and freshness tells you everything you need to know about why the wines can be so vibrant. I might well try to pick up some from your list that are reasonably easy to find over here, like the Kumeu and Te Mata – Tom
Cameron Clark, Australia
Red: 1975 Taylor’s Hermitage
White: 2004 Riesling, Knight Granite Hills
Budget Red: 2021 Flaxman Valley Syrah
Budget White: 2020 North Canterbury Chardonnay, Pyramid Valley
Rosé: 2021 1850 Ancestor Vine Rossato, Cirillo Estate
Sparkling: 1991 Classic Clare. Sparkling Shiraz
Fortified: 1978 Julian James Rare PX, Talijanchic
Extra choice: 2002 Hanlin Hill. Riesling, Petaluma
Thing: Old Auz Riesling
Comments: The end of Covid lockdowns meant a lot more wine tasting and some traveling. The highlight was a trip to Europe which included a Wine-Pages offline and a stunning Amsterdam tasting where I could have picked many wines for the list. Wine of the year was the Taylor’s, that came from a tatty, mid shoulder bottle. Fully mature and filled with Eucalyptus tinged fruit, this took me back to the 80’s, as did the Sparkling Shiraz that had turned into a complex red wine. I’ve developed a taste for aged Aus Riesling and Granite Hills make the best – the acidity was joyous in the 04. A large tasting of Petaluma showed the 2 sides of the screw cap. The 03 was nowhere as developed as the cork closed 02 and I wonder if it will ever develop the same.
Yes, it was great to meet you on your grand European tour :). I know some of these and love the wines of Pyramid Valley and Hanlin Hill that I’ve tasted for example, but not this array of properly aged bottles – Tom
Edward Bolland, UK
Red: E. Guigal, Côte Rôtie, La Turque 1997, France
White: Keller, Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling Großes Gewächs 2013
Budget Red: Henri Prudhon, St-Aubin, Les Frionnes, 2019, France
Budget White: Juanjo Tellaetxe, Tantaka, Arabaho-Txakolina, 2019, Spain
Rosé: Dom Perignon, Rosé, Champagne, 2008, France
Sparkling: Krug, 168eme Edition, Champagne, France
Sweet: Chateau Gilette, Crème de Tete, Sauternes, 1983, France
Fortified: Taylor’s, Vintage Port, 1997, Portugal
Extra choice: Bouchard Pere et Fils, Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte, 2002, France
Dud: I actually can’t think of a truly dud wine this year.
Thing: WIMPS, the wine-pages offlines: the gift that keeps on giving.
Comments: So many lovely wines and some tough choices, particularly amongst the reds. December WIMPS offered three first growths from 2002, all outstanding and I had to overlook a pair of lovely Rousseau drunk over Christmas. My table from that WIMPS seems to feature here on other nominations, and the Krug and Keller got my nod too. I thought that a Bouchard Chevalier was a shoe in for top white but the Keller was something else. The Krug 168eme took a last minute lead from a sublime magnum oh Bollinger RD 1997. Going forward to next year I have decided to crack on and tuck into more of my top bottles and enjoy them.
Fully agree with your ‘new year resolution’ to tuck into more of your best bottles. Logically, it’s the only sensible approach to take! Ed and I shared a table at the event from which his white and sparkling choices come, and they were my white and sparkling choices too 🙂 – Tom
Kevin Heatherington, UK
Red: Domaine de Chevalier 1996
White: Dönnhoff Hermanshöhle Großes Gewächs Riesling 2008
Budget Red: Undurraga Syrah Terroir Hunter 2015
Budget White: Vasse Felix Semillon 2007
Sparkling: Henriot Brut 2006
Sweet: Ch Doisy Daëne Sauternes 2007
Extra choice: Lindemans Pyrus 1985
Comments: As well as the usual clutch of French classics two types of wine have really stood out for me this year: Rhone varietal wines from Chile and old Australian reds. There were many more from Chile that I could have included. Undurraga featured heavily but so did De Martino, Vinã Requingua, and Vinā Koyle. I also had some Rouge Homme and Brown Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon from 1978 and both were fine though the Lindemans was the standout of these old Australian reds. For next year I’ve already been accumulating some bottles of Chianti from vintages before 1980.
Interesting list Kevin, and I hear what you say about the Chilean Rhone blends; for me there’s an adventurous and often slightly more expensive side to Chilean wine that is still pretty much under-appreciated, because of the prominence of their inexpensive blends. Spend £12 and up, and there’s some fascinating stuff – Tom
Paul Jaines, UK
Red: Château de la Grille Chinon 2005
White: Argyros Assyrtiko cuvée monsignori 2018
Budget Red: Château de l’Hospital Graves. Stunner at 15 quid.
Budget White: Jérôme huchet Mourat Muscadet Goulaine 2013
Sweet: Domaine du Coy Sauternes 1966
Extra choice: 2008 produttori riservas… finally waking up
Dud: Any 2013 bordeaux
Thing: My wife and her new job after 15 years doing the Mum thing. 17 different countries this year.
Comments: A fairly modest year but enjoying my drinking in a more financially sustainable way. Will try to get into WIMPS this year… I feel that may be a terrible/wonderful mistake. Thé 05 La Grille chinon was a last minute winner. It was glorious on its own merits but invoked the memory of Simon Beatty who had introduced me to this producer years ago.
Yes, WIMPS (the regular offline lunches of the wine-pages discussion forum) are extraordinary events, with the world’s finest wines poured for fellow wine-lovers in a spirit of great generosity. I don’t drink enough Chinon – or any Loire Cab francs for that matter – Tom
Leon M, UK
Red: 1996 Château Mouton Rothschild
White: 2017 Louis Jadot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières Domaine des Héritiers
Budget Red: 2016 Domaine Treloar Le Rescapé. Budget enough? I say yes
Budget White: 2019 Reyneke Chenin Blanc Organic
Rosé: 2016 José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete Rioja RIPA Vino Rosado
Sparkling: 2008 Dom Pérignon Champagne Rosé
Sweet: 2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Fortified: 2021 Emilio Lustau Jerez-Xérès-Sherry 3 en Rama Jerez
Extra choice: 2006 Ridge Geyserville – such an overperformer
Dud: Corked claret from the 90s!
Thing: Spending time with my teenagers! Also Andor and the Elizabeth Line.
Comments: In some ways an odd year – in transition from the pandemic times to whatever new normal looks like. As always, wine-pages’ lovely community of wine nerds brings a great deal of joy and connection – I was lucky to share wine, food and company at some wonderful dinners and lunches. Didn’t drink quite as grandly as last year, but more broadly I think – tellingly I came to a lot more conclusions about what I *don’t* like… Wine wise – some exploration, in particular Rioja, South Africa, and magnums of Champagne. Also looking back at my notes, it seems I’m starting to appreciate fresher, slightly younger wines more – not sure if this is the nature of changing tastes, or just some poor luck with older bottles. A renewal of work travel has been very welcome (certainly professionally) however it’s meant I’ve had to be a little more selective on the wine events I join. This is probably no bad thing of course – again, adjusting to the new normal…
Yes, I think a lot of us have adjusted not just work/life balance, but ways of thinking since the pandemic first struck. And great to see such enthusiam for the events organised mainly through the wine-pages discussion forum. It’s a remarkable community – Tom
Adam Ventress, UK
Red: Occhipinti BB Contrada Bombolieri Frappato 2019, Sicily, Italy
White: Marco de Bartoli Lucido Catarratto 2021, Sicily, Italy
Budget Red: San Marzano Il Pumo Salice Salentino 2020, Puglia, Italy
Budget White: Palliser Estate Riesling 2020, Martinborough, New Zealand
Sparkling: Davenport Limney Estate Sparkling 2015, East Sussex UK
Extra choice: Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2006, Tuscany, Italy
Dud: Bordeaux reds continue to leave me cold
Thing: Magical family holiday to Sicily in June, (first holiday since pre COVID) including memorable visits to Benanti and Occhipinti.
Comments: The Fuligni Riserva 06 was a very close second to the stunning Occhipinti Contrada Bombolieri, but especially having visited in June, Arianna Occhipinti took the honours. Who knew such truly fine wine could come from the humble Frappato grape, and in such an unforgiving climate? My white choice was also related to our holiday, being the wine we ordered with dinner on our last night in Ortigia. It hit the perfect spot in a way that no other white wine had done on the trip, with its vibrant, tongue tingling pink grapefruit freshness. We have enjoyed it almost as much numerous times at home since. That and the superb Palliser Riesling have been the go to whites in our house of late. The Palliser 2020, with its intense lime flavours and perfect balance of fresh acidity and hint of off-dry, is a regular choice with SE Asian flavours. Finally, it’s been a challenging but ultimately pleasing 3rd year in business in our little indie shop, as we renew the lease for another three years.
Congratulations on the third anniversary of the shop Adam; more power to the indies. Yes, I fell in love with Sicily when I first visited – the landscape as well as the food and wine – and this lovely list makes me realised I am long overdue a return visit – Tom
Nigel Pulsford, UK
Red: Bachelet Charmes Chambertin 1990
White: Ramonet Batard Montrachet 2017
Budget Red: Pierrick Bouley Bourgogne Rouge 2019
Budget White: FitaPreta Vinho Regional Alentejano Laranja Mecânica 2020
Rosé: Tempier Bandol Rosé 2019
Sparkling: Cristal 2002 en mag
Sweet: Zilliken Formeister Geltz Auslese 2005 in half
Fortified: Blandy’s Madeira Bual 1966
Extra choice: Georges Mugneret Gibourg Nuits St Georges Les Chaignots 2011
Dud: Still Brexit
Thing: A friend’s 60th birthday party in South London
Comments: A wonderful year for drinking great wine and all my choices bar the budget wines were provided by very generous friends.
It’s what real wine appreciation is all about of course: sharing with friends invariably means the pleasure of a great bottle is doubled. Lovely list of classics spanning Europe’s finest terroir-driven regions – Tom
Melvin Yeo, Singapore
Red: La Pousse d’Or, Volnay 1er Cru Clos des 60 Ouvrées, 1995, France
White: Vincent Dancer Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Tête du Clos, 2015, France
Budget Red: Domaine de la Cras (Marc Soyard) Bourgogne Hermaion, 2019, France
Budget White: Domaine Huet, Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu, 2019, France
Rosé: Vilmart & Cie, Champagne Premier Cru Rosé Emotion, 2012, France
Sparkling: Krug, Champagne Clos du Mesnil, 2002, France
Sweet: Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Auslese, 2001, Germany
Comments: Been lucky enough to have a year with many firsts, but wine is meant to be shared and I was glad I managed to meet a fair number of wine-pages’ forumites when I was in London in June. Hope to see more of you soon!
Fabulous list of classic French (and German) wines to savour, and great that the wine-pages’ forum community continues to span the globe 🙂 – Tom
Conor Twomey, Ireland
Red: Château Pontet-Canet 2009
White: Weingut Heymann-Löwenstein Hatzenporter Stolzenberg Riesling 2019
Budget Red: Azienda Agricola LaLu Barbera d’Alba 2020
Budget White: Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine 2019
Sweet: Château Doisy-Daëne 2011
Dud: War, homelessness, housing crisis, our undervalued healthcare workers, Twitter
Thing: Live music – concerts, music festivals, travel, family, friend, podcasts
Comments: The 2009 Pontet-Canet was a wine I shared with my 82-year-old dad on Christmas night. The 2000 Lynch-Bages we finished earlier came a close 2nd. My wife works in healthcare (Director of Nursing) so the last three years have been a significant challenge. We have all pulled together and got through the COVID pandemic, it’s been very challenging and it certainly hasn’t gone away. Happy to have both sets of parents still with us, my mum is in her 90th year and very active. I have to remind my children to cherish every moment with them. We experienced some great live music in 2022 including Dermot Kennedy and Snow Patrol at EP, Billie Elish in the O2 and Simple Minds in the 3Arena. All great artists. I am loving plenty of podcasts from accomplished journalists, personalities and alike including Blindboy and Eamon Dunphy. Staying away from toxic content online. My wish for 2023 is to see inroads made into the housing crisis in Ireland.
A thoughtful list Conor and hard to argue with the sentiments. Meanwhile, back in the world of wine, noticeable how many dry German Rieslings are appearing this year, so great to see the erudite wine-pages community recognising their class! – Tom
Simon Reilly, UK
Red: Fogliati, Barolo “Bussia” 2018, Italy
White: Estate Argyros, Assyrtiko “Cuvee Monsignori” 2019, Santorini, Greece
Budget Red: Segni di Langa – Gian Luca Colombo, Nebbiolo d’Alba 2019, Italy
Budget White: Julien Brocard, Vigne de la Boisseneuse Chablis 2020, France
Rosé: Kostantakis Cave Winery, Spilia rosé 2021, Milos, Greece
Sparkling: Ca’Del Bosco, Franciacorta Saten 2017, Italy
Sweet: Estate Argyros, First Release VinSanto 2014, Santorini, Greece
Fortified: Tio Pepe, fino en rama 2022 release, Spain
Extra choice: Have to mention the magnum of 2002 Mouton Rothschild shared so kindly by Ed
Dud: Tissot, Patchwork Chardonnay 2018. Case went back to TWS. All faulty.
Thing: I’ve mastered Negronis at home this year and I am enjoying the results.
Comments: Best thing about this year for me is the ability to get back into doing things like offlines and going to music gigs without the worry of it being called off due to covid. The first gig I attended post covid, Matthew E White, in March was a joy and a bit emotional to be back in saddle to be honest. I’ve made a point of selecting wines from producers I haven’t come across before this year rather than old favourites like Dauvissat Sechet 12 and that Keller Hubacker 13 at Xmas wimps! In doing this WOTY thing I realised that I need to take more notes. I used to post a lot more wines with notes on Instagram but have been lazily using Instagram stories which disappear after 24 hrs, so not much use when trying to recall what you drank! Must get back into CellarTracker in 2023. Last point is I’ve found myself being less experimental this year than recent years. Drinking more of what I like. Not sure if it’s a bad thing or not, but I’m still enjoying my wine!
Nice list of the familiar and more obscure – and Greece definitely is providing some of the world’s most interesting drinking currently. Not experimenting as much? Maybe you experiments are concluded, and now you are digesting the results 🙂 – Tom
Simon Wheeler, UK
Red: Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco Asili Riserva 1996 Magnum, Italy
White: Leroy, Meursault,1er Genevrieres 1985, France
Budget Red: Istine, Chianti Classico 2017, Italy
Budget White: Stefano Zoli, Verdicchio di Metalica 2021, Italy
Rosé: Lopez de Heredia, Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva 2010, Spain
Sparkling: Billecart-Salmon, Cuvee Nicolas Francois 2002, France
Fortified: Equipo Navazos, La Bota de Palo Cortado 102 “florpower mmx”, Spain
Extra choice: Top Corpinnat/Cava has provided a lot of pleasure, fuelled by the “thing”
Dud: The poor leadership of the UK
Thing: Being able to travel to see family and friends again
Comments: I clearly drank well this year with a number of options for white and red of the year, many generously shared by people on wine-pages’ forum, which speaks volumes about this community.
Isn’t that Zoli Verdicchio a beaut? My Wine of the Month at time of writing – Tom
Mark Priestley, UK
Red: Chateau Jean Pierre Gaussen, Bandol “Longue Garde” 2011, Provence, France
White: Zilliken, Rausch Kabinett 2011, Mosel, Germany
Budget Red: Llanos Negros, “Mission’s Grapes” Listan Prieto 2018, La Palma, Spain
Budget White: Vino di Anna, Vino Bianco “Palmento” 2021, Sicily, Italy
Rosé: Clos Sainte Magdeleine, Cassis Rose 2019, Provence, France
Sparkling: Caillex-Lemaire, l’Eclats Extra Brut 2012, Champagne, France
Sweet: Bodegas Teneguia, Malvasia Riserva 2011, La Palma, Spain
Extra choice: Puro Rofe, Chibusque 2020, Lanzarote, Spain
Dud: Annual wine budget this year reduced by extensive dental bills!
Thing: Trips to Lanzarote, La Palma and Tenerife
Comments: Highlight of the year were my multiple trips to the Canary Islands; some really interesting wines from obscure varietals being produced here, and such dramatic landscapes (particularly on Lanzarote). The Bandol/Cassis/Palette offline that I organised at Lorne was a joyous affair of great wines, food and company; two of my nominations came off the back of this offline. The Gaussen in particular was i think everything that you would want in a wine. I must arrange another offline this coming year as well as a road trip down to Bandol. The Vino di Anna “Palmento” Vino Bianco is a terrific example of what can be achieved with a skin contact wine in the right hands and as i recall from my note; sunshine in a glass.
I’ve raved a bit about the wines of Lanzarote and Tenerife in recent years, and that ‘Chibusque’ my favourite wine from Lanzarote so far – Tom
Peter Wood, UK
Red: 1970 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou (St Julien, Bordeaux, France)
White: Latta Rattlesnake Blanc Contact 2021 (Australia)
Budget Red: Viie Metamorfisis Merlot 2017 (Dealu Mare, Romania)
Budget White: Chateau Graville Lacoste Blanc 2021 (Graves, Bordeaux, France)
Rosé: Gusbourne Rose Brut 2018 (England)
Sparkling: Famille Delouvin Bis Repetita 2005 (Champagne, France)
Sweet: Chateau Filhot 2011 (Bordeaux, France)
Fortified: 1932 D’Oliveiras Verdelho Madeira (Portuga)
Extra choice: 1850 D’Oliveiras Verdelho Madeira (Portugal)
Dud: Pol Roger Brut Reserve (Champagne, France)
Thing: Being Decanter’s top local wine shop in Scotland for the 3rd year on the trot
Comments: I’ve been on a bit of a Madeira kick in 2022 and tried a bunch of fantastic old wines. The 1932 Verdelho was just perfect, but I had to include the 1850 from D’Oliveiras as my extra choice, simply because it became the oldest wine I’ve drunk by five years! I was so happy to revisit ’70 Ducru again (last time over a decade ago) and found it was still a delight, and I’ve been finding some really interesting wines like my white choice from Latta – strange and odd, but someone with the spirit of the late Sean Thackrey. Pol Roger is my (controversial?) dud, as I hadn’t tried it for over ten years and, while it was tasty, it was SO boring compared to my (very privileged) position of having a huge grower Champagne range in my shop that are much more interesting at the same price. Very happy my shop has made it to ten years and continues to grow and get better every year. I realise what a lucky chap I am to have a job I love in this wonderful industry.
10 years for your shop – my word how time flies! A nice blend of absolute classics and the more experimental. The point on the Pol Roger is not lost, though I do think the NV wines of certain Grandes Marques still have an awful lot to offer: Roederer, Taittinger, etc. – Tom
David Ludlow, UK
Red: Stag’s Leap Monte Bello 1996 (California, USA)
White: Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2013 (Australia)
Budget Red: Blank Bottle Little William 2020 (S Africa)
Budget White: Xosé Lois Sebio Albariño ‘O Con’, 2018 (Spain)
Rosé: Alain Thienot Brut Rose NV (France)
Sparkling: Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois 2002 (France)
Sweet: Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2007 (Hungary)
Fortified: Williams and Humbert 12 year old Oloroso (Spain)
Extra choice: Anything by Quintarelli (Italy)
Dud: Chateau Musar Blanc 1991 (Lebanon)
Thing: In Person tastings
Comments: A wonderful year tasting some marvelous bottles, whilst after 2 years of the pandemic getting back to doing normal things like travelling and in person tasting again. Lucky enough to enjoy a tour through Quintarelli’s wines including his stunning Amarone! Also a vertical tasting of Stag’s Leap Cabernet and Monte Bello wines. Yet again enjoyed tasting new regions and wine varieties thanks to your online tastings. I know people love to taste the classics, but it is great when we stretch our horizons. The top red could have been one of a dozen including my fist tasting of Gaja Barbaresco. The budget red is by one of my favourite SA wineries Blank Bottle. The Champagne is from my favourite champagne house. The dud was heavily oxidised, but it was still an interesting experience as it was almost tasting sherry like. Glad to see LB 2000 in your line up as I have a case waiting for me 🙂
Well I hope that Leoville-Barton lives up to expectations! Quintarelli: I get to taste more top wines than most people, but have only ever tasted a couple of his Valpolicellas; the chance to taste his Amarone might come along one day – Tom
David White, Australia
Red: Château Leoville Poyferre 1982
White: 2017 Domaine Faiveley Puligny Montrachet Champ Gain
Budget Red: 2019 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Tuscany
Budget White: 2021 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling South Australia
Sparkling: 2017 Teusner MC Sparkling Shiraz Barossa Valley
Sweet: McWilliam’s Morning Light Botrytis Semillon Riverina
Fortified: Morris Wines Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat
Extra choice: 2017 Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir South Africa; 2018 Schwarz Wine Thiele Road Grenache, Barossa – Ethereal
Dud: Coravin – not sure I can be bothered fiddling
Thing: Seeking good burgundy at a decent price point – depressing really 🙁
Comments: Lots of underrated wines out there but occasionally you would like to drink the latest top rated European fine wines but the ever increasing prices lead you to drink your dwindling cellar and so the race is on to discover great new world wines that can be acquired at a reasonable price.
I know what you mean about Coravin (with no disrespect to the product or people who use it). I do not have one, but I did have kitchen drawers full of wine preserving gadgets that I finally binned in favour of either finishing a bottle, or sticking the cork/cap back on and refrigerating overnight – Tom
Jonathan Mitchell, UK
Red: Chateau Haut Brion 1990 Bordeaux France
White: Riversby Semillon Sauvignon 2013 New Zealand
Budget Red: Masi Campofiorin 2018 Italy
Budget White: Ara Sauvignon Blanc 2020 New Zealand
Rosé: Chateau Musar 2016 Lebanon
Sparkling: La Grand Dame Double Magnum 1990 Champagne France
Fortified: Croft Vintage Port 1963
Extra choice: Chateau Angludet 2013 Imperial
Dud: A wine from China that the name escapes me
Thing: The chaos of this countries politics.
The Chinese wine? I think that’s called ‘elective amnesia’ 🙂 Great to see another vote for Kevin Courtney’s Riverby Estate 2013, and the Haut-Brion 1990; I have one bottle of that, saved for a special occasion – but I must find that occasion soon! – Tom
Dave Dewhurst, Australia
Red: Luis Canas Gran Reserva 2014, Spain
White: Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Blanco 2005, Spain
Budget Red: Chateau Puygueraud 2009, France
Budget White: Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Riesling 2020, Australia
Rosé: Lopez de Heredia Gran Reserva Rosado 2008, Spain
Sparkling: Andre Clouet Grand Reserve Brut Champagne Grand Cru ‘Bouzy’, France
Sweet: Dead Heat: Doisy Daene 2011, Suduiraut 2007, France
Fortified: Alvear Pedro Ximinez de Anada 2011, Spain
Extra choice: Olivi Le Buche Pugnitello Toscana 2009, Italy
Dud: Rall Red 2019, South Africa
Thing: The discovery of how well grenache blanc goes with indian curries, both from Spain and South Africa
Comments: Having given the Rall Red the dud, I will give a shout out to their grenache blanc which I thought was stunning. A few other contenders up there this year included Brown Hill Bill Bailey 2010, Bermejo Malvasia Volcanica Seco 2021, Duke’s Magpie Hill Riesling 2021, Picardy Chardonnay 2020, and as a budget ed Domaine FL Le Cochet Anjou Cabernet Franc 2017.
At least one Australian wine made the list Dave – you will probably be deported if the authorities read this. We had a bottle of the 2010 Tondonio Reserva Blanco a couple of weeks ago; just terrific as it always is – a ‘go to’ for me on restaurant lists – Tom
Ned Osborn, USA
Red: Montes, Clos D’Angel Halo 2019, Chile
White: Vassaltis Assyrtiko, 2020, Greece
Budget Red: Georges Vigouroux Malbec Cahors Antisto Tradition, 2018, France
Budget White: Malvira Roero Arneis, 2020, Italy
Rosé: Levert Freres Cremant De Bourgogne Rose Brut, 2019, France
Sparkling: Laboure-Gontard Cremant De Bourgogne, NV, France
Sweet: Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927, 2014, Spain
Fortified: Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Porto, 2020, Portugal
Extra choice: Rudi Pichler Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kollmutz, 2020, Austria
Dud: Mauro Veglio Barolo, 2018, Italy
Thing: Keeping ABV to a maximum of 13.5 as much as possible.
Comments: The price of European wines, in particular Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne has risen so exponentially this year that what used to be a treat is now feels out of reach on a regular basis. I walk down the aisle in the wine store and think to myself, they have be kidding who buys this stuff? I see few people in those aisles of the store anymore, so that probably answers the question. Some wines that I’ve had in the past I’ll probably never be able to afford again. This year I’ve been trying to explore more inexpensive alternatives. In particular I have found South American wines to have some the best QPRs around.
I do tend to find an abv of 15% off-putting these days too Ned, though one of my WOTY was a Vin Jaune from the Jura that hit that, but irresistible. Balance is everything, but if it can be achieved a couple of percentage point lower then so much the better. – Tom
Tom Lewis, UK
Red: Garmón Ribera del Duero, 2019, Spain
White: Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Viognier 2018, Australia
Budget Red: Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Margaret River, Australia
Budget White: Coteaux du Giennois, Taste the Difference 2020, France
Rosé: Reuilly Rosé Les Chatillons, Denis Jamain 2020, France
Sparkling: Taittinger Brut Reserve Non Vintage Champagne, France
Sweet: Floralis Moscatel Oro, Spain
Fortified: Barbadillo Pastora Manzanilla Pasada En Rama, Spain
Extra choice: Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’aqui, Italy
Thing: HIMARS
Comments: Despite this list being high on classics and especially the old world, the most interesting discoveries this year were China (Jade Vineyard in Ningxia), Crete and Georgia. Both kids have started to enjoy tasting, discussing and assessing the various samples that come through for review; however, with four drinkers in the household now, I’m thinking of routinely trading up to magnums as my default purchase format.
OK, I had to look ‘HIMARS’ up, but presume its the military system, and essential in the Ukraine arsenal? Wine-wise, those Yalumba Viogniers are extraordinarily good, and the Samuel’s my favourite on QPR terms – less than half the price of the wonderful Virgilius – Tom
Richard Zambuni, UK
Red: Domaine Robert Michel Cornas La Geynale 1999, France
White: Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva blanco 1994, Spain
Budget Red: Isidoro Polencic Collio Cabernet Franc 2019, Italy
Budget White: CVNE Rioja blanco 2019, Spain
Sparkling: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne blanc de blancs 2006, France
Sweet: JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 2001, Germany
Fortified: Dow Vintage Port 1991, Portugal
Extra choice: Dumien-Serrette Cornas Patou Vieilles Vignes 1998, France
Thing: Zwetschgentorte at Leitenschenke in Tcherms
Comments: It has been a very good year for wine and socializing around it. I am so grateful to be a part of this community of generous, kind, and entertaining people. So many wines vied for best red, but most of them were Cornas in the end. I could have nominated the Clape 1998, the Robert Michel Geynale 2001, Allemand Reynard 2006 and several others. Frankly, choosing the top wines, especially the reds, is really all a bit arbitrary, but I’m reconciled to this being an entirely non-scientific endeavour. Other standout wines this year were Rousseau Clos St. Jacques 2001, Chandon de Briailles Corton blanc 2010, Domaine de Chevalier 2000, Chateau Gruaud Larose 2000, and Chateau Haut Brion 2002. There were also some lovely ports that came close to the Dow 1991; namely Croft 1966 and Fonseca 1983. I was also lucky enough to drink two Truchot wines this year – both were beautifully old school savoury burgundies. All I can hope is that 2023 continues in this glorious vein.
Yes, compiling this list each year is both a joy and a cruel and unusual punishment! I indulge myself with my ‘baker’s dozen’ extra choices, but that still means leaving out some fabulous wine! – Tom
Alastair Bell, UK
Red: Lynch-Bages 1998, Bordeaux, France
White: Chateau de Fesles La Chapelle Chenin Sec 2017, Loire, France
Budget Red: Chateau Lauzanet 2019, Bordeaux, France
Budget White: Maison du Vin Cotes de Gascogne, 2021, France
Rosé: Ixsir Altitudes Rose 2020, Lebanon
Sparkling: Bollinger Grande Annee 1988
Sweet: Chateau Lauriga Rivesaltes Ambre N/V, France
Fortified: Barbadillo Obispo Gascon Palo Cortado 15 year Old, Spain
Extra choice: Domaine Baumard Clos de Saint Yves Savennieres, Loire, France
Dud: I agree with Tom – zero alcohol wines plus recent Royal Mail tracked delivery
Thing: Wine study trips starting again – yay!!
Comments: Did my first flight (to the Rhone) since Jan 2020 in Nov. Hoping to travel more 2023. Hopefully Penedes, Germany, Champagne and maybe Tuscany or Sicily, Burgundy and Portugal.
Happy travels Alastair – that sounds like a wonderful wine-centred itinerary. Mostly the classics here, but nice to see that Ixsir in the list; I visited them not long after they had been established, and it was obviously a project of very high quality – Tom
Richard Ward, UK
Red: DRC, Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Duvault Blochet” 2002, France
White: Trimbach, Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling 2001, France
Budget Red: Luna Beberide, Bierzo Mencia 2021, Spain
Budget White: Wolf Blass, Adelaide Hills (Gold Label) Chardonnay 2016, Australia
Rosé: Gusbourne, Sparkling Rosé 2018, England
Sparkling: Charles Heidsieck, Blanc de Millenaires 1995, France
Sweet: Chateau D’Yquem, Sauternes 2001, France
Fortified: Graham, 30 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal
Extra Choice: Food match of the year – Ridge Monte Bello 2006 with Chateaubriand in Chez Bruce
Dud: The complete lack of restaurants willing to offer corkage in Leeds
Thing: Travelling abroad and going to proper offlines, after 2 years of lockdowns!
Some fab wines there – isn’t Gusbourne on top form these days? BYO – if I ruled the world, every restaurant would offer it with a corkage charge per bottle equivalent to the cheapest bottle on their list; we couldn’t drink there any cheaper, and they will make more than they would be selling that cheapest bottle – Tom
Ian Amstad, UK
Red: Bruno Giacosa Barolo Collina Rionda (red label) 1990
White: Domaine Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet 1985
Budget Red: Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso 2018
Budget White: Domaine Bohrmann Saint Romain ‘Clos Sous Le Chateau’ (Monopole) 2016
Rosé: Lopez De Heredia Rosado 2009
Sparkling: Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Du Levant Extra Brut 2011
Sweet: Chateau d’Yquem 1975
Fortified: Fonseca 1985
Extra Choice: Leitz Weingut Berg Schlossberg 2015
Dud: The blight of the Tories on the UK’s fortunes and standing in the world
Thing: My spiritual pillar and having the means and health to enjoy an active life to the full
Comments: A year of transition in which we said farewell to my mum in January after a good innings (91 1/2), an immaculate being like the Queen, who’s passing eight months later symbolically ushered in an era of greater uncertainty and instability. This year I did three 100 mile rides and I am ever so grateful that I have the fitness, constitution and metabolism to drink ever so well so often. Life is too short to drink mediocre wine. Producer of the year is La Mission Haut Brion: the 1961 and 1982 were thrilling and contenders for red woty. Wishing you all health, happiness and prosperity in 2023.
Condolences Ian – some comfort in reaching ‘a grand old age’ – but only some. A stunning list as usual from you, and yes, have tasted both of those vintages of La Mission, and both exquisite – Tom
Benedict Jenks, UK
Red: La Mission Haut Brion 1982 Graves, France
White: Chevalier Montrachet 1985 Leflaive, France
Budget Red: Ser Lapo 2018 / 2019 Mazzei Chianti classico riserva
Budget White: 2020 Chemin de Fer Dézaley Grand Cru AOC Luc Massy
Rosé: Belguardo Rosé Toscana IGT 2021 – Mazzei
Sparkling: Piper Rare 1998 in Magnum
Sweet: A glass of Yquem 03 served to me at my club blind by the sommelier
Fortified: Taylors Platinum Jubilee 70 Year Old Tawny Port
Extra Choice: Gusborne – the whole range, but especially the BDN, late disgorged and 51 North
Dud: The war in Ukraine and parents getting old
Thing: Being able to travel again – lunch at Crissier and Augerge de L’Ill and some of our meals at Villa d’Este being highlights – but dinner at the Ritz was best.
Comments: 1982 LMHB was a wine that I didn’t expect to like, indeed on first poor I pronounced it a bit disappointing and hard to like, but amongst a group of perfect condition 82s in November this shone above the rest – like HB, but on steroids – think Clos de Beze v Chambertin. Still youthful on the basis of this bottle and the most satisfying, enjoyable and technically correct of the 82s on this showing. A stunning and in perfect condition Chevalier 85 from Leflaive was my white Wine of the year – if only white Burgundy had not gone astray in the 90s. Lovely to take and share with others at Alino’s November event. The Ser Lapo is my “house”drinking wine – the 2018 has closed down since the end of 2021 and the 2019 is finer but less classic – will it close down next year? I have had Rare 2002 on several occasions this year and when under cork it is exceptional, Mytik bottles have pleased but not reached the heights, however the Rare 1998 in Magnum just provided more pleasure.
a bit of crossover with Ian there, so presumably drunk at the same event. For those wondering, ‘Mytik’ is the sparkling version of the DIAM technical cork that aims to avoid the problems of natural cork. More and more sparkling producers are using them, but some believe they strip the wine of some character – Tom
John Elliot, UK
Red: CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva, Rioja 2007, Spain
Comments: Just one wine for your list, but what a wine!
Well, brief and to the point! 🙂 Yes, CVNE make some fabulous wines – the Cune Reserva being on of my recommended reds for Christma – Tom
Alan Myers, UK
Budget Red: The Guvnor – Spain
Budget White: Feteasca Regala – Romania
Another succinct list. I do not know The Guvnor red wine, but have always enjoyed wines made from Romania’s Feteasca Regala variety – Tom
Dan Vyvyan, UK
Red: Chateau Haut-Brion 1985, France
White: Keller, Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling Großes Gewächs 2013, Germany)
Budget Red: J-M Burgaud, Morgon Cote du Py 2014, France
Budget White: Vignai da Duline, Malvasia “Chioma Integrale” 2015, Italy
Rosé: Domaine Tempier 2017, France
Sparkling: Champagne Krug, Grande Cuvée Brut Edition 168eme, France
Sweet: Chateau de Fargues 1948, France
Fortified: Quinta do Noval 1985, Portugal
Extra choice: Riverby Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013, New Zealand
Dud: Not a wine but I am yet to find a drinkable ‘pastry stout’
Thing: Caterham bypass at 4am on a foggy night
Comments: In Don’s words, I got tired of lurking and dipped my toe in the world of WIMPS (the wine-pages’ forum’s legendary wine lunches) for the first time this year – fantastic! So great to meet so many delightful people who participate in this wonderful community.
Indeed, I sat at the same table as Dan at an extraordinary ‘WIMPS’ lunch in December, with participants showing such generosity in the wines they shared. He and I have both chosen a wine from that tasting in the White and Sparkling categories. And agree: Riverby Estate’s 2013 blend is a fabulous wine – Tom