Top 100 Revisited
Last month Wine Spectator released its famous “Top 100 Wines of the Year.” An annual list, which began in 1988, is comprised, blind-tasted, and judged by their panel of experts. The 2009 “Top 100” was deciphered from over 17,000 submitted wines from all over the world. Wine Spectator judges on the following characteristics: quality (assigned score, usually over 90 points on their 100 point scale), value (price at release), an X-factor (pure excitement over the wine), and availability (measured by cases produced or imported). The availability does not take into account actual bottle availability, but we’ll discuss that in more detail below. The 2009 “Top 100” had an average score of 93 points, an average bottle cost of $40, and represented 13 different countries. Quite a mighty reference list for the aficionado, the collector, or the average Joe looking to try highly regarded wines. There are a few areas about this list that I feel are worth delving into, so let’s get to it!
A big congratulations goes out to our great producers in Washington State! The state was well represented, garnering 9 of the 100 wines! From very large producers to boutique vintners, established wineries to relative newcomers, 4 different A.V.As, and a wide price range to boot, it’s fair to say that Washington was well recognized! Here they are:
#74 2006 Waterbrook Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($22)
#72 2006 Magnificent Wine Company Columbia Valley Syrah ($20)
#66 2008 Barnard Griffin Columbia Valley Riesling ($8)
#60 2006 Spring Valley Walla Walla Uriah ($50)
#38 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Hills Canoe Ridge Cab. Sauv. ($38)
#36 2006 Efeste Red Mountain Syrah ($29)
#33 2006 Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)
#26 2006 Cayuse Walla Walla Syrah ($65)
#1 overall, YES #1, 2005 Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Cab. Sauv. Reserve ($25)
Grabbing that #1 overall spot is a big deal. Not only does it reflect well on a grand stage as to what our state is producing, but it gets wine drinkers seeking out Washington wines on a global scale. Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest are seen as pioneers for our state’s capabilities in the wine industry, and most local vintners would agree with what one told me the other day, “If they’re doing good, then we’re all doing good.”
The one issue I have with the Wine Spectator is their attention to availability. Yes, they take into account the total production of the wine, but not the readily available quantity. For example, the 2005 vintage of the #1 wine was virtually sold out by February 2008, in fact, the 2006 vintage was sold out by the time the list was released in December 2009, leaving us waiting for the release of the 2007 vintage. At the time of my column deadline, an email inquiry had yet to be answered regarding this issue.
The saving grace is that Columbia Crest is such a great producer. Having routinely tasted each vintage, each varietal, and every tier, I have never had a problem recommending the next available. Personally I thought the 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was every bit as tasty as the 2005, and anticipate the 2007 to continue in the long line of high quality without skipping a beat. (Another example of the availability factor is the #2 wine, 2005 Numanthia-Termes Toro ($27), which has been unavailable in the Seattle market since April 2008). Finally, the #3 wine, 2007 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau ($70) is so extremely limited in Seattle that Leschi Market was fortunate enough to get a handful of bottles after waiting on a list for several weeks. On the complete opposite side of the coin are the wines that made the list that have yet to even be imported to the United States. A prime example is #68 Heartland Viognier-Pinot Gris ($16) from southern Australia. This wine is due sometime in February 2010, so stay tuned on that one! The best speculation is there are so many wines being submitted and judged year round that it is probably quite a task to try and ensure all the wines will be around when the list comes out, but nonetheless it can make it frustrating for buyers and consumers alike!
In addition to the Washington producers and list-makers above, below are a few other worthwhile wines that are available. For the complete list visit www.winespectator.com, Happy New Year and Happy Tasting!!!
#39 2008 Yalumba Viognier, Australia ($16)
#47 2007 Orin Swift ‘The Prisoner,’ Napa Valley ($35)
#91 2007 Four Vines ‘The Biker’ Zinfandel, Paso Robles ($25)
Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is a wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His monthly column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to leschimarketwine@aol.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.
