Top Ten Wines of 2009

Choosing just ten Wines from all of the fantastic Wines that we have encountered this year (hundreds sampled) was no small task. We found ourselves weighing many differing factors looking to offer an eclectic group that best represented the diversity of Wines we have reviewed in 2009. In the end we settled upon simply offering up the ten Wines that most moved us.

Simply put, this is our list of the Top Ten Wines of 2009 (presented in alphabetical order). Enjoy!

Alicats Syrah “Gimelli Vineyards” Cienega Valley 2007
5 Stars
Deep, dark red to purple color. The nose is beautiful and complex offering scents of crushed black berries, mineral, rose pedals, earth, and touches of oak. The palate is in full agreement delivering dimension to the aromatics in good measure. It’s generous and full-bodied without ever nearing the fruit bomb status. Ideally balanced and full of vigor with firm tannins. Very much an Old World styled wine. A Best Buy. $19.99

Ancient Peaks “Oyster Ridge” Paso Robles 2006
5 Stars
Deep, dark garnet red color. The nose is complex, generous and ever changing as it reveals new nuances which each passing moment. Scents of black currants, blueberry, plum, and cassis are complimented by a pencil lead like minerality, cloves, dark chocolate, allspice, and a touch of vanilla laced oak. The palate confirms the aromatic notes delivering them on a bed of silk. The lush fruit and spice flavors come at you in waves while displaying flawless balance with every element being in perfect measure. A beautiful effort worthy of the asking price. $50

Helfrich Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Alsace 2005
5 Stars
Bright golden color. The nose is simply beautiful offering an amazing collection of aromatics from the floral to citrus, tropical, and stone fruits with a brilliant mineral edge. The palate echoes the nose bringing waves of lychee, red grapefruit, pineapple, mineral, honey, with hints of clove and ginger. Perfectly balanced being hedonistic while thought provoking and complex. Super and a terrific value. $24.99

O’Brien Estate Merlot Napa Valley 2006
5 Stars
Deep, bright cherry red color. The nose is dense, rich, and luxurious offering ripe scents of black cherry, raspberry, and plum with accents of cocoa nibs, red currants, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose being perfectly balanced with the ripe fruit bursting out while never becoming cloying or brooding. Ideal foils of brown spice, oak, coffee, and vanilla add to the parade of flavors. Simply super stuff exceeding expectations and prime to make a Merlot believer out of the most hardened cynic. $40

Pietra Santa “Vache” Cienega Valley 2004
5 Stars
Deep, dark, dense garnet red color. The nose is filled with aromas of ripe black cherries and blackberry, with accents of dried cherry, dark chocolate, exotic brown spices, and a deft use of oak. The palate confirms the nose giving full dimension to the aromatic profile. Perfectly balanced with great length trailing with flavors of sweet, fresh herbs and accents of earth. Ideal for Bordeaux lovers. $45

Ravenswood Zinfandel “Big River” Alexander Valley 2006
5 Stars
Deepest, darkest ruby red color. The nose is so sexy and expressive offering waves of ripe crushed berries with dried fruits and accents of earth, mineral, and a touch of pepper. The palate echoes the nose bringing waves of classic Zinfandel flavors presented in perfect balance and style. An incredible wine that marries the best attributes of New and Old World wines creating complex and fascinating layers of flavor. $35

Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay “Les Pierres” Sonoma Valley 2004
5 Stars
Bright golden straw color. This is Chardonnay as the creator intended it to be. The nose is wonderfully complex offering a subtle mélange of fruit, spice, earth, and oak in the proper proportions. Scents of baked pear, green apple, lemon curd and citrus with accents of oak, country style fresh bread, and a fine minerality reminiscent of wet river stones that fills the nose. The palate is equally filled with intrigue and pleasure as each sip reveals a new nuance of mature yet youthful flavors. Nothing less than a joy to drink. $41

St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc “Estate” Napa Valley 2008
5 Stars
Golden straw color. The aromatics are created in the take no prisoners mold filling the nose with fresh, ripe scents of gooseberry, grapefruit, fresh cut grass, and green melon, with accents of under ripe pineapple. The palate gives full dimension to the aromatics flooding the palate with crisp citrus flavors. A master class on Sauvignon Blanc. $20

Tormaresca Aglianico “Bocca di Lupo” Castel del Monte 2004
5 Stars
Dark red being opaque at the center. The aromatics are complex, charming, and contemplative urging multiple attempts to discover the various berry, earth, and exotic spice notes layered in the beauty. The palate echoes the nose offering layers of lush fruit and spice with just enough earth and oak. Ideally balanced being supple while never heavy. Bravo! $36

Victor Hugo Zinfandel Paso Robles 2007
5 Stars
Deep bright ruby red color. The nose is a dense, rich, and powerful expression of Zinfandel in all its glory. Aromas of ripe bramble berry, red cherry, and red currants are accented by a generous dose of pumpkin pie spice, dates, and licorice fill the nose. The palate gives a 3D version of the nose as the elements of this wine compete harmoniously for your attention. It is rare to find a Zinfandel this rich, and this generous that is also perfectly balanced with a generous dose of acidity. It is Amarone-like in its marriage of density and vibrancy. Super. $22