FAVORITE WINES OF 2008

Frederick Cooper's "A Glass of Wine Waiting"

A few days turn into a few weeks, but here, finally, is my list of top wines The Guy and I enjoyed throughout 2008. I must say, the majority are not budget material so I do apologize. But at least, if you find you've got some extra to spend, you know you're not wasting it (although I do realize your opinion may not be the same as mine).

I couldn't limit my top choices to only (5). A few more deserved mention for really grabbing my interest. No surprise that Australia kept me coming back.

PINOT GRIGIO
Terre di Tufi, San Gimignano, Italy, 2003
Thank You to The Bro for yet another wonderful wine experience and visit.
(you can find this review in my September 2008 post)

CHARDONNAY
Kistler, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, CA #18222, 2005 (Exp. over $50)
Yet another Thank You to Uncle Bob for making it possible for us to experience the finer side of wine.
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Clos du Bois, Sonoma County, CA 2006
(I couldn't find where I'd reviewed the 2006, but I think it may have actually been back in my 2007 posts. This is a wine that I go back to year to year {especially in summer, or with creamy, garlic pasta dishes and shrimp or lemon sole or creamy chicken dishes}. The 2006 is not so readily available now and I find I have to ask for it if I really want it. It's funny how I am always told proudly by the wine merchant that they do have the 2007. HUGE difference, to me, in taste and quality - what a difference a year can make in a vineyard. I don't bother with the 2007 - cherished mineral notes found in the 2006 are missing in the 2007)

CABERNET
Justin Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA 2006
(you can find this in my November 2008 post)
This was especially good at Christmas with prosciutto and fontina cheese phyllo appetizers.

SHIRAZ
Two Hands Bella's Garden, Barossa Valley, Australia 2005 (Exp. over $40)
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Angel's Share, McLaren Vale, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my October 2008 post)

A Thank You to Pasa Robles for providing the opportunity for us to experience the above two wines.

MOST PROMISING FOR FUTURE ENJOYMENT (2010 - 2012) - Buy Now
Passing Clouds, Reserve Shiraz, Bendigo, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my December 2008 post)

Two Hands Bella's Garden

2005
Shiraz

Barossa Valley (OMG - an absolute "Hands Down" favorite - Big surprise coming from the Barossa Valley [facetious statement - let me lay down forever in the Barossa Valley]), dead even with the likes of Dead Arm and probably Two Hands Gnarly Dudes - though Gnarly Dudes was MUCH cheaper)
Australia

This wine was excellent. The Guy said, and I quote: "This is good with pickles, this is good with ketchup, this is good with anything." He insisted we have this tonight - no special occasion, no decent menu (turkey burgers and salad) - as if The Guy's statement didn't give that one away. I really wasn't ready to open it. Certainly not with tonight's dinner, or on a Tuesday night of all nights - but it held up nicely regardless. Though I'm feeling a little like Christmas is over. Nothing to look forward to now (oh, except for Lily's Garden).

The color of this wine was just beautiful. It was practically black with subdued neon purple on the outside top ring. Very smooth, smooth, smooth blackberry bouquet and taste (did I mention smooth?). Lingering finish with consistent taste. Warmth all the way down but not too much. Just a perfect balance.

This was another "trade" so the price is not "budget" material. But if you've got the dough, lay it down sister, or brother.

Wine Spectator Rating: 94
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 92

Never can say the things I so need to say,
So I keep them running in my head every day;
Running continuously, can't get away.
They give me no peace,
only lost energy spent.
I must say them or force them to forever be acquiescent.
Take the road less travelled and don't look back say some,
Ah, so much easier said then done.

9.0 out of 10
15.2% alc. by vol.
$65 / 750 ml bottle (I've seen it for$35 on sale)
http://www.paternowines.com/