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)

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon

2006
Paso Robles
California



The Guy and I attended a Holiday wine, beer and food pairing event with my boss and his wife at the same place I wrote about in my October post below.

We had many pairings, but the wine we loved the most was the very smooth and distinct Justin Vineyards Cabernet. Ironically, it was a wine used to show that none of the foods served went well with it. But it was awesome on its own. I served it pre-food on Thanksgiving and it was a hit (the Justin cab is shown here on the right - Ommegang Ale is on the left.)

FYI - out of the two beers we tried, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA and Ommegang Abbey Ale, it was the Ommegang we brought home ($5.99 / pint). This Belgian-style sweet brew accompanied hard pretzels and spicy Chipotle Honey Mustard nicely. It also accompanied our sausage and buffalo mozzarella pizza well too.

We had a Gewurztraminer, a Crus Beaujolais, a Muscat, a Port, and a Rose Brut as well. Each was paired with various food items including whole grain bread and salami with rosemary infused olive oil, bruschetta, pears and bleu cheese (which the Muscat was awesome with - Bealieu Vineyards - $8.99), brie and cranberry, and dark mexican chocolate (paired well with Fonseca 10-year Tawny Port - $32.99). But the Cabernet was where it was at for me. I couldn't get it's flavor and scent off my mind. I knew as soon as I put it to my nose that I was going to enjoy it. And, after all pairings were complete, it was what I asked to have a refill of to end my night. It was very smooth, slightly sweet with vanilla and spice but nicely balanced with herbal, mushroom flavors.

Not exactly a budget wine at $25 a bottle, but nice for special occasions.








8.5 out of 10
14.5% alc. by vol.
$25 / 750 ml. bottle
JUSTINwine.com