Don's Gillette's Wine Blog
Musings from our store's resident wine guru
Don has over thirty years experience in the wine industry. For the last eighteen years his attention has been focused on the growing local industry. Don has a large following of customers who search out his opinions (never in short supply!) on new releases and on what's currently most distinctive on our shelves. Others seek his insights on wineries and trends that are still under the radar. Read Don's full bio...
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Things to be Greatfull for in 2009
I don't know anyone who isn't glad that 2009 is over. In too many ways it was a trial for us all. Yet for the wine consumer and salesman it was a year when - assuming that both were still employed - the marketplace was packed with wonderful things.
What follows is a random and by no ways complete list of wine news that pleased me personally in 2009. Forgive me if I forget things that were important in January or March in favor of more recent events, as such "senior moments" come often to me these days.
Most upbeat year-long topic: The near-endless supply of fine 2007 Pinots. A disappointing bottle from such a vintage could only lower ones estimation of its winemaker. All but the truly incompetent made delicious '07s.
Best indication of my future job security: The maturation of all those great young Pinot Noir vineyards.
Next best indication of my own job security: An orderly progression through five straight outstanding Napa Cabernet vintages: 2004-2008.
Most helpful recent trend: Three fine Chardonnay harvests on the shelves at once: 2006-2008. The best 2007s are as good as it gets. Anyone tasting a "regular" '07 bottling from Chasseur or Lewis will get the picture.
Best new Chardonnay producer: Clearly Morlet, although for Tiffany prices one should get a pretty jewel.
Other likable trends: Napa Cabernet "appellation blends", like Whitehall Lanes' St Helena and Rutherford bottlings. Fancy Pink Bubblies like those from Schramsberg & Roederer. $60.00 Cabs for under $40.00.
Best reasons to gulp Sauvignon Blanc: 2007 Grgich Hills; 2008 Signaterra Shone Farm.
Indications we should plant more Italian varietals in California: 2008 Palmina Arneis; 2008 Mahoney Vermentino.
Best reason to collect Merlot: 2007 Paloma.
Best Cab Franc in memory: 2006 Keenan.
Good excuses to buy Syrah: Lewis, Peay, Roar, Lucia & Spotted Owl.
Top pourers at Zap 2009: Seghesio and Gamba.
Favorite new Cab producers (both 2006s from Napa): Malk - from a plot astride the famous Fay vineyard in Stags Leap; and Boeschen - next to Chabot vineyard, at the base of Howell Mountain.
My personal favorite "Eureka!" moment: Learning where the Malk vineyard was located after describing that 2006 Cab as "Cask 23-like".
Winery of the year: Bill Hunter's Chasseur. With 6 fine-to-great whites and about 11 fine-to-historic Pinots. No one else was really even close.