Best and Worst

The Best and Worst of 2009

With time on my hands while many are still away soaking up the sun and surf, I thought it might be fun to review 2009, have my say, and then put the year to rest.

Runner Up to the Worst Wine of 2009
On Xmas Day I was offered a glass of Pernod Ricards new bubbly, Lindaeur Sauvignon. Some of the earlier publicity gave the impression that this new addition to the Lindaeur range of bubbles was an innovative first, but in fact that honour went to Mount Riley Savee which has been on the market for some years. Sweet Bubbly Cats Pee doesn’t work for me, but I suppose it’s another avenue for disposing of the Sauvignon Blanc surplus.

Worst Wine of 2009
It’s a no brainer that the dubious title of worst wine of the year would be claimed by a 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The winner was decided for me by Australian customers with comments, some unprintable about Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008. The label is big in Australia and it’s as well the 2009 vintage is considerably improved to maybe win back the disenchanted.

Runner Up to Best Wine of 2009
Naming a wine after an endangered beetle seems a little odd, unless you are a devout conservationist. Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 was endangered from the start, a lovely Pinot Noir offering exceptional value it was not destined to last. For a few months it was my biggest selling red.

Best Wine of 2009
Gimblett Gravels Reds that rated in a blind tasting along side a selection of the best First Growth Bordeaux Reds must surely rank as one of the major highlights of the year. One of the wines chosen by the eminent British wine critics was the Newton Forrest Cornerstone 2006. Having been a long time fan of the label, and sold every vintage of the wine, it’s my pick for Best Wine of 2009. Some argue the top Gimblett Gravel Reds are overpriced, but consider this; you could purchase several cases for the price of just one bottle of the First Growth Bordeaux Reds.

Looking Forward to 2010

I have chosen 4 wines to kick the year off with, all well worth dropping in for.
Omaka Springs Pinot Gris 2009($19.99) and Charles Wiffen Riesling 2009($18.99) are both top class Marlborough Aromatics, with classical varietal flavours, lovely texture and balance. These are two of the best, offering outstanding value.

Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2007($40) from the Gimblett Gravels has accumulated a host of major awards. An outstanding Syrah and a real challenge to the best Australian Shiraz. Tenuta Albrizzi Rosso 2007($21.99) from Salento in the heel of Italy is an interesting 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo. Flavousome smooth and eminently drinkable.

Cheers to the best on offer in 2010