by Frank Mangio
2009 was the year of the customer in wine, food and all other aspects of the economy. The straight-up expansion of wineries, resorts, restaurants and wine shops came to a screeching halt, and cracks appeared as there were severe discounts and some closings.
The smart operators did what they had to as 50% discounts were in evidence for high end premium wines and restaurant menus. Small- bite menus and small portion wine pairings were the new buzz words. Argentina and Chile kept the pressure on the establishment wine countries, with lovely tasting native wines like Malbec and Camanere.
The mantra of the health benefits of red wine continued to impress as the anti-oxidant Resveratrol and its cardiovascular benefits were reported by medical experts.
Over 20 or the top 100 wines of the world, reported by the respected Wine Spectator were under $20. suggested retail, a symptom of the times.
I attended over 270 wine events at wineries, restaurants, hotels and special events, tasting thousands of wines, and documenting their tasting characteristics.
The list contains wines that impressed me with price to value. Prices can vary and are generally what I have observed on their web sites and in retail stores. All are equal in consideration and are NOT ranked 1 to 10, but are listed by alphabetical order. Web sites are listed for your further information.
* Amavi Les Collines Syrah, Walla Walla WA , 2007. $34. The essence of great Rhone Syrah. Fantastic intensity of fruit with the right balance of acidity. 16 months in French oak. Farmed sustainably. www.amavicellars.com.
* Banfi Vintners Casillero del Diablo Camenere, Rapel Valley,Chile. $11. A touch of Cab and Syrah add to this native grape, with its dark, crimson look and taste. Toasty American oak gives it depth and structure. A true Chilean wine. www.banfivintners.com.
* Brolio Ricasoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy. 2003. $11. An incredible value for a six year old Italian classic from a winery that dates back to the 12th century. 100% Sangiovese. This family created modern- day Chianti. www.ricasoli.it
* Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley CA. 2007. $85. A hallmark name in Bordeaux style Napa winemaking. The estate only grows this varietal. Historic brand in a peak performance. www.caymus.com.
* Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon. 2006. $20. Heart and Earth both contain letters that are used in Erath and sum up the grapes made in this part of the wine world. Luscious ripe strawberry taste that floats on the palate. www.erath.com.
* Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles, CA. 2006. $62. Intense flavors come through from 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot. 24 months in French Oak. Lovely flavor retention once opened. A top ten repeat. www.justinwine.com.
* Miner Viognier, Napa Valley, CA. 2007. $16. Has complex tropical notes that Viognier lovers look for. Spice and almond make it a lovely white wine. www.minerwines.com.
* Pedroncelli Dry Creek Mother Clone Zinfandel, Sonoma, CA. 2007 $15. Only select hand-picked grapes on old vines are allowed in bottle. Spice and pepper accent ripe blueberry finish. A repeat for this multi-generation Italian family-founded winery. Signature performance. www.pedroncelli.com.
* Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon. 2007. $38. Discovery of the year! Radiates soft, smooth tannins with a dusty cola/mocha ambience. Black cherry and raspberry heart. A triumph. www.sokolblosser.com.
* ZD Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros Napa Valley, CA. 2007. $65. A tribute to the memory of ZD founder Norman deLeuze, and his favorite wine. This is the 4th Pinot Noir on this list, a banner year for this epic grape. Fifteen months in French Oak. A gourmet’s Pinot with natural depth and complexity. Limited production. www.zdwines.com.
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