by Frank Mangio
Each year Wine Spectator, the most respected wine publication in the world, compiles the top 100 wines reviewed the past 12 months. They were selected from some 16,000 new releases that were blind tasted and placed into a 100 point scale according to: quality ( the wine’s score), value (the price), availability ( cases produced) and what they call the “X Factor” or excitement level.
In this year’s list, 12 countries were represented, with the average wine score of 93 on the 100 point scale. The average cost per bottle was $44.
Before we list the top ten (my editors would balk at giving me two pages for the top 100), a couple of interesting points. Aside from California which had 28 in the top 100, Italy came in 2nd with 20, ahead of the 3rd most popular, France. The most popular grape varietal was Cabernet Sauvignon in a tie with Pinot Noir. What wasn’t clear but was clearly evident was the performance of Sangiovese, the signature wine of Tuscany, the wine capital of Italy. Tuscany had 10 in the top 100. a victory for the wineries that bottle Sangiovese and its premium clone, Brunello.
I also want to note that the annual TASTE OF WINE Top Ten Tastes will publish the week of January 1st. We continue to search for the very best wines for the dollar and will continue to so until the deadline of December 25th.
Wine Spectator’s Top Ten:
1- Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma 2009. $52.
2- Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2008. $90.
3- Domaine Huet Loire Valley France, 2009. $69.
4- Campogiovanni Brunello Di Montalcino, 2006. $50.
5- Dehlinger Pinot Noir Sonoma, 2008. $50.
6- Baer Ursa Blend Columbia Valley Washington, 2008. $35.
7- Quinta do Vallado Touriga Douro Portugal, 2008. $55.
8- Domenico Clerico Barolo Italy, 2006. $90.
9- Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Syrah Rhone France, 2009. $55.
10- Chateu de St-Cosme Gigondas Grenache France, 2009. $58.
Vigilucci’s Piemonte-Inspired White Truffle Dinner
When the world’s leading producer of Italian Barolo Wines comes to San Diego County, that’s Beni di Batasiolo, it chooses the leading Italian Restaurant Group, and that’s Vigilucci’s. This night was special since all menu offerings were laced with truffle mushrooms. These elusive delicacies are at times priced up to $500. per truffle.
The white, or as the Italians call them “Tarufi” Truffles, are the gourmet sought-after treasures in Northern Italy that are served shaved.
Vigilucci’s expertly presented them in dishes such as: Asparagus with Cauliflower Soup, Fettuccine Pasta with Poached Egg, and a grilled Filet Mignon with Polenta.
Stefano Poggi of Beni di Batasiolo, tastes the Barolo Reserva 2004, before serving at Vigilucci’s Carlsbad.
The wine to match the steak was the Barolo Riserva Batasiolo DOCG 2004. This wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape grown on the hills of Serralunga d’Alba in the Barolo District of Piemonte, Italy. It’saged in oak for 3 years followed by a minimum 2 years in bottle prior to release. ($64.). Batasiolo also makes Barbera and Dolcetto, among others. See their story at www.batasiolo.com.
Wine Bytes
Bel Vino Winery, formerly Stuart Cellars in Temecula, has a Jingle and Mingle Holiday Party Fri. Dec. 16 from 6 to 9pm. Live entertainment, appetizers, wines and ports will be served with ice cream. $30. pp. Call 951-676-6414.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents their annual Holiday Grand Tasting Sat. Dec. 17 from 3 to 6pm. Over 100 wines will be spotlighted. Advance purchase of $30. Call 760-745-1200.
Wines from Tuscany are being served at Bacchus downtown San Diego Fri. Dec. 16 from 4 to 8:30pm, including some Brunellos and Chianti Classicos. Cost is $25. Find out more at 619-236-0005.
North County Wine Company in San Marcos opens up Wines That Make Great Gifts on Fri. Dec. 16, anytime between 4 pm to 10pm. $15. fee Call 760-744-2119 for details.
Orfila Winery in Escondido celebrates with Holiday in the Vines, with music, entertainment, wine and food, on Sun. Dec. 18 from 6 to 9pm. Classic rock and classic holiday songs from the Aftershock Seven. RSVP at 760-738-6500 x 20.
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