by Frank Mangio
In attending and tasting at some 150 occasions at wine bars and shops, resorts, restaurants, wineries and wine events statewide, plus new releases I have personally reviewed, I have assembled a top ten of all the wines I have had the pleasure of experiencing. I do this twice a year, one at this time and again at the end of the year, combining all the tastings.
PHOTO: Delphine Lasserre shows the 2005 Jean Luc Colombo wines at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. (Foto by Frank)
I apply the standards crafted by the American Wine Society which scores by: appearance, aroma and bouquet, taste and texture, aftertaste and overall impression. Applying these rules, I have awarded the following wines top ten status.
The list is set up as alphabetical and not by rank. I rated them all equally impressive. Five are from California, one from Washington, one from Australia, one from Italy ( actually Sicily), and one from France. Four are blends, which I personally favor for the ultimate personal artistic creation from the winemaker.
§ Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, WA. 2005. $25. Big fruit-filled taste, shades of chocolate & pepper. Candy-apple bouquet. Mix of Cab 76%, Merlot 14%, Syrah 9% & Malbec 1%.
§ Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Monterey, CA. 2005. $37. Reflecting the altitude & cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, this soft, velvety Pinot has a lush berry mouthfeel. Pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, even some lighter meats. 10 months in French oak.
§ D’arenberg “the Dead Arm” Shiraz, McLaren Vale Australia 2005. $50. Comes from ancient vines and aged 22 months in oak. Fiery and intensive from concentrated small berry production, low yields. Could be cellared to soften the edges.
§ Falkner Amante “Super Tuscan” Blend,Temecula, CA. 2004. $39.95. Italian influence with Sangiovese, Merlot, Cab, & Cab Franc. Pungent aroma, elegant cherry and a hint of pepper at the finish. Signature wine for Falkner.
§ Jean Luc Colombo Les Bartavelles, Chateauneuf du Pape, France. 2005. $35. Top taste at the recent French wine & cuisine showcase at the posh Westgate Hotel in San Diego, this over the top 2005 vintage has 1/3 Grenache, 1/3 Syrah and 1/3 Mourvedre from 50 year old vines. 18 months in oak. Licorice elements scented with bold fruit.
§ Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles, CA. 2005. $65. Luscious, lingering taste of boysenberry, leather and mocha from this blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot. 24 months French oak barrel aged. Still very young. Can be cellared many years if you can wait. I can’t. The premier wine in Paso.
§ Kendell-Jackson Grand Reserve Estate Merlot, Napa/Sonoma. 2005. $26. Best of breed at “KJ” with sourcing from Napa & Sonoma vineyards. Late harvest helped. Smooth, refined tannins. True Merlot!
§ Orfila Heritage Syrah, San Pasqual Valley, Ca. 2005. $28. Limited production, first reserve for Orfila, from Napa clones. Hand harvested & fermented from one of California’s pioneer Syrah-makers, since 1992. Sophisticated and smooth- next level of Syrah.
§ Renoto Feudi Maccari Nero D’Avola, Sicily, Italy. 2006. $10. Top value wine on the list. Small amount of Merlot to smooth out taste. From the best location Noto area of Sicily: dry, hot, and benefits from southeast coast breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Volcanic soil a plus. Acidic backbone.
§ Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Symmetry Meritage, Sonoma Ca. 2005. $60. Acclaimed long-time winner from 30 year winemaker Rick Sayre, who blends Cab, Merlot and other traditional Bordeaux grapes in the finest French oak for up to 24 months. Blackberries and plum tastes are dominant with hints of sweet spices and chocolate.
