Wines of the year, 2023
Given the nature of my work and the fine wine folk I am so lucky to rub elbows with on the regular, I taste thousands of wines each year. These are the ones I remember most fondly: the way they opened the world, the way they centred experience, and all the kind souls that shared them with me.
I will remember 2023 as the year I really shed my ignorance and fell in love with Bordeaux and a year in which my partner and I continued our love affair with Jura Chards and Loire Chenins and entered into a new obsession with the great dessert wines of the world.
This list probably looks unhinged to the non-obsessed haha. Without having a social media outlet these last few years, it feels like some small gesture to the hardworking producers who crafted these works of art to be able to shout them out and thank them for their work. So here were the gems:
MY TOP 12 WHITES
Dom BELARGUS 2018 ‘Rouères’ Chenin Blanc, Anjou AOC, Loire
Dom STÉPHANE TISSOT 2018 ‘Les Bruyères’ Chardonnay, Arbois AOC, Jura
O'ROURKE FAMILY ESTATE 2020 'Twisted Pine' Chardonnay, Lake Country, BC
LA FRENZ 2011 ‘Knorr Vineyard’ Semillon, Naramata Bench, BC
PATRICK SULLIVAN 2020 Baw Baw Shire Chardonnay, Victoria, Australia
BIEN NACIDO 2020 Estate Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California
CLOS DU MOULIN AUX MOINES 2020 Pernand-Vergelesses AOC 'Les Combottes', Burgundy
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Meursault AOC 1er Cru Perrières, Chardonnay, Burgundy
M. CHAPOUTIER 2018 Hermitage AOC ‘Chante-Alouette’, Marsanne, Rhône
LITTORAI 2013 ‘Mays Canyon’ Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
BINDI 2015 ‘Kostas Rind’ Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
RAMEY 2019 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California
MY TOP 10 REDS
Ch LÉOVILLE-LAS-CASES 1975 Grand Vin, Saint-Julien AOC, Grand Cru Classé Deuxième, Bordeaux
Ch LA TOUR DE MONS 1982 Margaux AOC, Bordeaux
Dom MUGNERET-GIBOURG 2020 Échezeaux Grand Cru AOC, Burgundy
HIYU 2017 ‘Aura’, Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge, Oregon
TWO VINTNERS 2019 ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah, Yakima Valley, Washington
AGRI SEGRETUM 2018 Todi DOC ‘Marmocchio’, Sangiovese/Sagrantino, Umbria
TROON VINEYARD 2022 ‘Siskiyou’ Syrah, Applegate Valley, Oregon
CLENDENEN 2018 ‘Bricco Buon Natale’ Nebbiolo, Bien Nacido Vineyard, California
REINE PÉDAUQUE 1978 Savigny-lès-Beaune AOC 1er Cru Clos des Guettes, Burgundy
CA' LA BIONDA 2010 'CasalVegri' Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC, Veneto
MY TOP 10 APERITIF & DESSERT WINES
PATRICIUS 2008 Tokaj Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Hungary
Dom BELARGUS 2018 ‘Quarts’, Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru AOC, Chenin, Loire
DONNAFUGATA 2015 ‘Ben Ryé’ Passito di Pantelleria DOC, Zibibbo, Sicily
ROLET 2010 Arbois Vin Jaune AOC, Savagnin, Jura
CASTELLO DI MELETO 2011 Vin Santo di Chianti Classico, Toscana
BARBEITO 20yo Malvasia 'Ribeiro Real', Madeira
COCKBURNS 1997 Vintage Port
Dom BERTHET-BONDET 2009 Château-Chalon AOC Vin Jaune, Jura
MARCEL CABELIER 2008 Château-Chalon AOC Vin Jaune, Jura
THUNEVIN-CALVET 1982 Maury, Vin Doux Naturel, Grenache, Roussillon
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
BUBBLES
LELARGE-PUGEOT 2008 Quintessence Millésime Brut, Vrigny 1er Cru, Champagne
EGLY-OURIET NV Brut Rosé Grand Cru, Ambonnay, Champagne
RIVETTO 2016 ‘Kaskal’ Blanc de Nebbiolo Brut Nature, Barolo, Piemonte
PETER LAUER 1992 Réserve Sekt Riesling, Mosel
MOVIA 2015 Puro, Brda, Slovenia
LELARGE-PUGEOT 2008 Millésime Extra Brut, Vrigny 1er Cru, Champagne
R.C. LEMAIRE 2012 ‘Les Hautes Prieures’ Blanc de Blancs, Hautvillers 1er Cru, Champagne
MONMARTHE NV 'Les Grimpants' Blanc de Noirs, Ludes 1er Cru, Pinot Noir, Champagne
ANDRE CLOUET NV ‘Un jour de 1911…’ Brut, Pinot Noir, Bouzy Grand Cru, Champagne
Dom STÉPHANE TISSOT NV ‘BBF’ Blanc de Blancs Crémant du Jura AOC
Dom MANN 2014 Crémant d’Alsace AOC ‘Infiniment Fou’, Chardonnay
ALBERT BICHOT NV Crémant de Bourgogne AOC Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
POMMERY 2004 Cuvée Louise, Champagne
LAURENT-PERRIER 2008 Millésimé Brut, Champagne
WHITES
France - Loire
Dom BELARGUS 2018 ‘Coteau des Treilles' Monopole, Chenin Blanc, Anjou AOC, Loire
Dom BELARGUS 2020 ‘Rouères’ Chenin Blanc, Sec, Anjou AOC, Loire
Dom BELARGUS 2019 ‘Gaudrets’ Chenin Blanc, Savennieres AOC, Loire
DAMIEN LAUREAU 2015 'Le Bel Ouvrage' Savennières AOC, Chenin Blanc, Loire
LUNEAU PAPIN 2010 ‘L d’Or’ Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Loire
LUNEAU PAPIN 2007 ‘L d’Or’ Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Loire
LUNEAU PAPIN 2006 ‘Excelsior’ Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC Goulaine, Loire
France - Burgundy & Jura
Dom HEITZ-LOCHARDET 2014 Chassagne-Montrachet AOC 1er Cru La Maltroie, Chardonnay
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Meursault AOC 1er Cru Charmes, Chardonnay
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Meursault AOC ‘Clos du Cromin’, Chardonnay
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Puligny-Montrachet AOC ‘Les Levrons’, Chardonnay
Dom LATOUR-GIRARD 2017 Meursault AOC Cuvée Charles Maxime, Chardonnay
Dom DUREUIL-JANTHIAL 2020 Puligny Montrachet AOC ‘Corvée des Vignes’
Dom DEUX ROCHES 2021 Pouilly Fuissé AOC ‘Vieilles Vignes’
France - Alsace
Dom TRIMBACH 2007 ‘Clos Ste Hune’, Grand Cru Rosacker, Riesling
Dom WEINBACH 2012 ‘Cuvée Ste Catherine’, Pinot Gris
Dom ALBERT BOXLER 2014 Alsace Grand Cru AOC Brand, Pinot Gris
Dom TRIMBACH 2016 Alsace Grand Cru AOC Mandelberg, Riesling
France - Rhône
RAYMOND USSEGLIO 2017 ‘Pure Roussanne’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Blanc
GRAND VENEUR 2004 ‘La Fontaine’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Blanc, Roussanne
DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Blanc
Dom CHANTE CIGALE 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Blanc
France - Other
LELARGE-PUGEOT 2016 Vrigny Blanc, Coteaux Champenois AOC, Chardonnay
Dom STÉPHANE TISSOT 2018 ‘Les Graviers’ Chardonnay, Arbois AOC, Jura
Dom STÉPHANE TISSOT 2019 ‘Patchwork’ Chardonnay, Arbois AOC, Jura
Dom DES MARNES BLANCHES 2020 Savagnin ‘Les Molates’, Côtes du Jura AOC
Germany
SELBACH OSTER 2007 Graacher Domprost Riesling Spätlese, Mosel
DR. BÜRKLIN-WOLF 1997 Ruppertsberger Gaisböhl ‘R’ Riesling Aisles, Pfalz
HEXAMER 2010 Schlossböckelheimer In den Felsen Riesling ‘No.1’, Nahe
DÖNNHOFF 2015 Wessburgunder Trocken, Nahe
USA
HOPE WELL 2015 ‘Improbable’ Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
ALEX GAMBAL / PETER WORK 2017 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, California
ST. ROMEDIUS 2019 Napa Valley Chardonnay, California
TROON VINEYARD 2022 Vermentino, Applegate Valley, Oregon
TABLAS CREEK 2014 'Esprit Blanc' Roussanne/Gren.Blanc/Picpoul, Paso Robles, California
EVENING LAND 2022 ’Seven Springs’ Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
CHATEAU MONTELENA 2019 Napa Valley Chardonnay, California
ST. INNOCENT 2017 'Freedom Hill Vineyard' Chardonnay, Willamette Valley
DELILLE CELLARS 2021 'Chaleur' Blanc, Sauv Blanc/Semillon, Columbia Valley, Washington
LIÉGEOIS DUPONT 2021 ‘Le Blanc’, Marsanne/Viognier, Red Mountain, Washington
CHAPPELLET 2015 Napa Valley Chardonnay, California
PATZ & HALL 2016 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, California
Canada
O'ROURKE FAMILY ESTATE 2020 Estate Chardonnay, Lake Country, Okanagan
CAVE SPRING 2004 ‘Réserve’ Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
TANTALUS 2020 ‘Old Vines’ Riesling, Okanagan Valley
PINARD & FILS 2021 ‘Nuance de Gris’ Frontenac Gris, Quebec
NORMAN HARDIE 2014 ‘Unfiltered’ Chardonnay, Prince Edward County, Ontario
Australia
LEEUWEN ESTATE 2002 ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay, Margaret River
TYRELL’S WINES 2013 ‘Single Vineyard HVD Hunter Semillon’
UMAMU 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Margaret River
South Africa
KEN FORRESTER 2016 ‘The FMC’ Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch
HAMILTON RUSSELL 2014 Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF 2007 Semillon, Franschhoek
Italy
DARIO PRINČIČ NV ‘Vino Bianco’, Friuli Venezia Giulia
SUAVIA 2017 ‘Monte Carbonare’ Soave Classico AOC, Garganega, Veneto
MARRAMIERO 2016 'Punta di Colle' Chardonnay, Colline Pescarese, Abruzzo
Other
LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA 2006 Viña Tondonia Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa, Spain
RAUL PÉREZ 2019 ‘Sketch’ Albariño, Rias Baixas DO, Spain
SOUS LE VÉGETAL NV ‘Octave’ Muscat, Samos, Greece
ALTAR ECO 2018 'Edad Media' Blanco, Chard/Chenin/Sauv Blanc, Uco Valley, Argentina
REDS
France - Bordeaux
Ch LE PUY 2010 Barthélemy, Francs Côtes de Bordeaux
Ch D’ISSAN 2009 Margaux AOC, Grand Cru Classé Troisième
Ch LANGOA-BARTON 2015 Saint-Julien AOC, Grand Cru Classé Troisième
Ch GRESSIER GRAND POUJEAUX 1983 Moulis-en-Médoc AOC
Ch FOURCAS HOSTEN 1983 Listrac-Médoc AOC
Ch CANTEMERLE 2019 Haut-Médoc AOC, Grand Cru Classé, Cinquième
France - Burgundy
Dom VINCENT LATOUR 2013 Meursault AOC 1er Cru Les Cras
CLOS DU MOULIN AUX MOINES 2020 Auxey-Duresses AOC ‘Clos du Moulin aux Moines’ Monopole
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Volnay AOC 1er Cru Taillepieds
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Volnay AOC 1er Cru Caillerets, Pinot Noir
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Volnay AOC 1er Cru Clos des Chênes
Dom BITOUZET-PRIEUR 2017 Volnay AOC 1er Cru Pitures
ALBERT BICHOT 2018 Fixin AOC 1er Cru Clos de la Perrière Monopole
JEAN-CLAUDE RAMONET 2020 Monthelie AOC
France - Rhône
MICHEL COURTIAL 1986 Hermitage AOC, Syrah
ALAIN GRAILLOT 1991 Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Syrah
DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2020 ‘Vin de la Solitude’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Rouge
MARTIN TEXIER 2021 'Cérouan Vieilles Vigne du Clau' Serrine
FRANCK BALTHAZAR 2020 Cornas AOC, Syrah
YVES CUILLERON 2011 Saint-Joseph AOC ‘L’Amarybelle’, Syrah
YVES CUILLERON 2016 Cornas ‘Les Côtes’, Syrah
Ch DE BEAUCASTEL 2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Rouge
XAVIER VIGNON 2010 ‘Cuvée Anonyme’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Rouge
DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe AOC Rouge, Rhône
France - Other
Dom DES MASQUES 2020 ‘Syrahdictive’, Syrah/Viognier, Provence
J.L. DENOIS 2019 Pinot Noir ‘Grand Vin’, Limoux
Dom BOBINET 2014 'Amatéüs Bobi' Saumur-Champigny, Cabernet Franc, Loire
Dom BONNET COTTON 2022 Beaujolais AOC Cru Brouilly, Gamay, Beaujolais
Dom STÉPHANE TISSOT 2018 ‘DD’ Rouge, Arbois AOC, Pinot Noir/Trousseau/Poulsard, Jura
Italy
ROAGNA 2011 ‘Pajè’ Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
CASA RAIA 2018 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Sangiovese Grosso, Toscana
È JAMU 2021 ‘Vertigine’ Canaiolo, Chianti, Toscana
CASA RAIA 2011 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Toscana
CASTELLO ROMITORIO 2007 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Toscana
MASI 1988 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto
RIVETTO 2021 ‘Vigna Lirano’ Amphora Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC, Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo
ROCCHE DEI MANZONI 2015 Bricco Manzoni, Red Blend, Langhe, Piemonte
NINO NEGRI 2006 ‘5 Stelle Sfursat’, Nebbiolo, Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, Lombardia
VILLA PAPIANO 2017 ‘I Probi’ Romagna Sangiovese Modigliana Riserva DOC, Emilia-Romagna
PLANETA 2013 ‘Santa Cecilia’ Noto DOC, Nero d’Avola, Sicily
FORADORI 2016 Sgarzon Teroldego, Alto Adige
SASSICAIA 2015 Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, Toscana
Spain
ALVAR DE DIOS 2020 ‘Camino de los Arrieros’ Red Field Blend, Arribes
SIERRA DE TOLOÑO 2021 ‘La Dula Garnachas de Altura’ Grenache, Rioja Alavesa DOCa
SCALA DEI 2017 ‘Cartoixa de Scala Dei’ Priorat DOQ, Garnacha/Cariñena
LOPEZ DE HEREDIA 2007 Viña Bosconia Reserva Tinto, Rioja DOCa
COMANDO G 2018 ‘Bruja de Rosaz’ Garnacha, Sierra de Gredos
USA
HIYU 2019 ‘Moon Dog’, thirty different clones of heirloom Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge, Oregon
MARGINS 2022 Counoise, Santa Clara Valley, California
GROUNDED WINE CO. 2021 ‘Steady State’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District, Napa, California
BETZ FAMILY WINERY 2018 ‘Père de Famille’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington
SKY 2015 Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Zinfandel, California
SKY 2015 Mt. Veeder Napa Valley Syrah, California
HOPE WELL 2019 ‘Sunday’s Child’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon
PURPLE HANDS 2021 Haakon Lenai Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon
LITTORIA 2021 ‘The Pivot Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
DUMOL 2021 ‘Wester Reach’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California
Australia
BONDAR 2020 ‘Rayner Vineyard’ Shiraz, McLaren Vale
ELDERTON 2018 Command Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley
OCHOTA BARRELS 2017 ‘Fugazi Vineyard’ Grenache, McLaren Vale
Other
GARRAFEIRA 2011 ‘Sidónia de Sousa’ Baga, Bairrada DOC, Portugal
LE RICHE 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
GREYSTONE VINEYARD 2020 ‘Ferment’ Pinot Noir, North Canterbury, New Zealand
BURN COTTAGE 2019 ‘Sauvage Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand
GUT OGGAU 2017 ‘Atanasius’ Rot, Burgenland, Austria
SANTA RITA 1996 Casa Réal Cabernet Sauvignon, Maípo Valley DO, Chile
NICOLUZO 2013 Merlot, Corfu, Greece
HENRY OF PELHAM 2012 Baco Noir ‘Reserve’, Ontario, Canada
APERITIF & DESSERT WINES
Dom DES MARNES BLANCHES NV Blanc Macvin du Jura AOC, France
RABL 2017 Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Langenlois DAC, Austria
Dom BELARGUS 2018 ‘Layon’ Moelleux, Chenin, Coteaux du Layon 1er Cru Chaume, France
BARBEITO 10yo Sercial Reserva Velha, Madeira, Portugal
BODEGA DIOS BACO ‘Baco Imperial’ 20 Year Old Amontillado Sherry VOS, Spain
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🇫🇷❓❓Hello les amoureux du tire-bouchon. Et vous, aimez-vous les St Joseph rouge ❓❓🇫🇷
🍇🍷 Aop Saint Joseph rouge 2021 cuvée Deschants de la maison @m_chapoutier commercialisé par @vinatis_official 🍇🍷:
🍇 :
100% Syrah
💰:
20,90€/bouteille
👁️ :
Robe de couleur grenat
👃 :
Un nez sur des notes de fruits noirs, épices, fleurs
💋 :
En bouche, on a un vin bien équilibré avec des tanins soyeux. Sur des arômes de cerises, framboises, fraises, épices (la réglisse, le poivre en grain). Une belle longueur en bouche avec une finale sur des notes chocolatées.
📜En résumé📜 :
Un beau St Joseph rouge qui pourra être dégusté maintenant et dans quelques années sans aucun problème. On ne présente plus la Maison Chapoutier qui fait des vins remarquables.
🧆Dégusté sur des Cailles aux raisins 🧆
🍷Quelques accords mets et vin possible avec cette cuvée🍷 : Pigeon aux petits pois, Boudin noir, Boeuf grillé, Canard rôti au foie gras, Chapon aux épices, Civet de cerf aux airelles,....
📌N'oubliez pas, boire un canon c'est sauver
un vigneron. Allez voir le site internet du domaine pour voir toutes les cuvées et promotions du moment📌.
🔞« L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération »🔞 La plupart des
vins ont été dégustés et recrachés. Dégustation non rémunéré.
#lesdegustationsugo #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winetime #winelovers #instawine #redwine #winestagram #winery #beer #wineoclock #vin #sommelier #love #vinho #foodporn #winelife #instagood #whitewine #cocktails #drinks #wein #foodie #wineporn #drink
___________________________________________
⏬🇫🇷Français dans les commentaires🇫🇷🇮🇹Italiano nei commenti 🇮🇹⏬
🇬🇧❓❓Hello corkscrew lovers. And you, do you like red St Joseph ❓❓🇬🇧
🍇🍷 Aop Saint Joseph rouge 2021 cuvée Deschants from the house @m_chapoutier marketed by @vinatis_official 🍇🍷:
🍇:
100% Syrah
💰:
€20.90/bottle
👁️:
Deep garnet color
👃:
A nose with notes of black fruits, spices, flowers
💋:
On the palate, we have a well-balanced wine with silky tannins. With aromas of cherries, raspberries, strawberries, spices (liquorice, peppercorns). A nice length in the mouth with a finish of chocolate notes.
📜In summary📜:
A beautiful St Joseph red that can be enjoyed now and in a few years without any problem. We no longer present Maison Chapoutier which makes remarkable wines.
🧆Tasted on Quails with grapes 🧆
🍷Some food and wine pairings possible with this vintage🍷: Pigeon with peas, Black pudding, Grilled beef, Roast duck with foie gras, Capon with spices, Deer stew with cranberries,....
📌Don't forget, drinking a barrel is saving a winemaker. Go to the estate's website to see all the current vintages and promotions📌.
🔞“Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation”🔞Most wines were tasted and spat out. Unpaid tasting.
#lesdegustationsugo #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winetime #winelovers #instawine #redwine #winestagram #winery #beer #wineoclock #vin #sommelier #love #vinho #foodporn #winelife #instagood #whitewine #cocktails #drinks #wein #foodie #wineporn #drink
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🇮🇹❓❓Ciao amanti dei cavatappi. E a te, ti piace il San Giuseppe rosso❓❓🇮🇹
🍇🍷 Aop Saint Joseph rouge 2021 cuvée Deschants della casa @m_chapoutier commercializzato da @vinatis_official 🍇🍷:
🍇:
100% Sirah
💰:
€ 20,90/bottiglia
👁️:
Colore granato profondo
👃:
Un naso con note di frutti neri, spezie, fiori
💋:
Al palato abbiamo un vino ben equilibrato con tannini setosi. Con aromi di ciliegie, lamponi, fragole, spezie (liquirizia, pepe in grani). Bella persistenza in bocca con un finale di note di cioccolato.
📜In sintesi📜:
Un bellissimo rosso St Joseph che potrà essere gustato adesso e tra qualche anno senza alcun problema. Non presentiamo più la Maison Chapoutier che produce vini notevoli.
🧆Degustato su Quaglie all'uva 🧆
🍷Alcuni abbinamenti enogastronomici possibili con questa annata🍷: Piccione con piselli, Sanguinaccio, Manzo alla griglia, Anatra arrosto con foie gras, Cappone alle spezie, Spezzatino di cervo con mirtilli rossi,....
📌Non dimenticare, bere una botte fa risparmiare un enologo. Vai al sito dell'azienda per vedere tutte le annate e le promozioni del momento📌.
🔞“L'abuso di alcol è pericoloso per la salute, consumalo con moderazione”🔞Most i vini venivano degustati e sputati. Degustazione non retribuita.
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