December 31, 2009 · 6:44 pm
Our Top 10 Wines of 2009
| The funniest things happen when we least expect them. I was awoken this morning at 3:46 AM. This happens occasionally, especially when I hit the hay early. It is at this time where one of two things can happen. Either I will fall back asleep immediately, or I’ll toss and turn for hours. When immediate sleep doesn’t happen, I’ve found a way to keep from dragging on too long. I count things. No, not sheep. I don’t know the origin of that one, but it’s dubious at best. This morning I counted my favorite wines that I’ve had this year. Well, I started counting, and all I remember next was waking up at 7:54 AM. Success! So much so, that I thought back as to how I made it back to sleep. Counting wine. How ingenious. While prepping breakfast, I began to think, “We all have had our favorites this year. The Wine House should come up with a list of our favorite 10 wines that passed through here in 2009.” I arrived only to find a 48 foot trailer jockeying for position at our loading dock. David was tied up trying to get that situated properly. Somehow, I got his attention, and said, “I had the greatest middle of the night thought, top 10 list for the year!” We’ve never done that before. He thought it was a great idea, and without further ado, presenting the first annual Wine House Top 10 Wines from 2009:(Please note: Some of these wines have sold out, but have earned the merit to be mentioned here anyway.) |
 2007 Bourgogne Blanc – Paul Pernot
Okay, well here is a no brainer. Paul Pernot, no doubt, has a penchant for crafting some of the finest Chardonnays, respected the world over. His entry-level Bourgogne Blanc rings all of the bells required to be a super value! We import a great amount of this wine year after year, and it sells out. It’s that good. The 2007 was magnificent, but sadly, it’s gone. The 2008 promises to be yet another steal, and will be available to us in 2010, stay tuned for details. Here’s a link to Anya’s write-up of the 2007. |
 2007 Cotes du Ventoux – Domaine Fondreche
A protege of Rhone-master Andre Brunel, Sebastien Vincenti has been making wine for over 10 vintages! His expression of fruit and terroir have seduced fans of all things Rhone related ever since I started working at The Wine House. His top cuvee, Persia, has always been the darling of customers and critics alike. Think about all you’ve heard about the Rhone and 2007 … simply genius! Here’s a link to one of his, unfortunately, sold out 2007′s. Just know that this is his precious top of the line blend. |
 2008 Bordeaux Blanc – Chateau Couronneau
Okay, you had me at White Bordeaux. Sorry to say, the 2008 Couronneau Blanc has also sold out. It’s okay. We have a very good relationship with Christophe and Benedicte Piat who make some of the most amazing wines from their perch in the eastern chunk of Bordeaux. I, personally, loved this wine from moment one. So much, I put it in writing! |
 2006 Santenay – Chateau de la Maltroye
Okay, let me confess something here. When I started working at TWH, I thought I was well versed on French wine. I knew my Bordeaux, and Rhones … but Burgundy? That was a whole other animal. I now know that I prefer elegant red Burgs that show their terroir as well as those subtle nuances that Pinot Noir is able to express. I was compelled to chime in about it. |
2007 Bianco, Arbe Garbe
Sometimes, it is a good thing to leave our schedules open for the serendipitous. Wow! This was one of the coolest California wines to cross our threshold this year. 2007 Bianco, Arbe Garbe. |
2004 Arbios Cabernet Sauvignon
Oh my, the hits keep coming! This is, and has been, one of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, to come from Alexander Valley for years. Its value (for $25, really) has put it over the top for all of us here at TWH. Tom’s a huge fan! Indulge! Oh yeah, here’s what Anya had to say about that. |
 Sparkling Vouvray
Festive times call for festive wines, right? Sparkling Vouvray, you might ask? Well, it’s not Champagne, but, it’ll stop right there. This fizz will tantalize you with its complexity! Chris will fight you for a bottle! Check it out here! |
The Bomb!
Sorry, there will be no Columbia Crest here in OUR top 10! Not taking anything away from them, they make a lot of wine that is long on quality and short on price. If you can get it at your local grocer, we, most likely will choose to go with others, This gem from Espana has everything we all love. As a matter of fact, our staff is in flux as to who gets to put their name on this one! Anya got to it first, so it’s hers. Emily loves it too, and without asking her permission, I believe this could very well be her choice for “Wine Of The Year. Here ya go! |
 Academy Award
Introducing our “Academy Award Wine”. You know how the “top flicks” sneak their way into the calendar year at the end of December? This is what we have here. 2007 needs no intoduction in the southern Rhone. We haven’t had time to write about this one because it, literally, just got here. It’s that good! And more. David was lucky enough to taste this one months ago, he told us about it, but now we know! For those of you who love the wines crafted by Diane Puymorin, this is as good as it gets. This will sell out. If you’ve loved her wines in previous vintages, you MUST check this out … |
 After all, it’s Bordeaux
Yes, I am biased. There will never be a top 10 list that does not include red Bordeaux. It’s that simple. It’s funny, 2006 as a vintage, does not get the proper respect that it deserves. These wines did not get the accolades that their 2005 predecessors did, but, you know what? In many cases, some Chateau were able to make wines of higher distinction in 2006. I have always loved Pichon Lalande, and I have a feeling I always will … a wine for dreams …- Peter Zavialoff |
| All of us here at The Wine House wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! We will be here to assist you all with any of your vinous needs, anytime! |
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Filed under 2006 Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Costieres de Nimes, French Wine, Peter Zavialoff
Tagged as 2004 Arbios Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Dehesa de Rubiales Alaia, 2006 Pichon Lalande, 2006 Santenay Chateau de la Maltroye, 2007 Bianco Arbe Garbe, 2007 Chateau d'Or et de Gueules Les Cimels, 2007 Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc, Chateau Couronneau Blanc, Domaine d'Orfeuilles NV Sparkling Vouvray, Fondreche Persia, Wine House SF Top Ten Wines of 2009
