Wine Enthusiast's Top Wines of 2006

Wine Spectator get's a large amount of attention each year as they release their top 100 wines towards the end of each November. Less well known is Wine Enthusiast's list of top wines which are released in early December. I always find wonderful selections from each list, however this year Wine Enthusiast has made some excellent picks. (See their complete list at www.winemag.com/top2006) Of particular mention are:

#7, Château Lagrange 2003, France, Saint-Julien / $30 Red:
"A dark, dry, brooding wine, which has flavors of blackberries and red plum skins, which is not at all dominated by wood. This is a classic wine, with Saint-Julien's elegance and 2003's power. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates." My notes: French reds differ in style and presentation from Californian reds which are typically readily more available in the United States (and usually less expensive as well). This is a good example of a lesser-oaked French wine that is strong, yet unusually supple, and not as forward as the Californians you may be used to.

#16, Yangarra Estate Vineyard 2004 Shiraz, Australia, McLaren Vale / $25 Red:
"Good as ever, this vintage of the Yangarra Shiraz doles out plenty of juicy blackberry and blueberry fruit accented with fresh but subtle vanilla bean notes. Full and bouncy on the palate, and long on the finish. Winemaker Peter Fraser just doesn't know how to make bad wine. Imported by Yangarra Estate Vineyard." My notes: We've recently seen some excellent wines out of McLaren Vale, and Peter Fraser is leading the pack. You will likely find that Australian wines are similiar in style and presentation to wines from California, as these regions share similiar climates (albeit at different times of the year) and have younger wine regions, comparitively.

#19, Le Cadeau Vineyard 2003 Pinot Noir, Oregon, Willamette Valley / $40 Red:
"What a spectacular effort. Dense and precise, it explodes from the glass with pure varietal scents and crisp, layered flavors. The mix of red fruits seamlessly weaves into barrel flavors of coffee, toast, caramel and buttered nuts, then adds licorice and spice to the long, clean, lifted finish. A tour de force." My notes: I am consistently impressed with the development and quality of wines from Oregon's Willamette Valley. This selection is proof to Oregon's perfect Pinot Noir climate, and exemplifies what a highly skilled winemaker can coax from this particular grape. Although Pinot has exploded in availability and price since "Sideways," here at least, is one that is well-worth every penny.

#22, J. Bookwalter 2005 Riesling, Washington, Columbia Valley / $16 White:
"Continuing its string of outstanding Rieslings, J. Bookwalter once again has produced an exceptionally fragrant wine absolutely brimming with scents of sweet blossom, citrus, peach, mango and pear. The mix of fruits is marvelous; equally impressive is the racy acidity that keeps the wine poised, balanced and right on the fence between dry and sweet." My notes: Although frequently not given the same attention as Oregon and California, Washington's wines have been coming along quite nicely. This Riesling was exceptionally balanced and is a great example of a white wine with fabulous depth of flavor. Look for this winemaker to continue to release some truly fantastic offerings.

#30, Anselmo Mendes 2005 Muros Antigos Alvarinho, Portugal, Vinho Verde / $16 White:
"Mendes specializes in Alvarinho in the far north of Portugal. With this powerful, intense wine he shows how good the grape can be and how good the 2005 vintage was. It's full-bodied and intense, with just a touch of mineral and spritz. Imported by Aidil Wines & Liquor Inc." My notes: Although frequently relegated to a lesser class of wine, Portugal's Vinho Verde can be a pleasant and refreshing wine when made well. Pick up a bottle of this selection and save it till a hot summer day. You won't be disappointed with it's fresh citrus flavors, mineral backbone, and lightly sparkling presentation.

#43, Sebastiani 2002 Merlot, California, Sonoma County / $17 Red:
"This is an awfully good wine. It's a great example of a coastal Merlot from a good vintage, lush and sweet in cherry, cassis and cocoa flavors, yet completely dry, and the tannins are rich and smooth. There's a complex velvety softness that caresses the finish." My notes: Merlot has gotten a bad name recently (again, no thanks to "Sideways") but I like to remind people that the most expensive wine in the world (Petrus) which goes for well over a thousand dollars a bottle, is in fact, Merlot. Keep this in mind and give it a try. I'm certain you won't be disappointed.

#72, Hess Collection 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mount Veeder / $40 Red:
"Here's an outstanding Napa Cab, notable not just for its lush black currant and mocha flavors, but the outstanding tannic structure. Firm as two-by-fours, yet soft as velvet, the tannins lend this wine a great internal architecture. Drink now through 2010." My notes: This is why California Cabernets are so highly revered. Body, structure, depth, and strength are balanced with finesse in this excellent example of the Cabernet Sauvignon. I disagree slightly with Wine Enthusiast and think that this particular wine can go another 10 years (to 2016). There's only one way to find out...

There are plenty of fine wines from this list, but I have emphasized some that I believe are reasonably priced, ready to drink, and sure to be enjoyable. Salut!