The Cellar: Top Wines of 2010

The Cellar: Top Wines of 2010

The holiday season is special for many reasons. For wine lovers like us it is a special time, and then some, because the end of the year means that it is the time for all the top wine critics to announce the best wine releases of the year. 2010 has been a great year in wine and so this week I will highlight a trio of ‘Top 100 Wines of 2010’ published in Wine Spectator Magazine that should be available at your local wine merchant this holiday season.

2006 Zaca Mesa Syrah - $19

Syrah is humorously referred to as ‘the manliest’ wine of them all. Grown all over Syrah, or Shiraz as it is called in some parts of the world, is used both as a blending grape and by itself. The delicious grape has been grown in California since the early 1980’s and its winemakers are becoming increasingly famous for producing world class rich, ripe and spicy Syrahs.

Wine Spectator recently proclaimed the 93 point 2006 Zaca Mesa Syrah to be the 29th best wine released in 2010. The wine also received 90+ scores from Connoisseurs Guide and Wine Enthusiast and I have to tell you ladies and

gentlemen, this is one monster of a wine! Grab a few bottles while you can, it is intensely flavorful. This wine has loads and layers of dark fruits on the nose and a great full-bodied mouthfeel. Everything in this wine is integrated superbly – one dry, smooth and delicious experience.

2006 Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza - $13

You may have noticed that Rioja wines are labeled either ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’ or ‘Gran Reserva’. Spanish wine law dictates that Riojas must age for certain periods of time before being released in order to be able to bear the Rioja appellation. For example, red wine that bears the mark ‘Crianza’ must be aged for at least two years, one of which must be in oak barrels. For Reservas three years is the requirement, with at least one year in oak. Finally, the ‘Gran Reservas’ reds must age for at least five years; two in oak barrels and the remaining three in its bottle.

Gran Reservas aren’t always better than ‘Crinzas’ – like anything else it comes down to the winemaker and his or her techniques. The 2006 Lan Rioja Crianza received 90 Points in Wine Spectator Magazine earlier this year, and made the #44 spot on the list of top wines of 2010. Very modestly priced, and readily available, I think this is a wine you should seek out. This is Spanish table wine at its best! Nice fruit, firm tannins, spicy, great with food.

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2008 d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre - $10

All over the world winemakers are blending Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre grapes together to make delicious wine. In southern Rhone Valley the grapes are the key ingredients in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape red wines. In Australia the blend often bears the nickname GSM, an abbreviation of the first three letters of the star grapes. The reason these grapes so often are married together is because of the individual grapes unique attributes. The light Grenache grape brings soft berry scents and spice, the Shiraz adds body, color, black fruits, pepper and very importantly tannins. Finally, Mourvèdre adds structure and acidity to the blend, along with sweet plums, roasted game and hints of tobacco. Truly a heavenly blend.

I was able to find this wine for $10 at my local wine merchant. It was rated 90 point and the 63rd best wine released in 2010. I can see why, the quality-price ration is unbeatable as this wine has it all. Delicious red fruit and liquorices notes on the nose, a rich mouthful of black fruits and spices on the palate, backed by a great balance between mouthwatering acidity and firm tannins. Seek this one out!

Enjoy, and happy holidays!

Besides from writing about wine Steffen Rasch also consults, hosts lessons, tastings and other types of wine events privately, as well as for businesses. If you are interested in knowing more please contact [email protected], and follow him on Facebook, here.