What is the best NON-PORT bottle of wine you've had in 2008?

[Roy Hersh]

In fact, make that non-fortified ... as I'd like to learn what table wines you folks are enjoying these days.

[Frederick Blais]

I had many but one I will never forget is Montrachet 2004 from DRC.

[Todd Pettinger]

They make non-fortified wines??? I had no idea!!!

Why? :?


Okay, you'll all laugh and know just how cheap I am, but my wife has taken love to a wine neither of us have ever had before - Jackson Triggs White Merlot. Much better than most of the rose wines, this one actually had some real grape component to it instead of an abundance of strawberries, raspberries, etc. I don't drink a lot of non-fortified wines (what little wine budget I have is better directed to Port - much more enjoyment for me) so this would have to be the best I've had this year. It is easy drinking when nice and cold on a hot day and pairs well with... well, nothing, but that hasn't stopped us from trying to find things it goes with. Pizza, chicken, fish, steak, roast... whatever. Neither of us is picky. :help:

[Glenn E.]

I don't drink that stuff, but my wife does and I always taste what she's having just to see what it's like.

I'd have to say that the best bottle we've opened in 2008 is probably the 2004 Innocent Bystander. It's a Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend (42/40/18) and it's quite good.

We've opened a number of very good bottles this year, but that one stands out because of it's value - you should be able to find it in the $12-$15 range.

[Eric Ifune]

Best so far, a 1959 JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Feinste Auslese. Unfortunately, I've only one more bottle.

[Andy Velebil]

1976 Dom Perignon Oenotheque

What a great champagne and it was the first bottle that I ever sabred

[Frederick Blais]

1976 Dom Perignon Oenotheque

What a great champagne and it was the first bottle that I ever sabred

OMG, you are courageous, it is an awesome bottle to waste if you miss with the sabre :)

[Andy Velebil]

1976 Dom Perignon Oenotheque

What a great champagne and it was the first bottle that I ever sabred

OMG, you are courageous, it is an awesome bottle to waste if you miss with the sabre :)

We actually opened 2 bottles of it that night, along with an old Krug magnum, Salon, DRC, and other rare burgs and Bord. It was quite the evening that lasted about 12 hours. And oh yes, I was scared out of my mind sabering a bottle like that as my first. Luckily, I did it right and it came off perfectly.

[Gary Banker]

A toss-up for two very different wines:

1995 Girardin Volnay "Les Champans"
2002 J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett

As a rule, I prefer the Germans, but this was a very nice burgundy. And I was surprised to find that I haven't had any Tokaji for quite a while. I'll have to open one this week.

[Derek T.]

In fact, make that non-fortified

Can someone please tell me what non-fortified wine is?

[Frederick Blais]

In fact, make that non-fortified

Can someone please tell me what non-fortified wine is?

Damn I did not think someone like you would say such horror!

[Luc Gauthier]

In fact, make that non-fortified

Can someone please tell me what non-fortified wine is?

A non fortified wine is a liquid that should not be able to make one visit a porcelain god

[Heather Hathwell]

hmmm. not counting tastings maybe 96 Lagrange St Julien.

[Andy Velebil]

Heather,
Glad to see ya back...hope all has been well with you? Check out the offline planner, we're having a little gathering later in October here in L.A.

[Moses Botbol]

The wine Fred brought to Boston was pretty over-the-top. Maybe he can shed light on what it is... I know that it was a cuvee of different vintages of a Rhone producer.

Other than that, 1979 Lafite and a couple of 70's Diamond Creeks.

[Heather Hathwell]

If Roy's gatherings count, then I should maybe revise my choice to the 97 Pahlmeyer or the 97 Faiveley (can't recall which one, but I do think generally it was a Nuits St George...) that was brought to the San Francisco Madeira Road Show event in April....... others may say that for the night, for non-fortifieds it was the Chateau Palmer but since I didn't taste it I'm not gonna go there......

Andy: Would love to join up in October (I will at least be back by then). Although it is the same era as the March tasting and apart from the fabulous May tastings in the Douro I haven't had much other port, I am sure there will be several bottles entirely new to me (and hopefully the percentage of corked bottles will be lower) so I look forward to it and will go note it on your other thread. Thx for the invite, I was a little reserved about it.

[Andy Velebil]

Andy: Would love to join up in October (I will at least be back by then). Although it is the same era as the March tasting and apart from the fabulous May tastings in the Douro I haven't had much other port, I am sure there will be several bottles entirely new to me (and hopefully the percentage of corked bottles will be lower) so I look forward to it and will go note it on your other thread. Thx for the invite, I was a little reserved about it.

We would love to have you join us. Since it's at my place it's very informal and a fun time. I'll put you down.

[Kris Henderson]

Looking through my notes in cellartracker, the best bottled I've had so far in 2008 would be 1990 La Mission Haut Brion.

Honorable mention goes to:
1989 Montrose
2005 Pegau Cuvee Reservee
1976 Leroy Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru

I've really spoiled myself this year. I should cut back because I think I'm starting to become a little jaded.

[Erik Wiechers]

Best i had so far is 2003 Robertson Winery Shiraz Wolfkloof .
A thick yet sweet wine filled with fruit, nuts and figs. My housewine at the moment.

[João Rico]

Well, for me:

DRC La Tâche 2002
1910 Fajã do Padres (Madeira)



Some huge wines:

Niepoort Robustus 2004
Coche-Dury Mersault 1999
Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva 1995
Vega Sicilia Único 1986
Mouchão 1970
Barca Velha 1999
Clos Martinet 2000
Domaine du Pegau Cuvee reserve 2004
1870 Mavasia Caves Casa da Calçada