In October, we did a post on Washington wines and wineries that were named to a couple of prestigious Top 100 lists. Now we have even more reason to celebrate as big gun wine publications, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and San Francisco Chronicle, have released their highly acclaimed Top 100 Wines of 2011 lists with Washington representing a good chunk of each (one wine made two lists!)
Making quite a showing this year were smaller, boutique wineries and although there were some repeat wineries on the list a couple are cracking the Top 100 for the first time.
Wine Enthusiast (December 2011 Issue)
#3 Leonetti Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
#16 Cayuse 2008 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah
#35 Delille Cellars 2009 Chaleur Estate Blanc
#42 Chateau Ste. Michelle/Dr. Loosen 2009 Eroica Riesling
Wine Spectator (December 31, 2011 Issue)
#6 Baer 2008 Ursa
#15 Efeste 2008 Jolie Bouche Syrah
#18 Janiuk 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
#25 Owen Roe 2009 Ex Umbris Syrah
#32 Andrew Will 2008 Sorella
#39 Tamarack 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
#41 L’ecole No 41 Cabernet Sauvignon
San Francisco Chronicle Magazine (December 5, 2011 – Listed in alphabetical order)
Amavi 2009 Syrah
Andrew Will 2008 Andrew Will Two Blondes Vineyard
Barnard Griffin 2009 Merlot
Betz 2009 La Cote Patriarche Syrah
Buty 2009 Merlot-Cabernet Franc
Cadence 2008 Ciel du Cheval Red Wine
Grammercy Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Januik 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Pacific Rim 2010 Riesling
Award winning wines we are drinking this week:
Leonetti Cellars
Leonetti 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon – $85
A Walla Walla Cab from one of Washington’s premier wineries, this wine is a luscious treat for the mouth. The wine has flavors of dried savory herbs, espresso and chocolate rounded out on the palate by black fruits and balanced tannins. This can cellar for another decade and is the perfect gift for the oenophile on your gift list.
Baer Winery
Baer 2008 Ursa – $35
Making its first appearance on Wine Spectator‘s Top 100, the magazine calls this the “best wine yet” from Woodinville’s Baer Winery. Latin for “bear,” Ursa is a blend of Merlot (53%), Cabernet Franc (29%), Cabernet Sauvignon (13%), Malbec (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%) with great forward fruit and a complexity that is perfectly suited for sipping on its own.
Januik Winery
Januik 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon – $30
Sourced from some of the Columbia Valley’s premier vineyards, the 2008 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon makes an appearance on both the Wine Spectator and San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 list. This Cab is a full-bodied wine with dark berry, chocolate and vanilla spice notes and would be a welcome addition to the holiday table this season.
