I haven't written anything seriously since October. I recovered from COVID (easier case than most) + had holiday plans that made writing seem like a chore, so decided not to do any. But here we are in 2021 and it's time I write again.
What better way to get back into it than with my top 2020 wines paired with some awesome viognier! The viogniers are sweet, not on the palate, but because I discovered or "met" both producers on Twitter and I love connections that happen in unexpected ways. My girlfriend and I actually met Denise McKahn in Nov 2020 and tasted most of the McKahn family wines during a delightful (outdoor) tasting, I highly recommend visiting now that Napa is open again. I am looking forward to visiting Serrano Wine in Paso when I'm back in CA.Reviews of both Serrano Wine and McKahn Family Cellars viognier follow my top wines list.
My top wines from 2020 are listed in no particular order. All fantastic and delicious, with more variety than I initially expected. Some are chosen purely because of wine quality, some chosen because of quality + consumption occasion.
Champagne André Clouet 'Rosé No.3', Grand Cru Brut
2000 Segond de Durfort Vivens, Margaux
2008 Chateau Ferriere, Margaux
2009 Chateau Talbot, St. Julien
2010 Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Stella Retica DOCG
2013 Luigi Baudana ‘Cerretta’ Barolo
2014 Sterling Vineyards 'Platnium' Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 Andrew Will Vineyards 'Sorella', Champoux Vineyard
2015 E.Pira & Figli Langhe Nebbiolo - Chiara Boschis
2016 Bench Vineyards Circa 64
2016 Dowsett Family Gewürztraminer, Celilo Vineyard
2017 Andrew Will Two Blondes Vineyard Cabernet Franc
2018 Anne Sophie Dubois ‘Les Cocottes’, Fleurie
2018 Bure Family Wines ‘Majesty’, To Kalon Vineyard
2018 Penfolds Bin 389
The Serrano Wine viognier has presence, on the nose and palate. The wine is extremely aromatic, with notes of clotted cream, stone fruit (particularly peach) pith, and wet stones waltzing from the glass. The wines lands on your palate like a seasoned pilot lands on their home runway - silky smooth and greeted by applause. There are fantastic melon, honeysuckle, and green apple notes paired with well integrated oak, awesome minerality, and noteworthy acidity that lead to a long and zingy, absolutely delicious finish. Too bad this is sold out, look for 2020 later this year!
Winemaker Charles McKahn has done a fantastic job on this viognier from Catie's Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Such wonderful floral and stone fruit aromas on the nose that gives way to delicious stone fruit flesh focused palate. I took a sip a felt like I was sitting in French orchard on a hot day eating apricot and peaches — so much bold fruit, coupled with a mineral backbone that holds this wine together. This is a charismatic wine, give it a try and it will give your favorite white wine a run for its money.
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