How is it possible that a year goes by in the blink of an eye? It’s probably because I spend my days amidst freshly opened bottles, taking copious notes, spitting into my giant silver Champagne bucket and laughing at myself for drinking alone at ten in the morning, computer screen at my side filled with the latest wine news. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my job! Who else gets to drink in pyjamas first thing in the morning without raised eyebrows and silent judgement?As a new year begins I have come up with some of my top scoring wines for you to try. The reason these wines made my list is for the simple fact that they represent drinkability, ageing potential, bang for the buck and ease in food pairing. While you may not agree with some of my choices remember that wine tasting is always biased to what you may or may not like. I have tried to put some Old World selections down on the list but it is the New World that still has my heart when seeking out new wines. These wines are also in no particular order, mainly because I can’t come up with just one favourite.Gruner Veltliner, Brundlmayer, Kamptaler Terrassen, AustriaFresh peaches, some lime and lemon peel, apricot in the mouth with an almost bitter mineral flavour in the background. Austrian white is awesome and this producer has a wine that remains crisp yet delicate. Super well balanced and a delight to pair with acidic cheeses of medium body and poached or grilled fish with delicate greens.Viognier, Bellingham, Coastal Region, South AfricaI love the way Viognier makes me feel like summer is around the corner. Peaches and apricots and a full- bodied flavour make this wine easy to pair with rich white meat in sauce or steak tartare. Not only can this wine age for a while it comes with a screwcap, perfect for impromptu picnics. Take along a couple of heavier flavoured Charlevoix cheeses and you’re set.Riesling, Eroica, Chat. Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen, Washington, U.S.A.You try this wine to see how Old and New World blends together to make a superb example of Riesling. Minerals are everywhere in the nose and mouth along with classic flavours from the US like peach and grapefruit. Cheeses of course, but salads focusing on lightly flavoured fish or chicken will do wonders for this crisp white. You can cellar this baby for up to 7 years to see what develops.Sangiovese/Merlot/Cab. Sauvignon, Brancaia, Il Blu, Toscana, ItalyI know this is a lot to spend but hey it’s half the price of a top end Amarone or Barolo and will not take as long to age. This Super Tuscan is a keeper for 10 years + and will not disappoint. The flavour and nose of black cherry, freshly cut herbs and ripe plum with a slight mineral finish with a hint of lead and ink (supposed to be good) and a nice shot of alcohol all the way down the throat this super tannic dry red will lend itself well to roasted beef and lamb as well as heavier pastas and Osso Bucco.Carmenère, Luis Felipe Edwards, Colchagua, ChileIt’s not all expensive folks! This dry full- bodied red really screams BBQ to me. Nose of dried cherry and blackberry with a finish that is more refined featuring cherry and light tinged tobacco. While this is an everyday wine it does have a lot of flavour and will match with meals like pasta with meat sauce, steaks, hamburgers and grilled chicken. Cheese should be medium to full bodied. This red would benefit from a few swirls in a decanter, if handy.Shiraz Reserve, Mission Hill, Okanagan, CanadaWhile their top tier Shiraz is simply amazing this middle ground red gives you a taste of what the west coast can do in terms of Shiraz. I think it will only get better and the prices will match the quality. This is a dry and tannic wine that goes well with steak and dark game, lamb chops and hearty beef stew. I chose a Bleu Elizabeth and extra old cheddar from Ile des Grues for this bottle, with great results.
