{"id":4923,"date":"2018-12-22T14:25:08","date_gmt":"2018-12-22T20:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/?p=4923"},"modified":"2018-12-22T14:25:08","modified_gmt":"2018-12-22T20:25:08","slug":"most-memorable-wines-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2018\/12\/most-memorable-wines-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"10 (+2) Most Memorable Wines of 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Well, we\u2019ve just about survived 2018 and as usual it\u2019s been a year of ups and downs, wonderment and heartbreak, opportunities and adversity. But through <!--more-->it all, I remain grateful. My heart aches and beams for Thing 2 all at the same time as I watch him struggle yet overcome each day. Thing 1 continues to make me proud of her for her grace, kindness, and humility (sometimes &#8211; she\u2019s a pre-teen after all!). And Mr. Corkscrew continues to be my biggest fan and tolerates my crazy, sometimes insane,<span id='easy-footnote-1-4923' class='easy-footnote-margin-adjust'><\/span><span class='easy-footnote'><a href='https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2018\/12\/most-memorable-wines-2018\/#easy-footnote-bottom-1-4923' title='How much wine did I purchase this year?! I\u2019ll never tell!'><sup>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span> wine hobby. But beginning in January all the way to now, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to taste some fantastic wines. So without further ado, here are my most memorable (I didn\u2019t say best)<span id='easy-footnote-2-4923' class='easy-footnote-margin-adjust'><\/span><span class='easy-footnote'><a href='https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2018\/12\/most-memorable-wines-2018\/#easy-footnote-bottom-2-4923' title='Wines are so different so I can never say one is the best. But I can recall the ones that are implanted in my brain for one reason or another.'><sup>2<\/sup><\/a><\/span> 10 +2 (it\u2019s hard to narrow down) wines of 2018.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2015 Paul Achs Altenberg Blaufrankisch, Burgenland, Austria ($45)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4955\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4955\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4955 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-1200x1200.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-1170x1170.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/54C67A00-02E3-4874-B42D-58EB960025D7-585x585.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4955\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2015 Paul Achs Altenberg Blaufrankisch, Burgenland, Austria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I first tasted this on a trip to Burgenland<span id='easy-footnote-3-4923' class='easy-footnote-margin-adjust'><\/span><span class='easy-footnote'><a href='https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2018\/12\/most-memorable-wines-2018\/#easy-footnote-bottom-3-4923' title='Check back next month for all the details.'><sup>3<\/sup><\/a><\/span> and, just wow! I very much came to appreciate Blaufrankisch during this trip and this one was certainly one of the best. The Altenberg Vineyard is regarded as one of the premier sites in the region. This wine is only made in top vintages and I can attest to the greatness of it. Crafted from 25 year old vines in a combination of gravel and Muschelkalk limestone soil, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and spends about 18 months in a combination of new and used barriques. Lovely elegance along with great structure and complexity. It seriously made me swoon! Ripe fruit on the nose followed by spice, mineral, dark fruit and rich, great acid, integrated tannins. A nice lingering finish. Wow.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2016 Cantina di Solopaca Terre di Surrupaca Cortenuda Falanghina, Campania, Italy ($12)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4942\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4942\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4942 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561.jpeg 960w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4942 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/308D0E59-7192-4895-BCF6-F59727740561.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4942\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2016 Cantina di Solopaca Terre di Surrupaca Cortenuda Falanghina, Campania, Italy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Until January 2018, I\u2019d never heard of, tasted, or even knew that Falanghina existed. That\u2019s the thing about Italy &#8211; all those darn grapes and not enough time (and liver capacity) to try them all. Falanghina is an ancient white variety from Italy\u2019s Campania region and it is delish! This Falanghina from Cantina de Solopaca was wonderful. Citrus, pear, and tropical and floral notes. Great acidity balanced by an almost creaminess that made it go down way too easy. I could totally see myself sipping this in the pool. But it also paired so nicely with cured ahi tuna and eggplant. I\u2019m told that this style of Falanghina is a more modern style and the traditional wines are typically more acidic with less of the roundness that this one had. Either way, I can\u2019t wait to try more!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2004 Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy (~$400)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4945\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4945\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4945 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-1200x1200.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-1170x1170.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-585x585.jpeg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4945 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-1200x1200.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-1170x1170.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2A082B91-168E-4654-99BF-64B88BE19E2F-585x585.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4945\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2004 Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I popped this beauty in the woes of #LawyerLife. I was not happy at the state of things at the office and quite frankly just wanted to open something that reminded me of some of the benefits of lawyering.<span id='easy-footnote-4-4923' class='easy-footnote-margin-adjust'><\/span><span class='easy-footnote'><a href='https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2018\/12\/most-memorable-wines-2018\/#easy-footnote-bottom-4-4923' title='I also am able to provide my kids with a wonderful life, fund their college accounts, pay for the best specialists I can find for Thing 2, and help many charitable causes that are near and dear to my heart.'><sup>4<\/sup><\/a><\/span> OK, I just needed motivation to not quit and go out and collect cans. #KeepinItReal. Opulent and restrained, fruit forward yet earthy, this one covers to whole spectrum. Blackberry, black plum, violets, spice, mocha, mineral, and so much more, the complexity was just off the charts. I may have even gone to work happy after this one! An ethereal sip. Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/index.php\/2018\/01\/07\/wine-food-pairing-nebbiolo-roasted-duck\/#more-3772\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more<\/a> on this beauty and how to pair.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2014 Parducci True Grit Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocino, CA ($18)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4940\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4940\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4940 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813.jpeg 960w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4940 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C87AEF1F-BCE2-4817-8F73-B3B28865E813.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4940\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2014 Parducci True Grit Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocino, CA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I loved this wine. I mean like really loved it. Apparently the folks at Parducci have been making great Petite Sirah for like decades. Where have I been? Seems like folks at Wine Enthusiast knew because they scored it at 91 points. OK, so better late than never. Intense inky burgundy in the glass. Bold, lush, and full-bodied, it offers up juicy dark blackberry, plum, mocha and svelte tannins that coat the tongue like velvet. Great QPR on this one at $18 that could go toe to toe with wines double the price. And apparently this one will get better in the bottle. Must get more.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2015 George Wine Company \u2018Sonoma Coma\u2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California ($50)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4939\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4939\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4939 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB.jpeg 960w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4939 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3280D25B-C3CA-4F6C-80D6-E67767282ABB.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4939\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2015 George Wine Company \u2018Sonoma Coma\u2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As Pinot Noir is my first wine love and is the wine that got me into this crazy hobby, I\u2019m always thrilled to find a new one that knocks my socks off. This may very well be my new Pinot Noir obsession! How had I not ever heard of the George Wine Company?! Well better late than never! Spice, smoke, black cherry, with a tinge of minerality. Tannins are both bold and silky and the finish goes on and on. Had this with duck confit as was all in my happy place! Serious Pinot here.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2009 Scarecrow M. \u00c9tain Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California ($~200)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4938\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4938\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4938 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-744x930.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"930\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-744x930.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-420x525.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-585x731.jpeg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/930;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4938 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-744x930.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-744x930.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-420x525.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/278AD0E9-4442-40C6-ABDC-DDDD21D21382-585x731.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4938\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2009 Scarecrow M. \u00c9tain Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So I\u2019ve always wanted to try the Scarecrow wine and this one got me a little bit closer. The M. \u00c9tain is the second wine of Scarecrow and is a thing of beauty. Decadent, sultry, and sexy as hell. Ripe, fruit forward, complex and constantly evolving in the glass. Yes it\u2019s big and bold and heavily extracted but man is it good. And at the rate that big brother Scarecrow is selling, this may be the only one I get to try. And that\u2019s OK too. I can live with this \u2018second wine\u2019 all day. This is Cabernet Elevated. OK, and I\u2019m a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz, so there is that.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2015 Maya Pedro Ximenez, Elqui Valley, Chile ($14)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4936\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4936\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4936 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A.jpeg 960w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4936 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/C2F88D01-82C1-42CD-8F57-6468F019FA1A.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4936\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2015 Maya Pedro Ximenez, Elqui Valley, Chile<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I first tried this at a wine tasting at the urging of one of the reps and I have been suggesting it to people ever since! Pedro Ximenez has long been used in the production of Sherry and Brandy but it is increasingly being used to make some nice still wines. Given that the grape is low acid, it takes a place like Chile, with the high altitude of the Andes to create one with a good amount of acid. This one is harvested from one of the highest altitude vineyards in Chile and it is oh so delicious. Racy acidity, ripe green fruit, minerality, and floral notes all for $12. It reminds me of a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. And yes, it\u2019s fabulous with BBQ chips.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2005 M. Chapoutier L\u2019Ermite Ermitage, Hermitage, Rh\u00f4ne Valley, France (~$250)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4932\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4932\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4932 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552.jpeg 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4932 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552-585x585.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/7B265D19-BB97-4878-B5EE-B1C1363C1552.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4932\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2005 M. Chapoutier L\u2019Ermite Ermitage, Hermitage, Rh\u00f4ne Valley, France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There\u2019s no disputing that Chapoutier is king of the Rh\u00f4ne with his uncompromising, high, exacting standards. This wine is pure silk elegance. Structured and concentrated, I just couldn\u2019t get enough of this one. I mean, I seriously thought about this wine days after having it. Quite aromatic with dark fruit and floral aromas. Voluptuous stewed dark plum, elegant spice, along with medium plus acidity and fine grained tannins on the palate. Just a fine example of #WinePorn.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2016 William Chris Mourv\u00e8dre, La Pradera Vineyards, Texas High Plains ($35)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4950\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4950\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4950 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-1200x1200.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-1170x1170.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-585x585.jpeg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4950\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-744x744.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-1200x1200.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-1170x1170.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1612F6C-0C9A-4D0F-9F55-ABB200062AFE-585x585.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4950\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2016 William Chris Mourv\u00e8dre, La Pradera Vineyards, Texas High Plains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I had both the 2016 La Pradera Mourvedre and the 2016 Lost Draw Mourvedre from William Chris and it\u2019s seriously a coin toss as to which was more memorable as they are both excellent wines that truly showcase what Texas terroir can do. Who knew humble old Mourv\u00e8dre could do this?! While Tempranillo has been embraced by many in the state, there are some that believe that Mourv\u00e8dre is poised to become Texas\u2019 signature red. And it must be true because the William Chris Mourv\u00e8dre wines are always quite the hot item and sell out quickly. If you see one, grab it and hold on tight. Rich and smooth with ripe, fleshy red fruits and a touch of velvety mocha, this is the real deal.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2015 &amp; 2016 Ch\u00e2teau La Nerthe Les Clavelles Ch\u00e2teauneuf-du-Pape, Rh\u00f4neValley, France (&gt;$200)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4931\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4931\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4931 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-585x585.jpeg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/744;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4931 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-744x744.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/B1EA2742-3C8E-4521-831E-E0A7B3B92B73-585x585.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4931\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2015 &amp; 2016 Ch\u00e2teau La Nerthe Les Clavelles Ch\u00e2teauneuf-du-Pape, Rh\u00f4neValley, France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Yes, I know I\u2019m cheating by including two wines into one. But hey, it\u2019s my blog. I\u2019m so fortunate to attend lots of wine tastings, and this one was certainly one of the most memorable. Check the recap of their entire lineup <a href=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/index.php\/2018\/09\/21\/tasting-chateau-la-nerthe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. Crafted of 100% Grenache using whole bunch fermentation, these wines were simply stunning. What began as an experiment for La Nerthe has turned into a stroke of genius. The wines come from their Les Clavelles plot which has soil comprised of a mixture of sand, red clay, and pebble stones. And while the vintages differed with 2015 being more approachable and 2016 a bit more structured and wound a bit more tightly, both of these will only get better with time. These wines just pulled you in with heady perfumed floral and fruit aromas as well elegant, finessed tannins. If I had the choose a \u201cbest of the year,\u201d this may be it.<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2011 Bodegas Ysios Rioja Reserva, Spain (~$30)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4930\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4930 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-744x558.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"558\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-744x558.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-420x315.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-585x439.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86.jpeg 960w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/558;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4930 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-744x558.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-744x558.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-420x315.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86-585x439.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/30BFC341-49E7-4A39-9D52-07378A80DA86.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2011 Bodegas Ysios Rioja Reserva, Spain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ysios, which is named after an Egyptian goddess of magic who had oversight of winemaking, is a boutique winery that is part of the Campo Viejo family of wines. Made in a more modern style, this Rioja wine by Bodegas Ysios is crafted of 100% Tempranillo and sourced from vineyards that average 35 years. Deep red with tinges of purple in the glass despite having a little age. Ripe blackberries and raspberry on the nose. But this is no fruit bomb. After all, this is Rioja. Nice juicy palate of fresh dark fruit, vanilla, spice, and cedar. It was both intense and powerful as well as elegant. Smooth and round with well integrated tannins. Just a very nice wine all around. It\u2019s had a few years in the bottle and seems close to hitting to its prime but can go a few more years. \u00a0Production is quite small so if you see one, snag it (and then send it to me!).<\/p>\n<h2><em><strong>2017 Acquiesce Grenache Ros\u00e9, Lodi, California ($25)<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4926\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4926\" style=\"width: 744px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4926 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-744x930.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"930\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-744x930.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-420x525.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-585x731.jpeg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/930;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4926 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-744x930.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"744\" height=\"930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-744x930.jpeg 744w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-420x525.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A57A7852-EBA3-425F-BF48-F1303AD113DA-585x731.jpeg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4926\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2017 Acquiesce Grenache Ros\u00e9, Lodi, California<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So I wanted to cheat again and combine multiple wines into one but I restrained myself. I had some seriously good Ros\u00e9 this year. And while admittedly we are getting to the point where there is too much out there and the market seems to be getting saturated, there are definitely some that rise above the fray. I had four Ros\u00e9s on my most memorable list that I had to cut down to one. I\u2019d seen many folks on social media talk about the Acquiesce wines and for some reason the wines just stuck in my mind so I finally decided to get some. This truly outstanding wine oozes sweet strawberry fruit (NOT a sweet wine) and lush watermelon along with a touch of herbaceousness. I mean I know it\u2019s a Ros\u00e9, but wow, what an enjoyable wine. And now I know why they always sell out. This one is crafted of Grenache Noir and while I want to say it\u2019s Proven\u00e7al in style, it\u2019s bit richer than than. I hope my friends at <a href=\"https:\/\/topochines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Topochines.com<\/a> keep this one in their inventory.<\/p>\n<p>Honorable mention Ros\u00e9s include 2016 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BjilGgrBZ4x\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Faustino<\/a> VII Rioja Tempranillo Ros\u00e9, 2017 <a href=\"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/index.php\/2018\/05\/12\/get-your-rose-on-rose-wines-for-summer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ferraton<\/a> Cotes du Rh\u00f4ne Rose, and the 2016 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Bi5LmMGhd8O\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adobe<\/a> Road Ros\u00e9, Sonoma County.<\/p>\n<p>Cheers to more great wine in 2019!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Well, we\u2019ve just about survived 2018 and as usual it\u2019s been a year of ups and downs, wonderment and heartbreak, opportunities and adversity. 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