All four of these wines are winners in their own right.  But one clearly stands at the top of the heap.

This edition’s Best of the Best features an affordable and quality Northern Rhone, a well recognized Australian Shiraz, a German Riesling (at a great price), and a first growth Bordeaux.

Jean Louis Chave Selection Crozes Hermitage Silene, 2006:

Color: dark and brooding, what you would expect from a Northern Rhone

Aromas and Flavors: classic blackberry, currant, tar, earth and notes of iron; a truly muscular wine with garrigue. 

Opinion: This is one big wine, waiting to pair with a hefty cut of beef or lamb or a hearty stew.  Drink now or over the next several years.  Best of all, this wine should run you no more than $30 and age well if stored properly.  While I have not seen the wine in Tucson, it’s not hard to locate it elsewere.

Note: I have seen its cousin, the St Jos. Offerus at AJ’s.  This is a solid Northern Rhone, as well, but not quite so hefty and runs around $35

Monchhof Mosel Urzig Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett, 2007:

Color: a luscious light gold color

Aromas and Flavors: delicious blend of apple, lime and peach with a hint of dried stone.  Wonderfully refreshing acidity to finish.

Opinion:  what a zesty and refreshing wine for the price of ~$25.  We paired this with spicy Asia cuisine and what a combo!  Considering how food friendly these wines are and the pricing, this is a steal.  While the wine can be enjoyed now, if you can stand to store some away in a cooled cellar, it should age for at least the next 8-10 years. 

Note: I discovered this gem at AJ’s

Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Bella’s Garden, 2004:

Color: deep purple, opaque and brooding; a classic appearing Australian Shiraz

Aromas and Flavors: a full wave of red and purple fruit (raspberry, cherry, red plum), but not as overwhelming as the color might portray.  Actually, the fruit is remarkably well integrated with smooth, even refined tannins.  A beautifully extended finish.

Opinion:  What a stunning wine this is!  Not only can you enjoy it now, but it has all the ingredients to age for the next 8-10 years.  We paired it with a  grilled mesquite dried spiced steak and it made the evening.  The wine’s not cheap, running around $50-60 depending upon the vintage but it’s worth every sip.  It is available in select retailers in Tucson.

Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac, 1999:

Color: medium-dark purple

Aromas and Flavors:  beautiful fruits of blackberry and currant; cedar spice box, tobacco and black licorice and smooth, velvety tannins make this come to life.

Opinion:  All I can say is WOW!!  This is your classic first growth Bordeaux, ready to drink now and for the next few years.  We paired the wine with lamb and it was truly outstanding!  While not from a top vintage, this wine always seems to extract the best from the grapes and vines with some TLC from the cellar managers.  If you were to purchase the wine, it would likely run you several hundred dollars through the internet.

Tags: Bordeaux, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Jean Louis Chave, Kabinett, Monchhof, Northern Rhone, Riesling, Shiraz