" Great Wines in 2007 "

One of the great things about working in the wine world is that you get to taste new wines on a consecutive basis from all across the globe. And what I can honestly tell you is that we are lucky as wine drinkers to be living in this day and age. Modern vinification, clonal research, vineyard management and technology have all played a major part in the quality of wine as we know it today. Certainly hundreds of years of trial and error also help quite a bit, thanks to the Greeks, Romans and Benedictine and Cistercians Monks. So much for the boring stuff, lets talk about the vino on the market today. Old world countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal and France are producing new and exciting wines with a modern twist. New world producers like the U.S., Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa also are putting out wines with incredible distinction and character. What we're seeing is a flood of wine from all around the world and for the consumer this is the good news. If your just getting into wine your timing couldn't be better. One of the questions I get asked quite often is that with so much wine on the market where does someone start. Yes, I agree it can get overwhelming but that's where Westside Liquor comes into play. This newsletter is designed to give you some insight by including some of the better producers from all across the world. I will list the producer first and then the country or state and grape varietal or varietals of which they're known for. Always remember that vintage variation is always a factor for the style of the wine, almost more than say quality. Cooler years = leaner lighter wines and Warmer years = more robust, big and bold wines. Here is a inside Sommelier list of outstanding producers and the wines they excel with. Enjoy !

Old World Producers

St. Urbans-Hof, Germany - Riesling
Dr. Loosen, Germany - Riesling
Marques de Caceras, Spain - Rioja(Tempranillo)
Vina Alarba, Spain - old vine Garnacha
Emilio Moro, Spain - Tempranillo
Pio Cesare, Italy - Barolo and Barbaresco(Nebbiolo)
Carpineto, Italy - Tuscan(Sangiovese)
Chateau Bonnet, France - white Bordeaux(Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle
E. Guigal, France - Rhone(Syrah, Grenache)

New World Producers

Argyle, Oregon - Pinot Noir
D, Arenberg, Australia - Grenache, Shiraz
Terrazas, Argentina - Malbec
Norton, Chile - Malbec
Montes, Chile - Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere
Concha y Toro, Chile - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Thorne and Clarke, Australia - Shiraz
Torbreck, Australia - Shiraz
Saint Clair, New Zealand - Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Robertson Winery, South Africa - Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer

Happy New Year and hope to see you soon at a Westside Liquor store nearest you.

Jeff Anderson
Sommelier