With the year drawing to a close, we asked our 2011 TOP|SOMM and Top New Somm finalists to highlight five favorite, impactful new releases from the past year, regardless of price. Selections from each finalist are not listed in any particular order. Price is approximate retail, with importers in parenthesis where appropriate.
Ian Cauble (The Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay, CA) TOP|SOMM 2011
Desi Echavarrie (French Laundry, CA) Top New Somm 2011
I think Meagher's selection of the $500/btl Grange sort of tips the average price back into the "premium" category...but what else do you expect from the massachusetts liberal elite? ;)
Interesting that almost half of the wines selected retail for less than $40 and only 5 top $100 -- is this a sign of the times or that we know (and need to know) how to drink well on the cheap? Also interesting that, if you take me out of the equation (my wine program is 95% French), there are more US wines represented than any other country. There are 19 wines from France, though just one red Burgundy and no Bordeaux! Wonder what our counterparts in Asia make of that. Love the Massachusetts bubble -- great selections, everyone!
I want to go to James' restaurant and drink Bereche and Gonon! Solid recommendations, guys.