Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:14:40 GMT

Great list of wines, and solid values there too!

Proves that wines do not have to be expensive to be good.

Wine trends are going in the direction of 'off the beaten path' of what is usually seen and expected on wine lists (and isn't that what we're here for??)

I have put these on my list of wines to look out for. Thank you for all the recommendations.

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Brandon Tebbe — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:32:02 GMT

I'm with Bates on this. I have been tasting to many European wines that are out or wack. The new world wines seem to be finding more balance. Hmmm. Could it be that it is more important that the wines are balanced then it is that they are less then 14% alcohol? Sorry, had to throw that in there.

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Shayn Bjornholm — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:20:42 GMT

Wow...thank goodness we got a few New World wines up there! The first few folks had me worried... Awesome rec's, lots of fun. Saw a few that I absolutely love, too! Georges Laval is remarkable - in Europe, those wines beat Selosse for prices garnered. But, 'tis the ones I haven't heard of that I can't wait to try...thanks for the illumination, all.

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Christopher P. Bates — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:50:55 GMT

I think pricing might have to do with a lot of things....Less big rollers are letting us drink their fancy wine for free these days. They are tipping a bit less well. And I think a new generation of honesty is happening in what we may all be able to drink (not just taste).

As for the US selections, I would though in that while european wines are increasingly out of balance, american and even ausi wines seem to be coming more and more in balance. I rekon experience with extreme ripeness seems to go to the new world these days...

Awesome choices all around.

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Michael Meagher — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:26:47 GMT

Unfortunately up here in Massachusetts, we're usually a vintage behind on a lot of juice, so what I've been tasting recently doesn't qualify as current release. We like to remain a step behind the rest of the world and scoff at them from afar.

Though, in all seriousness, the Westport Rivers sparkling is ridiculously good for New World bubbles. And it doesn't hurt that the family that runs the winery also makes some damn good beer. It is always a fun spot to visit!

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Admin User — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:11:32 GMT

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? ;)

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

James Lechner — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:38:50 GMT

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!

RE: Favorite New Releases of 2011 from the TOP|SOMM Finalists

Admin User — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:16:26 GMT

I want to go to James' restaurant and drink Bereche and Gonon! Solid recommendations, guys.