Whew! What a year. Most of us won’t mind watching 2020 disappear in the rearview mirror. Save for a lucky few who tied the knot, had a kid, or engaged in some other hopeful activity, this past year will go down as one of the most challenging for even the strongest among us.
A global pandemic. CHECK. Economic crisis. CHECK. Political unrest. CHECK. The rise of white nationalism. CHECK. Clean wines. CHECK. I could go on…it was a tough one. But, despite all the turmoil and uncertainty, a bevy of beautiful wines could still be found just a hop, skip, click or jump away. Local retailers and delivery services witnessed an uptick in wine and spirits sales, while wineries leaned into their loyal wine club members, many of whom proved to be steadfast customers, giving wineries a much-needed boost in direct sales.
At our house, my wife and I enjoyed more wine together this year than any other in our marriage. We shared several truly great wines together. Not only did these beauties provide much needed liquid courage; they also proved to be exceptionally delicious and artful.
Herewith then, dear reader, are my favorite wines of 2020. These splendors made an otherwise impossible year a bit more palatable. A thanks to these producers for managing to release exceptional wines (and keep the lights on) when so much else seemed unknown. Your work made my life a little sweeter.
25. 2019 Hubba Wines “Mutha” Chardonnay, Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties
Oceanic. Fresh. Citrus. $ 42.00
24. 2016 Talbott Vineyards Chardonnay “Sarah Case”, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Monterey County
Nectar. Perfumed by Nature. Confident.
23. 2016 Storm Pinot Noir, Presqu’ile Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
Bergamot. Saline. A rose garden. $ 55.00
22. 2019 Lady of the Sunshine Sauvignon Blanc, Coquelicot Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Natural. Vibrant. Lemons on the tree. $ 30.00
21. 2018 Wasenhaus Pinot Noir, “Vulkan”, Baden, Germany
Austere. Piercing. Precise. $ 64.00
20. 2018 Anthill Farms Chardonnay, Peugh Vineyard, Sonoma County
Oyster shells. Pacific. Sea Salt. $ 19.00
19. 2018 Benandants Malvasia Bianca, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Aromatic. Heady. Refined. $ 40.00
18. 2017 Alta Colina, Keystone Syrah, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County
Generous. Dark. Lengthy. $ 56.00
17. 2018 Qutori Wines Syrah, Paonia, Colorado
Character. Deep. Pleasurable. $ 38.00
18. 2017 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Electric. Mountain fruit. Linear. $ 80.00
17. Crocker Starr A.V.A Cabernet Franc Blend, Napa Valley
Delicate. Powerful. Dreamy. $ 55.00
16. 2014 Agrapart & Fils, Mineral Blac de Blancs Extra Brut, France
Hazelnuts. Sweat of a dancer. Lychee. $ 124.00
15. 2016 Stefan Vetter Sylvaner, Franken, Germany
Oyster shells. Cold. Limestone. $ 19.00
14. 2019 Lola Rose of Pinot Noir, Mendocino, Russian River and Monterey
Breezy. Uncomplicated. Memorable. $ 20.00
13. 2016 Gaja Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
Nebbiolo goodness. Typicity. Resplendent. $ 270.00
12. 2018 Dragonette Syrah, John Sebastiano Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
Dazzling. Deep. Unforgettable. $ 65.00
11. 2017 Whitcraft Chardonnay, Pence Ranch, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
Pure. Brilliant. Unstoppable. $ 50.00
10. 2018 Jonata “Flor” Sauvignon Blanc, Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County
Evocative. Fragrant Changeling. Romantic.
9. 2019 Lorenza Rose, True Rose, California
Ancient vine Rhones. Mother & Daughter. Lifted. $ 22.00
8. 2016 Next of Kyn Red Blend, No. 10, Ojai, Ventura County
Spiritual. Exquisitely Balanced. Art. $ 800.00 (magnum)
7. 2019 Stolo Gerwurtztraminer, Creekside Vineyard, San Luis Obispo County
Pacific. Star Jasmine. Elegant. $ 25.00
6. 2019 Keep Wines Counoise, David Girard Vineyard, Sierra Foothills
Violets. Unabashedly approachable. Pretty. $ 28.00
5. 2018 I. Brand & Family Mourvedre, Enz Vineyard, San Benito County
Food please. Great acid. Night fall. $ 48.00
4. 2018 Thacher Cinsault, Glenrose Vineyard, Adelaida Vineyard, Paso Robles
Lovely. Meadows conjured. Balanced. $ 36.00
3. 2018 Bouchaine Unoaked Chardonnay, Estate, Napa Valley
Captures place. Ever evolving. Length. $ 33.00
2. 2017 Downstream Red Blend, Paso Robles
Collaborative. Splendid Zinfandel-based blend. Provocative. $ 200.00
1. 2014 Beta Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Monticello Vineyard, Sonoma Moon Mountain District
Exceptional. Humility shown towards Nature. Age worthy. $ 150.00