Best of 2009!

Since we only do wine tastings once a month, each is unique and special in its own way ... from the theme of the tasting, the rep hosting the tasting, the appetizers we munch on and the interaction between the tasters. While I enjoy each, I always look forward to the December tasting ... the one we call the "Best of" ... where we revisit our favorites wines from all tastings of the current year.

This year's Best of was FANTASTIC! Todd was back again to host and we selected 7 wines ... 2 of which were new to all of us but made it on our list because they made Wine Spectator's Top 100 List for 2009.

Here's the line up:

1. Dibon Cava
2. Dr. Loosen's L Riesling (#62)
3. The Stump Jump Shiraz (#82)
4. Boekenhoutskloof Wolf Trap Red
5. Emina 12 Months
6. Green and Red Zinfandel
7. Felino Cabernet Sauvignon

Many of these wines were rated between 88 and 92 points and fall into the $11-22 price range.

We had 16 people attend the tasting, plus Mom, Todd and I. In addition to the usual suspects (you know who you are), we had some fresh faces ... friends and spouses of the "regulars" as well as a couple new to the area. I hope we didn't scare them off!

Mom stole the spotlight from Todd a couple of times with some of her "unique phrases / sayings" for which she will be teased about in future tastings (too racy to repeat here).

Needless to say it was a noisy evening that ended close to 1:30 am and 18 bottles later. And even though, I got a new camera ... the pictures are still blurry. Hmmm.

As for the nibbles, I don't remember what we served but it had to be good since it was all gone by the time I was ready to sit down and have some.

Tim and Suzanne were real troopers and stayed with us 'tilt he end!

I'm already looking forward to the Best of 2010!

Happy New Year!