Top Wine of 2018

As is common in my industry (as demonstrated by Instagram anyway), I reflected on '18 and the many, many (many!) memorable wines I'd had the pleasure to experience. Instead of spend days thumbing through all of my notes, I let my mind wander and land on the first five that came to mind - and one extra for the heck of it. I compiled a slideshow here.

My number one, immediate, without a doubt pick was a perfect bottle of 1985 Heidsieck Champagne Charlie. Of course, this did not surprise me as Champagne is the only wine that matters*. The nose was opulent: brioche, ocean air, fresh shaved apple peel. Across the palate the bubbles were super fine and lively; a little nutmeg (age), stony notes, the fruit in gorgeous balance with a still-zesty acidity. The finish was long, long, long.

Sigh. Buying a Mega Millions ticket...

All said, I hit the Champagne jackpot last year in the sheer volume of producers whose wines excited the hell out of me. Among the honorable mentions:

*Fourny, NV, Grande Reserve

*Francoise Bedel, NV, "Dis, 'Vin Secret'"

*Etienne Calsac, NV, "L'échappée Belle" Blanc de Blancs (WILD stuff. I can't wait to taste it again later on in the year.)

*Dhondt-Grellet, NV "Le Duo" Rosé

*Larmandier-Bernier, NV "Terre de Vertus" (from magnum)

*J.L. Vergnon, NV "Conversation" Blanc de Blancs (blew us away tasted blind against Bouchard, Savart and Paillard)

*Nowack, NV "La Tuilerie" Extra Brut (AWESOME producer. Getting hot, so buy up!)

*personal opinion, but I've yet to be proven wrong.