Staff Picks: Best of 2010

Badenhorst Secateurs White 2009 – $13.99

(100% Chenin Blanc; Swartland, South Africa)

Swartland is the hot new appellation in South Africa. Many of the top winemakers are flocking there to take part in what is

being called the “Swartland Revolution.” Badenhorst Family Wines are made in the Paardeberg area in South Africa’s

Swartland district. Cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst restored a neglected cellar on the Kalmoesfontein farm that had last

been used in the 1930s. The Badenhorsts make wines designed for “eating, living, nourishment, and enjoyment—for

celebrating life.” The Grapes for this wine come from 40 year old vines that are grown without irrigation and are farmed

as naturally as possible. This lush Chenin Blanc (as well as its red counterpart) are my pick for wine of the year not only

because of how good they are, but also because they come from one of my favorite importers, Broadbent selections.

Broadbent specializes in small-production, unique wines from family  run wineries. They are one of a very small number

of importers whose philosophy of wine ... Oh heck, I just picked it because it's from South Africa  – Toby

Alain Jaume Côtes du Rhône “Haut de Brun” 2009 – $11.99 on sale for 9.96

(70% Grenach, 30% Syrah; Cotes du Rhone, France)

Alain Jaume is the man behind Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s highly-rated Domaine Grand Veneur. He’s hit a big “Rhône run” with

this classic red Cotes du Rhone. Blended from the Rhône’s usual cr-Rhônies,  Grenache and Syrah, it is a seductive,

bistro-styled wine that your friends won’t let you drink a-Rhône. This wine wowed us when we first tried it. It clearly shows

why 2009 may just be, and we mean this, the best vintage ever! If Alain’s bistro wine is this good, we can’t wait for his

big boy Chateuneuf and Gigondas. Start saving now! – picked by Michael

Perrin Cotes du Rhone Nature 2009 – $11.99

(80% Grenache, 20% Syrah, Southern Rhone, France)

The Perrin family has taken particular care that this Côtes du Rhône meets their stringent standards of excellence.

As proprietors of Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and producers of La Vieille Ferme from the

Côtes du Ventoux and Luberon, the Perrin family has demonstrated exceptionally high standards for nearly a century.

Jean-Pierre and François’s father, Jacques Perrin, was a gifted winemaker who brought world renown to the family

domaine, introducing innovative techniques in the cellar, such as flash-heat exchange for maximum extract, integrated

pest-control and organic farming practices in the vineyards. Now the next generation of winemakers – Pierre, Marc and

Thomas – has joined Jean-Pierre and François to continue the proud family tradition. - The importer, picked by Sian

Domaine du Dragon Hautes Vignes 2008 – $13.99

(50% Mourvedre, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 5% Grenache; Provence, France)

“The 2007 Cotes de Provence Hautes Vignes smells of ripe plums, roasted meats, and herbs. Silky in texture, dripping

with ripe plum and beef juices, and loaded with saline, savory, smoky, and faintly bitter herbal notes, it finishes with

richness and grip astonishing for its price.” – The Wine Advocate, picked by Liz

Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso 2009 – $14.99

(100% Tinto Fino; Ribera Del Duero, Spain)

“Finca Resalso is the name of the winery's first vineyard, planted in 1932, the same year as when Emilio Moro was born.

It is a young wine, made from a selection of vineyards of between 5 and 15 years of age. It spends 4 months in French

oak barrels.” – The winery, picked by Robert