 #10: 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino $60 If we were talking just about points, this one received high marks (nearly triple digits), but wine is so much more than a number. We've shared this wine multiple times at our tastings and with friends. The wine brings out a smile, a nod, a sincere warmth in us that no number could ever represent. As far as 2010 Brunellos go, this was our #1 in 2015. |
 #9: 2009 Chateau Tour Grand Faurie Saint Emilion Grand Cru $40 A Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend from one of the best small Bordeaux estates. A fascinating wine and the winner at our blind Bordeaux tasting in 2015. Lush, velvety tannins, powerful and energizing. A terrific value and superb food wine. Our thanks go out to Nathalie from Cru Wines for importing this treasure. |
 #8: 2013 Tatomer Pinot Noir Duvarita $50 Graham Tatomer is well-known for his Rieslings from Santa Barbara County but this under-the-radar Pinot Noir hits all the right notes. A soaring, beautiful, wine. Savory and floral, bright red stone fruits, rose, violet, silky and precise. A mere 75 cases were made, so if you can find this wine, scoop it up! |
 #7: 2014 Pence Ranch Chardonnay $24.50 Eventually, we always come back to value. Is that $50 bottle twice as good as that $25? Do we have to pay $60 for a great Chardonnay or can we find one that's really good in the neighborhood of $20. That's where Pence Ranch comes in. Located on the border of Santa Rita Hills, they are producing some of the best value-driven Chardonnays (and Pinot Noirs) in Santa Barbara County. White peach aromas are brightened by dusty minerals and honeysuckle. A focused wine, offering citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late jolt of smoky minerals, finishing on a tangy note, with a long, lingering finish. |
 #6: 2009 Arcadian Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard $48 This is the current release from Joe Davis. While others are releasing their 2013 Pinot Noirs (and very soon their 2014), Joe has a different philosophy. Let the wine relax a bit, slumber in their bottles while maturing to a point that when the cork is pulled and the wine is poured, the endless depth and dizzying complexity is their to enjoy. Even more amazing is that this wine will age comfortably for another decade or more. One of our favorite Pinots of all time is his 2001 Pisoni Pinot Noir that was just hitting its stride at age 12. This wine has flowers, spice, red pinot fruit and earth erupting from the glass. Strawberries, red cherries, polished tannins, and a perfect blast of balancing acidity. This is a beautiful and elegant pinot noir. Cheers! |
 #5: 2010 Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco Toscana IGT $102 Much has been written about this Super-Tuscan estate, and while both their 2010 red wines (this one included) received 100 point scores from Antonio Galloni, we were more modest with ours: "as close to prefect as can be achieved" was written in our tasting notes. Silky, layered and unbelievably expressive. Exceptional balance and pure finesse. Graphite, smoke, violets, kirsch, lavender and spice. The flavors are intense and concentrated, yet also incredibly nuanced. It's a dream come true for Italian wine lovers. |
 #4: 2013 Vie di Romans Friuli Isonzo Friulano Dolee $40 Sometimes we don't exactly know why we love a wine, but we KNOW. This wine is an prime example. We taste it, immediately love it, but WHY? Is it the lovely combination of lemon meringue, melon, pear? Or the lush texture on the palate with lovely zest and fragrance? Or is it the long finish with something akin to almond, all-spice, and gingerbread. Whatever it is, this is a wine that must be experienced! |
 #3: 2013 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto Toscana IGT $45 Another Super-Tuscan? Yes. But not just any Super-Tuscan. This is the second label from Sassicaia, a legendary producer in Tuscany. Beautiful and bold, the 2013 Guidalberto is one of the best vintages of this wine ever made. It shows great energy and momentum with dark fruit, spice, tobacco and black truffle that come together with impeccable unity. |
 #2: 2013 J.M.Boillot Montagny 1er Cru $38 These days it is nearly impossible to find a great, premier cru white Burgundy for under $50. But we did. And it was our biggest selling white wine in 2015. Big, friendly, bright. Nice upfront fruit with racy acidity for balance. It's a Chardonnay that both Burgundy enthusiasts & California Chardonnay lovers can enjoy. |
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and have a wonderful New Year!
Renegade Wines
417 Santa Barbara Street Suite A-6
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-568-1961
www.renegadewines.com
