Even though it is January, I am taking odds that the 2001 Don Melchor Cab will crack the top 10 of 2005. It received a WS 95 and costs between $30-37 down here. There is plenty to be had too. This qualifies it as a bonefide contender.

I thought the "00 Cab was fantastic for the price and availability, and now they've even topped that. I'll be stocking up now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MiamiAtty,

Hands down... it will be the 2005 WOTY.

Would you like to make a little wager?

MiamiAtty,

Where by chance has it arrived down in S. Florida - It hasn't turned up yet in my Tampa area stores but I will be down there in mid feb - If the '01 is better than the '00 then It truly will be an amazing wine

I did just pick up 2 x 02 Clos Apalta - wondering if anyone has an opinion

Welcome to the boards Gator,

The 02 Clos is suppose to be just as superb as the 01.

I am with you on that one MiamiAtty, easy top 15, likely top 10.

2002 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon should have a good shot to be in the top 10 as well.

Add Pride Cab.

quote:

---

Originally posted by slapshot:
Add Pride Cab.

---

Nah, 2002 Pride Cabernet won't come close to be in the Top 10.

2002 Pride Cabernet was reviewed in 2004 and will not qualify for 2005.

what about 02' pride rsrv stuff?

quote:

---

Originally posted by rickym13:
what about 02' pride rsrv stuff?

---

I think with it's limited case count and higher price tag at $118, it will need a huge score like 2001 Les Pavot received to have a shot.

WS Top 100 2004
#46 Pride Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2001 96 points $115 1,180 cases made

2003 Cline Red Truck White Wine

That's my pick.

quote:

---

2003 Cline Red Truck White Wine

That's my pick.

---

You had better stock up wiseguy.

pyang,
Would the 02' Clos Alpata make it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Vine Lizard,

quote:

---

Originally posted by Vine Lizard:
pyang,
Would the 02' Clos Alpata make it?

---

I'll tell you after the score comes out.

Suppose the 02 Clos Apalta gets an even higher score than the 01. Does it automatically get the WOTY? But, I doubt it will get a higher score.

If you look at the short history of WS Top 100 Wines, you will notice that the wines that get the top 5 end up falling down the list the following year.

EX: 2001 Paloma Merlot, WS #1 in 2003 was like in the 60s in 2004

An Aussie is due to win top honors.....

Geez, we're guessing the WOTY in January now? How about we start guessing the WOTY for 2006 now as well?

I'm guessing it is Red.

I'd say the 02 Lewis syrah may be a contender. a wonderful wine that got a 97 I think. I'm not sure the production was high enough though. (It gets my vote so far)

Sapril....very true. Apalta would be the exception.

Wineismylife...This thread may go through December where good guesses will weed out the contenders and expose the pretenders.

I started this thread because every December I find myself trying to back-track through a whole years worth of wines. This will help us make better selections and maybe even influence WS's picks. (Before I hear it, the latter was a JOKE.)

Miamiatty,

I would like to know if there have been any Top 5 wines that have moved up within the following year?

I don't think the Apalta will move up but instead down. This would make WS look questionable because why would they have rated the 01 at #2 and then the 02 at #1? If they felt this strongly about the Apalta, then why didn't they rate the 01 at #1?

However, I do foresee the Red Truck moving into the top 100 if the 03 can get a 90+ point rating.

On the other hand, now that I've thought about it a little more extensively, as much hype as WS gives to Casa Lapostolle winery, they are bound to put one of their wines at #1.

But IMO, I don't think it will make #1 in 2005.

Lewis Syrah Napa Valley 2002 was reviewed in 2004 (Dec 31, 2004) and will not qualify for 2005.

Sapril,
In 2003, the 2000 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta was no. 3 and in 2004 it was no. 2.