quote:

Originally posted by pyang:
I think the release price will effectively keep it out of top 5 easily.

...and keep it out of many cellars. I think a lot of people are going to own 1 bottle

Well the Don Melchor certainly looks like a top contender.

However, I think this will be the year of the Syrah, with '02 Alban Reva and '03 Novy in the top 25 (or possibly '02 Carlisle). And #1 will be the '03 Two Hands Bella Shiraz. I also think we'll see an '03 Rosenblum Zin, either Crocker & Star or Kim Crawford SB, and '02 La Chablisienne Chablis in the top 10.

I expect a fair amount of pinots on the list too -- Kosta Browne, W.H. Smith, and an '02 Burgundy or two (were they reviewed this year or last?). But given how much WS seems to love Argyle, I wouldn't be surprised to see the '02 Argyle Nuthouse finish as the highest pinot on the list and very possibly in the top 10.

quote:

Originally posted by Anwar Atalla:
...and keep it out of many cellars. I think a lot of people are going to own 1 bottle

I probably won't be buying any unless the price is half of what's anticipated. However, I know there will be a nice stash at Casa de gusbo.

Anybody know of a place near Chicago that you can stil get 01 don Melchor cab?

quote:

Originally posted by MiamiAtty:
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.

quote:

Originally posted by eyesintime:

either Crocker & Star or Kim Crawford SB, and '02 La Chablisienne Chablis in the top 10.

04 KC was top 100 last year (and is still available) - I haven't seen the 05 yet.

quote:

Originally posted by BGarvens:
Anybody know of a place near Chicago that you can stil get 01 don Melchor cab?

Try swinging by couple of Costcos. Also check this thread from time to time for local Costco updates.

Here is another storeI pulled up in IL.

BGarvens and Pyang

That store you pulled up is located in Palatine, a suburb of Chicago. It actually is owned by Tastewine2, although I haven't seen him post here in a long time. I believe there are a few others of the CWM that frequent the store from time to time.

quote:

Originally posted by pyang:

quote:

Originally posted by haggis:
Judging from how orgasmic Suckling is over the 2001 d'Yquem, I'm figuring it's going to have to be #1 or 2. But then I wonder if they would rank Sauternes that highly 2 years in a row.

I think the release price will effectively keep it out of top 5 easily.

True enough....valid point.

quote:

Originally posted by haggis:

quote:

Originally posted by pyang:

quote:

Originally posted by haggis:
Judging from how orgasmic Suckling is over the 2001 d'Yquem, I'm figuring it's going to have to be #1 or 2. But then I wonder if they would rank Sauternes that highly 2 years in a row.

I think the release price will effectively keep it out of top 5 easily.

True enough....valid point.

Yeah, I can't see a $400 wine being WOTY, no matter how many points it gets.

WH Smith, 2003 Pinot Noir Maritime or Hellenthal.

Derek

quote:

Originally posted by acaronianasa:
WH Smith, 2003 Pinot Noir Maritime or Hellenthal.

A bit hard to come by aren't they? What's the case production?

545 of the Maritime and 291 of the Hellenthal. The Mailing list is open although the Hellenthal is sold out.

I signed up on the WH Smith list and have yet to receive an offer. Can you purchase in another way, for example call up the winery?

I wish. I signed up, too, but all their 2003 is long gone. I have called/emailed a dozen wine shops all over in the past two weeks and only managed to get 2 bottles. Keep looking, though, I talked to 3 places this week that told me they are supposed to get it but it hasn't come in yet. Try WineZap or WineSearcher to locate some.

quote:

Originally posted by pyang:

quote:

Originally posted by BGarvens:
Anybody know of a place near Chicago that you can stil get 01 don Melchor cab?

Try swinging by couple of Costcos. Also check this thread from time to time for local Costco updates.

Here is another storeI pulled up in IL.

I can tell you I have purchased from Larry a number of times, and the service is top-notch. When I lived in Ohio I had wine shipped to me a couple of times and it always arrived quickly and in perfect condition. His store is in a little strip mall, way in the back, but if you can find it, it's a little gem. He carries some nice stuff, and prices are fair.

2003 Clos des Papes CDP

Cheers,
Fox

Might be time for a Riesling like Joh Jos Prum, Sonnenuhr ($40)or maybe a Chilean blend of Cab S/Cab F and Carmen like Vina Almanviva, Puneto Alto ($90). Personally, I savor the Don Melchor ($37).

quote:

Originally posted by acaronianasa:
545 of the Maritime and 291 of the Hellenthal. The Mailing list is open although the Hellenthal is sold out.

It's hard to get anywhere on the top 100 list with a production under 1000 cases.

I signed up for the list recently but the ratings had already been released. I've heard nothing.

Bump for the "ORIGINAL" WOTY '05 thread.

Seriously though, I've seen some other good wines mentioned that haven't made the other recent mock drafts.

Still time to pick....

Good bump.

Time to start the 2006 WS WOTY thread.
Sounds like a lot of people are pulling for the ‘03 Clos Apalta before it has even hit the shelves.

quote:

Originally posted by MiamiAtty:
Still time to pick....

Now this, I don’t get?

I'll toss one out there as a top 20 contender...

2003 Brancaia Ilatraia, a 96pter from Maremma in Tuscany. I think it was 1650 cases made. Was going to be released in December, but I just ordered a couple of bottles yesterday ($45).

A big exciting wine from Maremma... with reasonable production. Maremma is a region on the move that has a different enough microclimate from the rest of Tuscany to stand out when Tuscany might not as a whole. A quality producer (several delicious 90+ pt wines in the $50 range) who hasn't been on the list before. "Highly Recommended" in an earlier issue of Spectator.

I bought it yesterday because I was afraid it would disappear when the list comes out.

To bad the yields weren't higher, or it may have had a shot at the top spot. I would love nothing better than Brancaia, a "vino da tavola" beating out the "higher classified" Italian wines...let alone the rest of the grape world.

Lentini...can you get more? Let me know, because I can't find it down here.

I found two mail order places that can ship to me showing it in stock.

Pop me an email and I'll try to help you out!
rlentini at cox dot net

BTW, I just got an email from Gary's online wine shop and they have a sale on 2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia and say it is Wine Spectator's #1 wine of the year. Has the list been published??

Lentini...the list hasn't been published, but I'd give 5-1 odds they're right. There are a few others (Melchor '01)that are also front runners, and you always have that "X" factor that may surprise everyone.

I'll shoot you an e-mail.

quote:

Originally posted by GreenDrazi:
Time to start the 2006 WS WOTY thread.
Sounds like a lot of people are pulling for the ‘03 Clos Apalta before it has even hit the shelves.

You got that right.