Who doesn’t like a crowd pleaser? And who makes more crowd pleasing wines than California’s Jeff Runquist? Jeff keeps racking up well deserved Gold Medals and Double Gold Medals for his crowd pleasing Syrah, Petit Sirah, Barbera, and almost any other varietal he chooses to fashion. So, Jeff’s 2009 R Syrah, a deep down, full throttle red that is already oohhh so fine to drink even in its tender youth, merits one of this month’s top picks. No question in my mind on this one. The second pick, however, causes me palpitations.
Tolaini’s 2007 Super Tuscan Valdisanti is a beauty for sure. It’s a polished, classy wine that appeals personally to me. However, I confess to being truly impressed by Domaine du Vieux Lazaret’s 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, too, and given the 90 plus point ratings it’s received from the most prestigious wine magazines, I am not alone. White Châteauneuf-du-Pape is not quite a rarity, but the quality of Domaine du Vieux Lazaret’s white 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is indeed extraordinary. Consequently, in a photo finish, my second March top pick goes to Domaine du Vieux Lazaret’s white 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. My only question now is this: Will I be able to sleep tonight?
A Votre Santé!
Don
