In
each new issue of the Wine Skinny, we
review, match, or recommend oodles of
wines from here, there, and yonder. Thus
far, we've resisted our own sporadic urge
and some reader haranguing to implement
a numeric rating system. But at the end
of the day, or the end of the issue, human
nature seems to like a clear cut winner.
So in the name of all
that is holy and democratic, we've launched
our Wine Skinny Best Award. In each issue,
we'll choose one -- count 'em, one --
wine as the all around winner, Best of
Show, top dog, cat's pajamas. And we'll
name it here. The rules you say? We take
into consideration any number of factors
-- taste, value, unexpected greatness,
debut wines, new vineyards, old vineyards,
gutsy winemakers, and more other stuff
than you can shake a stick at. And then
we pick a winner... according to these
rules that we... just made up.
All of Viader's wines featured
in Drinks with
Les Dames were a not-unexpected pleasure,
but this one took us by surprise -- and
has lingered happily in our memory!
($40). It's easy to fall for this wine
at first whiff, with its pretty wild strawberry,
floral and sweet cedar aromas. Supple
red fruit flavors pick up soft earthy
notes through the finish, along with dashes
of brown spice and toast. Ready to drink
now and over the next two or three years.
Locate
this wine online or in your area.
Viader
2005 Tempranillo Napa Valley DARE