Top 100 Wines of 2012 – James Melendez

Posted on December 11, 2012 by James Melendez

Top 100 Wines of 2012

I noticed some top 100 2012 wine choices being published in October–still two more months to go before 2013.  Seems like a rush to publish or like retailers skipping ahead of the line to asort their stores with holiday wares.  I try to hold back as much as I can because you never know what you might be tasting.  I’m glad I waiting.

This list is in no particular order–let the review score speak for itself as well in addition to inclusion into this top 100 list.  I certainly recall each of these wines and long to taste each once more.  But in the world of wine–great things are still to come and these produces hold promise for equally stunning vintages.

I am privileged to taste all that I do per year– easily north of several thousand wines.  I do expect a continued diversity and look forward to what 2013 will unveil for current release.

A best holiday season to you and yours and look forward to 2013.

Salud!

James Meléndez
James the Wine Guy

Top 100 wines of 2012

1. Domaine Pouillon McKinley Springs Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills Syrah – 2010 – 9.3 – James Meléndez – My Video about this wine:

2. Miloš Stagnum Pelješac Plavac Mali – 2005 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

3. Alexandria Nicole Destiny Ridge Vyd Horse Heaven Hills Grenache – 2010 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

4. Floreado Südtirol Alto Adige Sauvignon Blanc – 2009 – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

5. Feudo San Maurizio Saro Djablo Valle d’Aosta – 2009 – 9.2 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

6. Eventide Wellington Shiraz – 2005 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

7. Argiolas Costera – 2009 – 9.0 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

8. Gigante Schioppettino – 2007 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

9. Archery Summit Arcus Estate Pinot Noir – 2010 – 9.4 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

10. Murrieta’s Well Los Tesoros de Joaquín Livermore Valley Souzao – 2009 – 9.2 – James Meléndez

11. Hawk & Horse Red Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 2008 – 9.3 – James Meléndez

12. Domaine Gerovassilou Malagousia – 2010 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

13. Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah – 2010 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

14. Masi Costasera Amarone Classico – 2007 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

15. Seufert Bishop Creek Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.5 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

16. DuMOL Russian River Valley Viognier – 2011 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

17. Smith Madrone Spring Mtn District Riesling – 2011 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

18. Smith Madrone Spring Mtn District Cabernet Sauvignon – 2007 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

19. Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2008 – 9.4 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

20. Emina Ribera del Duero Prestigio 2006 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

21. Bodegas Imperiales Abadia de San Quirce Finca Helena – 2006 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

22. James Cole Mud’s Kitchen Clone #7 Cabernet Sauvignon – 2009 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

23. James Cole Napa Valley Petit Verdot – 2009 – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

24. Archery Summit Vireton Willamette Valley Rosé – 2011 – 9.0 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

25. Domaine Jean Vullien Roussette de Savoie – 9.1 – 2010 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

26. Miraflores El Dorado Zinfandel – 2003 – 9.4 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

27. Robert Biale Thomann Station Vineyard Napa Valley Petite Sirah – 2008 – 9.4 – James
Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

28. Boeschen Vineyards Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 2008 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

29. Salvestrin LeBlanc Crystal Springs Estate Sauvignon Blanc – 2010 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

30. Manincor SüdtirolRubstsch Lagrein – 2009 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

31.Manincor Südtirol Pinot Blanc – 2010 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

32. J. Hofstätter Pinot Nero Südtirol “Barthenau” Vigna S Urbano – 2009 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

33. Erste und Neue Südtirol Sauvignon – 2011 – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

34. Mary Elke Donnelly Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir – 2011 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

35. Mounts Family Dry Creek Grenache – 2009 – 9.2  – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

36. Paloma Napa Valley Merlot 2008 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

37. Bethel Heights Castel Reserve Pinot Noir  – 2009 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

38. Domaine Serene Evenstad Pinot Noir –  2008 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

39. Beaux Frères Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir – 2010 – 9.2  – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

40. Unti Benchland Dry Creek Valley Syrah – 2009 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

41. Moss Roxx Lodi Ancient Zinfandel 2007 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

42 Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Dry Riesling – 2011 – 9.1- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

43. Andrew Rich Coup d’Etat Red Blend – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

44. Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

45. Domaine Drouhin Laurene Dundee Hills Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

46. Eyrie Original Vines Reserve Dundee Hils Chardonnay – 2010 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

47 Rex Hill Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

48 Soléna Domaine Danielle Laurent Pinot Noir – 2010 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

49. Lusu El Dorado Das Pedras Zinfandel – 2010 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

50. Champagne Thienot Vintage – 2002 – 9.3- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

51. Iron Horse Chinese Cuvée – 2004 – 9.3- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

52. James Cole Okenagan Merlot Ice Wine – 2010 – 9.3- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

53. Crave Russian River Valley Chardonnay – 2011 – 9.3- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

54. Champagne Canard-Duchene Brut Rose – NV – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

55. Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills Syrah – 2009 – 9.3- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

56. Alienor Lake County Petit Verdot – 2008 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

57. Clos Saron Old Vine Out of the Blue Cinsault Syrah – 2011 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

58 Uvaggio Lodi Vermentino – 2011 – 9.1- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

59. Ojai Vineyard Santa Barbara County Thompson Vineyard Grenache – 2007 – 9.1- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

60. Viña Arnaiz Ribera del Duero Crianza 2008 – 9.0- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

61. Viña Mayor Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva 2003 – 9.3- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

62. Mater Matuta Lazio – 2006 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

63. Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvginon 2007 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

64. Lenné Karen’s Pommard Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir – 2010 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

65. Raptor Ridge Chehalem Mountain Gruner Veltliner – 2011 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

66. Iona Elgin South Africa South Africa – 2010 – 9.0- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

67. Tikveš Rep. of Macedonia Rkaciteli – 2011 – 9.0 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

68. Tercero Watch Hill Santa Barbara County Grenache – 2008 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

69. Perrucci Family Vineyards Syrah – 2008 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

70. Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico – 2006 – 9.2- James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

71. Castelfeder Burgum Novum Pinot Nero – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

72. Mar de Frades Rias Baixas Albariño – 2011 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

73. Franz Keller Pinot Gris – 2011 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

74. Core Santa Barbara Grenache – 2007 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

75. Fenestra Lodi Alvarelahao – 2008 – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

76. Tinto Pesquera 2009 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

77. Dr. F. Weins-Prum Estate Riesling – 2011 – 9.3 — James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

78. Johann-Wilhelm Schild Riesling – 2010 – 9.2 – – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

79. Weingut Ungerer Pinot Meunier- 2009 – 9.0 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

80. Juris Reserve St. Laurent – 2006 – 9.3 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy –

81. Villa Travignoli Tergolaia Riserva Chianti – 2008 – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

82. Las Ninas Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

83. Tabali Reserva Lumari Valley Sauvignon Blanc – 2011 – 9.2 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

84. Tablas Creek  Patelin de Tablas Blanc – 2011 – 9.2 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

85. Piquentum Blanc Malvasia Croatia Istria 2010 – 9.1 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

86. Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.2 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

87. Waits-Mast La Encantada Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.3 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

88. Joseph Swan Trenton View Vineyard Pinot Noir – 2009 – 9.3 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

89 Kenneth Volk Albariño River Bench Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Albariño – 2011 – 9.2 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

90. Bell Clone No. 6 Cabernet Sauvignon – 2003 – 9.3 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

91. Lanciola Terricci Chianti Classico – 2006 – 9.3 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

92. J. Heinrich Goldberg Blaufränkisch – 2009 – 9.2 –  James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

93. Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Lagrein Riserva – 2008 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

94. Castel Sallegg Südtirol Pinot Grigio – 2011 – 9.1 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

95.  Fields Family Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel – 2010 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

96. Klinker Brick Farrah Mokelumne River Lodi Syrah – 2010 – 9.1 – James Meléndez

97. Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – 2010 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

98. Domaine Pouillon Columbia Valley Rosé – 2011 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

99. Ivasari Old Vines Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – 2008 – 9.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

100. Domaine Pouillon Horse Heaven Hills Pierre Red Wine – 2009 – 9.2 – 2012 – James Meléndez /  James the Wine Guy

***

¡Salud!

http://www.jamesthewineguy.com

***

Demystifying Wine…One Bottle at a Time from all wine regions around the world.

Read more of my wine reviews:

© 2012 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez / James the Wine Guy— All Rights Reserved. James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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About James Melendez

I love wine. I am passionate about the subject as well as art, music, lyric writing and poetry, history, sciences, organization management, and making things less complex I have been a former national wine marketing manager for a large off-premise food and wine retailer (280+ retail locations in 30 US States); the love for wine taught me the good practice of using the best methodologies to right side a business which unto itself is complex. Further complexity is wine. Wine simple to enjoy and yet profoundly complex because of many factors: Many grape varieties States of wine: sparkling, still and fortified wines Vintage Blends Regions/AVAs/DOCs etc. Many producer styles Many producers Limited supply Limited and often restricted distribution My experience is still a lot of intimidation with respect to wine. Wine means many things to many people; status, fear, success, ‘you’ve arrived’, enjoyment, good times, tradition and even ceremony. I have consulted with wine producers and association. I have spoken on Wine and Social Media, Wine and Video and The Business of Wine in conferences in the United States and Europe. Beer and spirits do have the same dynamics–there are many producers but compared to wine there is no other consumer product like it. I have been writing about since November 2006 on my site and I have over 3,000 wine videos on my YouTube channel talking about general wine subject matter as well as specific educational topics on wine and reviews. I have been a wine judge and have traveled to many wine countries in the new and old world. Wine has taken me to great places. Life is tough for most of us and it is nice to celebrate life with those near and even far. What wine is really about is sitting around a table with family and friends raising your wine glass and saying—to life! I love to write about travel, food, technology and business–please subscribe! Santé, *** A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions around the world. Read more of my wine reviews:jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2022, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2010 James P. Melendez – All Rights Reserved.
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3 Responses to Top 100 Wines of 2012 – James Melendez

  1. Tracey Hawkins says:
    December 11, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    Wonderful! I am cheering! This is a fantastic listing. I love that you reviewed – and selected for your top picks of the year – some of the newer and lesser-known wines. Keep it up, James! We look forward to your 2013 reviews!

    Reply

  2. Pingback: Red Wine Review: Klinker Brick Farrah Syrah

  3. Dave says:
    January 24, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    Awesome job, james. Pls keep the reviews coming. Thanks!

    Reply

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