Food & Wine's Wine Guide 2012 - Featured Favorites

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I just picked up a copy of Food & Wine Magazine's Wine Guide 2012 after seeing a few favorites inside.  It has a great selection from all around the world and I recommend it for your library and entertainment.

In the book, I first discovered a friend from Alsace, the Trimbach family of wines.  Featured in the book are Pierre Trimbach's 2007 Pinot Blanc and his 2004 Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling.  I had the opportunity several years ago to be introduced to Hubert Trimbach, and just last year be entertained in the company of the lovely Anne Trimbach, who now represents the family's legacy.  All of the Trimbach wines are incredible, and I ask that you view my post of this fantastic Alsace producer at this link: Trimbach Tasting.

Continuing in the book, I found Olivier Leflaive.  While at the Club, I purchased more bottles of Olivier Leflaive in one season more than any other cases combined... well, that's an exaggeration, but it was pretty darn close.  The Olivier Leflaive Les Setilles is hands down, the greatest value Bourgogne Blanc in France, and dare I say Chardonnay in the world.  It is not featured in the Wine Guide, but I had to say so.  What is represented in the book is equally impactful: the 2009 Puligny-Montrachet, and 2009 Les Folatieres Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru.  Both phenomenal Burgundies with handsome costs, however, worth every dime.  I have in fact sampled both wines of the 2009 vintage, which I encourage you to see at this link: Olivier Leflaive Tasting.

While I don't want to give away the whole book, and I'm sure Food and Wine wouldn't be happy about that either, one last name I would like to bring to your attention in the 2012 Wine Guide is Bibi Graetz.  Yes, the man responsible for the greatest stories ever told in wine, that Bibi Graetz.  While Soffocone is mentioned in the article, it is not featured, however, two of Testamatta's siblings are represented: the 2010 Casamatta Toscana Rosso and the 2008 Grilli del Testamatta.  Both are fantastic wines, the Casamatta being the entry-level brand of 100% Sangiovese and very fruit forward, and the Grille a more refined palate of fresh dark fruits and structured tannins.  Bibi's Soffocone di Vincigliata review can be seen here: Soffocone Story.

The 2012 Wine Guide has many more fantastic labels reviewed.  From Caymus to Far Niente to Paul Hobbs, I recommend picking up a copy today from Amazon or your next trip to the bookstore.  Cheers!