My top three enjoyed wines in November 2012

I could have easily made a top six wine picks this month. Apart from the three wines which made the final list, three wines from Italy also left me with a very good impression. First, the best valued wine I enjoyed this month by far was Vigne Nuove Di Musella Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Veneto; followed up by this very stylish and mature Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006, from Tuscany; and finally this well priced and very elegant Poggiotondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 also from Tuscany. All three wines have a real sense of place, well made, and I would strongly recommend. Now here are the wines which made my top three list;



My top three wines in November

1-Marqué de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 2004, Rioja, Spain

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/marque-de-murrieta-castillo-ygay-gran_18.html

Another great wine from Spain which blew me away, the cellaring is all done for you, and what you have here is a very smooth wine with great flavour.

2-Nk’Mip Cellars Mer’r’iym 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/nkmip-cellars-merriym-2008-okanagan.html

It seems that these days, that most British Columbia wineries are making a premium Bordeaux or Bordeaux/ Rhône blend. This one is a first effort from Nk’Mip and is absolutely superb. Their 2009 vintage of Mer’r'iym was just awarded one of the top wines at this year’s Wine Access Canadian Wine Competition.

 

3-Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, USA

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/seghesio-sonoma-zinfandel-2010-sonoma.html

Fans of California Zinfandel are definitely a very enthusiastic, loyal group with an annual convention dedicated to their favourite grape. Making great and balanced Zinfandel can be quite a challenge; so many things can get out of control, including high alcohol. But this Zinfandel, from one of my favourite producers, pulled it all together, quite a luscious example without going over the top, while still achieving great balance.