Summing up 2010 - some thoughts and thanks

[David M. Bueker]

The end of the year is nearly here, and looking back on 2010 there have been a lot of ups and a bunch of downs. Of course on balance the ups win, as they usually do. Here's some quick thoughts and thanks for 2010. Feel free to add to the list. I know I will.

2009 in Beaujolais and Germany once again prove that wonderful wine doesn't have to come with a $100 price tag.

Despite the angst and dogma, there is an immense amount of variety in the world of wine. There's plenty of big, rich wines with more than a kiss of oak, and there's a whole bunch of wines that define elegance and grace, and do so wth no makeup at all.

Thank you Jacky Truchot, for sneaking out that last drop of 2006 Morey-St-Denis Les Sorbes.

Thank you Steve Edmunds, for making our bones jolly.

Here's to Port, an unappreciated wine if there ever was one. 2007 Port is no more expensive than was 2000 (or 1997). If you're young enough, lay some down for 2 decades.

I never thought I would say something like this, but thanks to the folks who came up with the DIAM cork. We might have a winner there.

Thank you to all the importers who have brought a wealth of distinctive Champagnes to the American market. It's a more fun world of wine with Billiot, Vilmart, Cedric Bouchard, Tarlant et al on the table and in our glasses.

Thanks to all the wine geeks who have shared their wines, their dining rooms and their friendship over the course of the year.

Thanks to Robin for the WLDG.

And many more...

Thanks go to you David for your numerous posts and the wonderful enthusiasm you show for German wines in particular.
I am always envious of the price choices you folks in US have. Up here, the tax structure etc makes many wines cost double what you pay down south of us.
There are many here who seem to love writing about wine and they make my day. Tim York, Salil, Tom, Bob H seem so knowledgeable. Hope to read more of your thoughts in the new year!
Thanks to all who continue to be Loire-heads, Lanky-Dock, Malbec-Hounds and Portugal fans
Finally, congrats to our great moderators.

Special thanks to David, Rahsaan and Salii for the German Riesling notes (not forgetting Scheurbe and Rislaner, of course).

A special note of friendly envy to the Manilla posters. I am often to use Noel's pictures as wallpaper.

My big 'find' in 2010 was the Loire - an area I had enjoyed a few bottles from, but hadn't really bought a lot from. Baudry (thanks Rahsaan and Jay Miller) changed that, and I've been loving other Loire reds such as CRB and some of the other Chinons that David Lillie at CSW has recommended.
In terms of selections - as you say, we certainly are spoiled these days in all aspects thanks to a lot of good wine being produced, some very passionate importers like Terry Theise, Joe Dressner and Rudi Wiest who go out of their way to get those wines to us in good condition and other retailers like the folks at Crush, Chambers and T&V who've directed us to them.

And I echo David's thanks for those winemakers (and the other people involved in making the wines accessible to us) and good friends to share those wines with.

My big 'find' in 2010 was the Loire...

Glad to hear it! The region that just keeps on giving...

My big 'find' in 2010 was the Loire...

Glad to hear it! The region that just keeps on giving...

FWIW, I came 'back' to the Loire in the second half of 2010, after being so focused on Burgundy, Germany, and Austria the past couple of years. Coincidentally, that shift in my drinking habits occurred at the same time I moved back within easy striking distance of CSW.

Thanks for the temporary lull in the prices of Champagne, allowing me to buy a few.

Thanks for the wonderful vintages in the Loire and Italy

Thats for David giving us a few days to congratulate him on his 15,000 post.....wow. David et al on this site for spreading the word and their knowledge.

[James Roscoe]

I will be more than happy to see 2010 in the rear view mirror for many reasons, but it did bring continued joy from this site. Thanks to Robin, Jenise, David, Rogov, and the gang! What a great place to share our passion! Here is to a better 2011!!!

Indeed, thanks to Robin as host, and to all for sharing their knowledge/experiences.