{"title":"12\/17: Top Wines of the Year","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"holocene-memorialis-pinot-noir-yamhill-carlton-oregon-2023","title":"Holocene, Memorialis, Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis is the original wine for Holocene – the Memorialis bottling, which began in 2015 and has become our largest production wine at a whopping 360 cases.  The fruit for this wine comes from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. As it has been for quite some time, it is 100% whole cluster fermented. This vineyard is now farmed completely organically as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard faces west, and we pull from a good number of blocks in this vineyard, which is about 18 acres – not very big. It is in a sweet spot in Yamhill-Carlton and gets the beautiful afternoon sunshine and breezes from the west. It was planted in the mid 1990s, the soils are marine sedimentary and produce generous, complex fruit that we endeavor to transmit to the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Bing cherry aroma slinks its way up from the glass, followed by spicy whispers of cardamom and cinnamon. Straw and chalkboard dust scents seal the deal. After a tannic black tea note materializes on the palate, the wine’s cranberry and raspberry flavors punch the tart button. You can feel the tannins, but they aren’t grippy. The acidity, however, lets you know it is ready for juicy business. Memorialis is quietly becoming one of Oregon’s best Pinot Noirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInitially first made in 2015, the 2023 ‘Memorialis’ is a 360 case production wine from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. It is 100% whole-cluster fermented and stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This is concentrated, gorgeous stuff, loaded with crunchy red fruits that parade with menthol, white pepper, exotic spices and shades of blood orange zest. Full-bodied and beautifully-textured, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Give this 30 plus minutes in the decanter if enjoying in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2040\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772972368177,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Memorialis_Pinot_Noir_Yamhill-Carlton_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1756214201"},{"product_id":"precision-wine-co-method-cabernet-sauvignon-california-2023","title":"Method, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaster Sommelier Ian Cauble whose fame arose from his being featured in the documentaries \"Somm\" and \"Into The Bottle\" where his wine knowledge, focus, energy and attention to detail were exceptional, is bringing that praiseworthy intensity to producing fine wine. Teaming up with Vintner, Trevor Sheehan of Precision Wine Company, who spent nearly a decade learning from the master winemakers of Burgundy and Bordeaux before returning to craft expressive California wines, they've created Method.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIan Cauble\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNapa Valley, California \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeaturing opulent layers of blackberry, bing cherry and juicy red fruit character that unfold with complex nuances of violet and mocha. Ample, mature tannins provide firm structure and rich texture for the mouth filling flavors. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe blackberry, dark-chocolate, walnut and blueberry aromas are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with fine, velvety tannins and a long and firm-tannin finish. Just the right amount of tension at the end. Shows the beauty of the 2023. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 10% petit verdot. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSometimes, a great winemaker and a Master Sommelier can create something unique. This selection does not disappoint—opulent aromas of blackberry, cassis, dried thyme, and notes of Tahitian vanilla grace the nose, trembling into rich, mouth-watering dark plum, clove, and silky tannins.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tri-Vin Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51843736305969,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Precision_Wine_Co_Method_Cabernet_Sauvignon_California_2023.jpg?v=1758134939"},{"product_id":"vinos-en-voz-baja-barrio-pastores-rioja-spain-2023","title":"Vinos en Voz Baja, Barrio Pastores, Rioja, Spain, 2023 (Ian's #1 Wine of 2025)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learnaboutwine.com\/blogs\/news\/rules-of-rioja\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHere\u003c\/a\u003e to Read Our \"Rules of Rioja\" Blog\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStaff pick!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eVinos en voz baja is a winery located in the historic wine area of Rioja Oriental in the village of Aldeanueva de Ebro. Classic Rioja vineyards, viñas de vaso of the typical variety of the area, Garnacha, accompanied by other varieties that were always mixed such as Pasera, Tempranillo, Garnacha Roya, Graciano de Alfaro, Viura and others. The wines are structured in three steps to represent the region: Rioja Oriental Zone Wine (Costumbres red and white), Village Wine from Aldeanueva de Ebro (Barrio Pastores), and Single Vineyard Wine (Erosivo).  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elaboration of the wines is based on the stepped on the whole clusters and the fermentation and storage of the wines for a year in the tanks and barrels. The style of the wines is fine, with lightness and a little more alcohol than in other areas of Rioja, the Garnacha strawberry is the protagonist because the aging in the wood is lighter. The wines are ready to drink in the first few years, and the wines from the best plots can be very long-lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarlos Mazo of Vinos en Voz Baja has been awarded the Young Winemaker of the Year 2023 by Tim Atkins. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This is another inspiring venture – so much so that Carlos is my young winemaker of the year – working with ten parcels spread over just six hectares in Aldeanueva, Alfaro, Autol, Calahorra, and Rincón de Soto. He started out in a garage in 2012 and has been in his own, very stylish boutique winery since 2020. The focus here is on old vine Garnacha (plus a bit of Calagraño and Tinto Velasco) of remarkable finesse and elegance\" - Tim Atkin, Rioja Special Report 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCarlos Mazo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOld Vine Garnacha \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRioja, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIt is perfumed and floral with moderate alcohol and with a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins and a dry, austere finish. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Tim Atkin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the space of a few vintages, Carlos Mazo has established himself as ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG PRODUCERS IN RIOJA . This remarkable Garnacha hails from two plots in his native Aldeanueva, Mazaterón and Montote, and is typical of his style. Whole bunch fermented, it is hauntingly refined and perfumed, with aromas of rose petal and mountain herbs, fine tannins and succulent cherry , hibiscus and wild strawberry flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antalva","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51871827558705,"sku":null,"price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/VinosenVozBaja_BarrioPastores_Rioja_Spain_2023_Ian_s_1Wineofthe2025.jpg?v=1789002786"},{"product_id":"hudson-chardonnay-carneros-estate-napa-valley-california-2023","title":"Hudson, Chardonnay, Carneros Estate, Napa Valley, California, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Consulting Winemaker - John Kongsgaard)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSituated deep in the heart of the rolling hills of Napa Valley’s Carneros District, Hudson Ranch and Vineyards is our agrarian dream. Producing world-class wine grapes for exceptional wines and Tuscan olives for verdant oil, raising heritage breed pigs, lamb and chickens, and growing a diverse array of seasonal fruits and vegetables for our grocery store, Hudson Greens \u0026amp; Goods, our farm encapsulates the true sense of wonder, possibility, and enthusiasm with which we start each day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHudson Vineyards produces grapes of distinction from uniquely situated sites on two hundred acres of vineyards. Over thirty years of meticulous winegrowing and winemaking experience goes into each bottle of Hudson Wine. Additionally, Hudson Vineyards’ premium grapes are sold to 27 wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties, some of which produce wines from specific vineyard sites identified as distinct and bear the ‘Hudson Vineyards’ designation on their labels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa\/Sonoma, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe fruit was picked by hand at night, whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented utilizing native yeast in 70% new Francois Freres \u0026amp; Damy French-forest oak barrels. The wine is stirred regularly while being aged sur lie, and bottled unfiltered and unfined after an 22 month élevage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Chardonnay showcases a combination of 3 distinct blocks from the Hudson Estate planted to Heritage Shot Wente clone. We hand select barrels from each site to create a Chardonnay that fully expresses the elegant and balanced style of Hudson Vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHudson produces grapes of distinction from 200 acres of estate vineyards situated in the heart of the rolling hills of Napa Valley’s Carneros District. Forty years of meticulous winegrowing and winemaking experience goes into each bottle of Hudson wine. Our deep understanding of the intricate combinations of soil, climate, rootstock, clone, and scion, combined with our management of each vineyard block, allows us to produce premium wines with an intense varietal expression found only at Hudson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2023 Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay prances out with showy notes of white peaches, beeswax, juicy pears, and allspice, plus hints of wet pebbles and coriander seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is satiny and savory, delivering lots of orchard fruit layers and a long mineral-laced finish.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGenerous ripe fruit like pears and golden apples resting on a relaxed, rich texture. This wine is gentle, almost sweet tasting, with Bartlett pears, vanilla bean, creme brulee and white chocolate on the palate. Drink now.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51893399683377,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Hudson_Chardonnay_Carneros_Estate_Napa_Valley_California_2023.jpg?v=1759369091"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/12-17-top-wines-of-the-year.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}