As you know from following this blog, wine plays a significant role in all our food experiences.  I am Lawrence, the husband of the force behind The Whet Palette. My part is to (1) not touch the food until Brenda has photographed it, (2) occasionally hold a flash, and (3) pick the vino! These are my 50 favorite sips of 2024. 

Cheers!

Lawrence

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#2 – Château Pavie | 2010

As a matter of full disclosure, I drink a lot of Pavie, which has landed the #1 spot on my list for the previous three years. It is no secret that I am much more attracted to the merlot-reliant right bank (Pomerol and Saint-Émilion) Bordeauxs than just about any other varietal. Château Pavie is not only my favorite right banker, but it has also become my favorite Bordeaux, including first-growth Bordeauxs like Latour and Rothchild.  I find Pavie to be on the lighter side of the Bordeaux spectrum, but its elegance is undeniable.  Dense, intense, concentrated, yet elegant fruit with that deep, beautiful color and wonderful aromatics.  As always, Pavie is perfectly balanced with well-defined fruit and a phenomenal silky-smooth finish. ($345 at auction)

#3 – Château Angélus | 1995

Known as the most fruit-concentrated wine out of the former Premier Grand Cru Classé big five, Angélus has been making consistently high-quality and intense wine since 1988. Even in the rain-plagued vintage of 1992, Angélus produced a wine of uncommon power for the region. Its leader, Hubert de Bouard, became known upon the release of the 1989 and 1990 Château Angélus, both lavish and well-received in the area. The 1995 was remarkable, displaying strong tannins and a multi-layered complex palate. A 29-year stunner, which, surprisingly, had a few more years to go. ($195 at auction)

#4 – Château de L’Évangile | 2009

Another right bank Bordeaux, except that unlike the top three, this one is not from St. Émilion. Rather, it is from the wonderful region of Pomerol, presenting as 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc. It is a beautiful dark wine with a fuller-than-usual body, especially given its very soft yet dense tannins. Simply… a stunner! ($265 at auction)

#5 – Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Échézeaux Gran Cru | 2005

After four straight right-bank Bordeauxs, here comes a stunner of a Burgundy. The palate was exquisitely balanced with limestone-like tannins shaping the red pinot noir fruit. These Burgundies will present more delicately, less robust, and muscular at this level. What a stylish bottle this one was! ($505 retail in D.C.)

#6 – Château Pavie | 2000

We consumed two bottles in 2024. The first in January, a stunner as usual, for this vintage. Medium tannins and acidity did not overpower the fruit, leaving behind a superbly balanced wine with one of the best finishes in the business. But, later in August, we consumed a second bottle, which presented uncharacteristically high tannins and heavy notes of smoked bacon. Having had this vintage before, I was stunned and swore that the bottle had gone bad somehow. Now, I must wait until 2025 to find another 2000 vintage and hope it drinks more like the January bottle. ($305 at auction)

#7 – Château Cos d’Estournel | 2005

Here comes the first left bank Bordeaux of 2024. I am somewhat surprised; it is not from my favorite regions of St. Julien or Pauillac. Instead, this one comes from St. Estèphe. Separated from the Pauillac region by a very narrow stream, St. Estèphe is the farthest northwest of the highest-classed villages of the Haut-Médoc, and, therefore, this wine is heavily influenced by the most intense maritime influence off the Atlantic. The soils in this region are rich in gravel-like clay, giving the wine a very strong high tannins, yet earthy, feel. These heavy cabernet-dominant high-acidity wines need heavy decanting and are not as approachable at a young age. The 2005, a nearly 20-year-old bottle, still had plenty of life left. It drank spectacularly after 1+ hours of decanting. ($226 at auction)

#8 – Château L’Eglise-Clinet | 2005

Stole this one at auction early in 2021. This beauty from Pomerol displays all the stunning characteristics of a right-bank beauty, with unmatched purity, richness, and an incredible finish that only a right-bank high-end wine can bring. The velvety tannins were on full display. ($265 at auction)

#9 – Premier Napa Valley Favia | 2016

Wait… a Napa wine in my top 10? There is a lot to unfold here, but this limited-edition cabernet franc by the iconic Favia winery was stunning! Every so often, the Napa region comes up with these premier and limited bottles. Produced by some of the best wine makers in the region, this makes them some of the rarest wines in the valley. The wines are auctioned off live while the event is attended by 100s of bidders in the wine industry (retailers, distributors, etc) in conjunction with the Napa vintners, all to benefit numerous charities. In 2018, Favia auctioned off 25 bottles named “The Summit,” and I was lucky enough to snatch one in the secondary market from someone who obviously had no idea what they had in their hands. This bottle was even more special because this wine producer does not ordinarily make a cabernet franc. It was not only a treat but an excellent example of a high-end cabernet franc. Often used as a blending grape, in my opinion, there isn’t enough pure cabernet francs in the market. Think of a cabernet sauvignon, but without that harsh fruit bomb feeling, especially in the Napa region. ($165 at auction)

#10 – Château Pavie | 1990  

As with all Pavies, a pronounced nose with earth notes, dried cherry fruit, medium acidity, and tannins. Very light and airy, this one would get lost if consumed with any food. But, as always, Pavie provides one of the best silky-smooth finishes of any wine producer. ($198 at auction)

NOTES: Not surprisingly, eight of my top ten wines this year are from the Bordeaux region in France, with seven coming out of the right-bank regions of St. Émilion and Pomerol.  

#11 – Sine Qua Non “Jusqu’à l’Os” Grenache | 2013

This Sta Rita Hills beauty further proves that no one in the USA makes a grenache like SQN.  In fact, in my opinion, this is now a world-class grenache. This beauty presented as 75% grenache, radiant deep purple; and an absolute stud on the nose.  Notes of black cherry and black olives controlled the palate, a bottle that no doubt had at least another decade to fully stretch its legs.  As with most SQN, I enjoyed this one at home as I find that decanting SQN for at least 3hrs is best, and that is practically impossible to do in a restaurant. ($235 from a private seller)

#12 – Château Ducru-Beaucaillou | 2008

With that patented blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot, I have been drinking this St. Julien beauty for years. Great vintage and an accurate representation of this fragrant and superbly structured somewhat fruit-dominant wine. ($198 at auction)

#13 – Château Haut-Bailly | 2010

In easy terms to understand, it is perfection from Pessac-Léognan. Rich, complex, delicate, refined, with an extraordinary finish. I can go on and on, as did Robert Parker when he awarded it 100pts. (Paid: N/A – winner at blind tasting)

#14 – Napa Valley Reserve | 2010

The Napa Valley Reserve (aka NVR) is a private wine club and estate in St. Helena founded by, the one and only, William “Bill” Harlan in 2000. The club offers its exclusive members the opportunity to participate in the winemaking process and to produce their own wine. There is a significant entry fee for this participation, and it’s by invitation only.  We had the 2008 and 2010 vintages this year, both produced by Mr. Harlan, and it was a refreshing reminder that Napa Cabernets can be well-balanced, smooth, and delicate and don’t always have to be so fruit-dominant and harsh on the palate. They were a joy to drink. Given I have never drank a Harlan estate wine, it was a heck of an introduction to this iconic valley wine producer, after I basically stole them at auction. ($125 per bottle at auction)

#15 – Ridge Monte Bello | 2016

A somewhat cult wine from the Santa Cruz mountains, I was excited to try this one for the first time. Known as more of an American Bordeaux blend with 72% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 10% petit verdot, and 6% cabernet franc, this elegant blend was rich, displaying silky tannings and a pure finish. Incredible poise, but I am not surprised with the amount of Merlot and Franc in the blend. ($174 at auction)

#16 – Château Pavie | 1999

What? Another Pavie? Sorry, not sorry. You have to try this wine producer to understand my obsession! ($175 at auction)

#17 – Château Léoville Poyferré | 2009

I had the 2015 as well this year, but the 2009 was as balanced as I have ever experienced this chateau’s wine. Another St. Julien beauty stolen at auction! ($105)

#18 – Continuum | 2006 

This Tim Mondavi Cabernet is quickly becoming my favorite Napa Cabernet Sauvignon the Valley offers. Tim’s cabernets are well-balanced, smooth, and so approachable. Fruit-dominant? Yes, as you would come to expect. But not harsh on the palate. (Paid: N/A – gifted)

#19 – Château Troplong Mondot | 2000  

A right-bank beauty with near-perfect balance, great fruit, dense tannins, and magical color. I enjoyed the 2000 vintage way more than the 1990 bottle I had earlier in the year; it displayed fresher notes and solid ripe fruit. ($205 at auction)

#20 – Château Pontet-Canet | 2009

We also had the 2010 this year and it was equally stunning. I always wonder how this Pauillac chateau is classified only as a 5th growth. As always, full-bodied yet refined with that silky, velvety smooth finish. I happen to love wines from Pauillac due to the firm structure they present themselves in and, in most cases, this region offers some of the best aromatics from Bordeaux. No wonder Robert Parker and James Suckling gave it a perfect 100-point score! ($285 per bottle retail in 2017)

NOTES: Four American wines in the #11-#20 section. They were all special, with SQN, Ridge, NVR, and Continuum… all representing USA wines in the best of ways!

#21 – Barolo Brunate, Roberto Voerzio | 2009

I have become a big fan of Barolos in recent years. These nebbiolos from the Piedmont region are always approachable and ready to be enjoyed regardless of their youth. This one had some age to it and drank spectacularly. Well balanced with notes of darker than usual fruit, a very elegant and expressive wine. (Paid: N/A – brought by a friend to share)

#22 – Levy & McClellan | 2008

A stunning and balanced cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley. As good as Bond, Promontory, and all the big boys, but the price point makes it unattainable for me. (Paid: N/A – gifted)

#23 – Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta’s Reserve | 2005

We have not stopped drinking Kap since we visited their vineyard in 2022. I really enjoy their 2008 vintage from State Lane as it offers a very low 68% cabernet sauvignon with plenty of merlot (14%) to provide that perfect body and balance. Stole it at auction! (Paid: $205)

#24 – Cappellano, Otin Fiorin, Piè Rupestris-Nebioli | 2018

It’s such a treat whenever I can get my hands on one of these! They have become a favorite of mine, although difficult to obtain. In 1983, Cappellano banished all journalists from his cellar unless they agreed to review his wines without scores. He didn’t like the divisiveness a scoring system created (and here I am scoring his wine). One of the better Barolo producers I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. ($235 retail in 2015)

#25 – Vega-Sicilia VALBUENA 5° | 2018

A bit young, but this was a bucket-list wine for me and the only vintage they had at the restaurant. I love tempranillos from the Ribera del Duero region and this one was just as good as I expected it to be! ($205 at Nerua, Bilbao, Spain) (NOTE: In the USA, this wine would have sold for at least twice as much at any restaurant. This same vintage retails for $225+)

#26 – Bond Vecina | 2007

After I basically stole this bottle at auction too, I was looking forward to comparing the Vecina with a 2003 Bond Melbury I drank earlier in the year. The Melbury was just awful, displaying way too much merengue & caramel-like notes. The Vecina, however, was stunning, displaying the glorious wine-making of Bob Levy of Harlan Estates. A wonderfully balanced cabernet sauvignon singing all the right notes. ($225 at auction)

#27 – Luthier Gran Reserva | 2014

A superb tempranillo one can only acquire from the winery itself. Luckily, while dining at a spectacular Three-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in San Sebastian, their incredible somm connected me with the winery. I was able to acquire some of these bottles directly from them once home.  (Paid: $302 at Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain)

#28 – Ovid Syrah | 2016

One of the more expensive American-produced Syrahs around. I fell in love with this bottle upon visiting the stunning Ovid Winery in Napa Valley. I love this Syrah because it displays a lot of their cabernet notes, but in a much softer showing. Rich and savory yet delicate as all good Syrahs should be. ($225 at winery)

#29 – Colgin IX Estate Red | 2003

I was told Allison Tauziet is a rockstar in the wine-making world. Given the insane price point of this estate’s wines, this was my first Colgin. Now, I can see why she is getting all of the hype. A wonderfully balanced cabernet with a great silky finish that does not overpower the palate. (Paid: N/A – a friend shared at dinner)

#30 – Castello di Ama L’Apparita | 2018

I have always said that this bottle is sort of a right-bank Bordeaux, but from Italy. That is because this is one of the best Italian merlots around, with bold black fruit nuances yet elegant tannins, a subtle finish, and an easy nose. ($175 at auction)

NOTES: A healthy mix of the old world (i.e. Spain & Italy) and new world (i.e. USA). This grouping shows how different wines from different regions can be, yet all are so enjoyable to drink.

#31 – Barolo Ginestra, Elio Grasso | 2010

I have become a fan of Elio Grasso’s Barolos. Such a great drinking Nebbiolo at a fantastic price. I consistently win these on WineBid for $100 + kicker. This year, we had the 2010 Ginestra mentioned above, a 2008 Ginestra, and a 2008 Chiniera. All excellent representations of the iconic Elio Grasso wine-making skills. (Always pay around $125 at auction)

#32 – Grand Vin de Leoville | 1995

A second growth Bordeaux from St Julien checked all the right notes. A stunner that was coming to the end of its youthful life. Glad we opened it when we did. (Paid: N/A – a friend shared at dinner))

#33 – Château Giscours | 2010

Won a blind tasting against bottles retailing for $400+. This Margaux region beauty has always been a solid representation of a well-balanced yet affordable left-bank Bordeaux. ($135 at Total Wine)

#34 – Spottswoode | 2007

A wonderfully composed cabernet from Napa Valley. The tannins were the sure winners in this bottle. Simply a great finish with no harshness on the palate. (Paid: N/A – shared by a friend)

#35 – Cardinale | 2005

Had the 2006 as well this year and both presented well. I have had at least 20 bottles of Cardinale cabernet sauvignon in my lifetime. I absolutely love this wine maker. As far as Napa cabernets, there aren’t many that have surpassed this beauty.  Just a brilliant representation of what a Napa cabernet can be if done right, with patience, love, attention to detail, plus a hint of merlot (9%) to bring in that amazing color and structure. ($145 at auction)

#36 – Château Pichon-Longueville | 2000

Another one from Pauillac. This region leads all left-bank Bordeaux in the number of classified producers coming out of the region. Not surprised that this cabernet-heavy Bordeaux displayed all the right notes with the perfect amount of acidity, juicy black currant, and that cigar box-like chalky tannins we have all come to expect and love. ($156 at auction)

#37 – Château Léoville Barton | 2010

A St. Julien beauty with the right amount of tannins and acidity one expects from this region. ($300 at Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL)

#38 – Hundred Acre Deep Time | 2006

Had the 2007 as well this year and both showed equally well. A very expensive wine from iconic valley wine producer Jayson Woodbridge. It’s always a treat when we can taste one of these gems. (Paid: N/A – shared by a friend)

#39 – Château Batailley | 2015 

It was a rip-off to purchase, but that often happens at a restaurant. Still, it’s always a great go-to Bordeaux from Pauillac. ($242 at Pierre’s Restaurant, Key Largo, FL)

#40 – COMM.G.B. BURLOTTO Cannubi | 2018

I bought this one at my favorite USA restaurant, Jont. It was a wonderful find as we fell in love with this Burlotto a few years back when we visited the Piedmont winery. ($375 at Jont DC)

NOTES: You know you’ve had some good wine when Hundred Acres is only your 38^th best wine of the year!

#41 – Château Mouton Rothschild | 1998 

It was nice. But I was expecting way more from a first-growth Bordeaux retailing for well over $1000. Unlike, say, the Ducru or Cos, there was a lack of balance here, as the wine presented as a harsher than usual fruit-dominant cabernet. I would expect this coming out of Napa, but not from a first-growth Bordeaux. A bit of a disappointing bottle as it’s always a treat to be able to drink one of these exclusive first-growths. (Paid: N/A – brought by a friend to share)

#42 – Catena Zapata River Stones | 2016 

My absolute favorite wine from my homeland of Argentina. This Malbec, with grapes from the vineyard’s dry riverbed and aged 18 months, is a phenomenal full-bodied red with fantastic tannins and balance, outstanding texture, and aromatics. ($165 at auction)

#43 – Castello dei Rampolla, D’Alceo | 2010

One of my favorite Tuscany producers, this proprietary red blend is predominantly cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. It is a big wine that goes incredibly well with rich foods, such as the ones served at the restaurant where I purchased it. ($425 at Casa D’ Angelo Ristorante, Fort Lauderdale, FL)

#44 – La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Franc | 2019

Really digging these cabernet francs. This one from Howell Mountain did not disappoint. Firm tannins and rich flavors, yet not overpowering as a lot of the cabernet sauvignon from the same region. ($189 at Capa Steakhouse, Orlando, FL)

#45 – Stéphane-Ogier Côte-Rôtie Réserve | 2015

The only red Rhone Valley wine to make the list this year. This fantastic Syrah had a powerful yet balanced finish, which went well with the cheese board we accompanied it with. ($135 at Total Wine)

#46 – Dalla Valle Maya | 2014

It was a bit bigger than expected, but that’s probably because the blend for this vintage was 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc (more cabernet than has been the norm in recent years). This wine needed additional time to come into its own, despite being a 10-year-old Napa Cabernet. ($285 at auction)

#47 – Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne | France

Simply stated, my favorite rosé with a radiant note of ripe berries and pure silky finish. (Paid: N/A shared by a friend)

#48 – Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne | France

Rich strawberries and ripe peach rounded up a sensational palate experience with this fresh and easy-drinking champagne. (Paid: N/A shared by a friend)

#49 – Cascina delle Rose, Barbaresco | 2016

A wonderful nebbiolo for under $100. (Paid: N/A – shared by a friend)

#50 – Heitz, Bella Oaks Vineyard | 1995

Chef Pedro Mederos of Kojin 2.0 treated us to a glass of this very special Heitz on our last visit to one of my favorite restaurants in Coral Gables. Winemaker and owner Joe Heitz makes some of the better cabernets in Napa Valley. This one was special because it lost most of the harshness that can be found in younger Napa wines. (Paid: N/A)

If I’ve relearned something this year, it is that sharing a beautiful glass of wine with loved ones and friends helps ease the stress of everyday life and offers a break from the roadblocks and detours. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. A big thank you to the hubs for sharing HIS top wines. We don’t necessarily agree on every ranking here (just like he has his ideas on what the Top Restaurants (HIS & HERS) should be, ha!). Still, we agree that every single one of these sips was exceptional and highly recommended.

Carpe diem, friends. 

Cheers to a HEALTHY 2025!

Brenda

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