As 2013 draws to a close, it seems only appropriate to pause and take a look at the what happened during the year… and of course to make a difficult decision on choosing my favourite 2013 wine!

In summary, 2013 has been very kind to me, right from the get go in January during the 2011 Burgundy En Primeur tasting, followed by countless tasting events (I confess, mostly Burgundy :-P) and further blessed with the opportunity to visit the cellar doors and vineyards in 3 very popular Australian wine regions, Hunter Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley.  I’ve also managed to conquer my past misconception and ‘fear’ of Spanish Rioja and try wines from new regions in Canada and Japan.

In conclusion, I remain amazed at the effort each wine maker puts into making the wine, regardless of quality.  Their dedication, passion, energy and soul is directly reflected in the glass.

The grape which I have drunk most remains Pinot Noir and this varietal still creates so much excitement.  Pinot Noir wines, even though it is not blended, can taste so different just by the vintage, the soil (or as the French proudly call it, terrior) and not to mention the wine making style.

My wine highlights of the year are:

1) Artadi Pagos Viejos 2004.  A fantastic Rioja wine, yes it is not their flagship ‘El Pison’ but I sense this wine will be a superstar once it enters its drinking window.

2) De Iuliis Shiraz LDR Vineyard 2011.  My favourite Australian Shiraz so far.  It suits my palate perfectly (yes I was also lucky enough to try the Rockford Basket Press Shiraz but prefer this).

3) Paringa Estate Pinot Gris 2011.  Pinot Gris is usually the most unassuming wine ever.  It is generally served as a very simple  aperitif.  However, the Paringa Estate Pinot Gris is just exceptional, even more so when it costs on A$20 a bottle. http://www.paringaestate.com.au/Winery/Restaurant/Product/Detail/Estate%20Pinot%20Gris%202011–13.  I am not trying to plug wines (and I am in no way getting any kickbacks from the estate) but this wine really is magnificent.  As the saying goes, there’s Pinot Gris and there’s PINOT GRIS 😛 😛 😛 !

4) Innocent Bystander Moscato in a can.  I have never wine served in a can before, let alone a sweet Moscato.  This is so unassuming but is sooooo cool.  Love it especially since the wine tastes fab (for those who like sweet wines) too!

5) Mugnier Le Musigny 2007.  I had so much hopes and expectations for this wine… but in the end it was an underwhelming experience.  The wine felt so light.   I guess Musigny fans cherish the elegance and finesse but surely some power can elevate this wine even further?

In the end, wine should definitely be shared with great company, especially the people you love and enjoy being with.  This undoubtedly will turn any good wine into a great wine and it will elevate a great wine into a lovely ELIXIR!

After thinking long and hard, my favourite wine for the year is the Vougeraie Charmes Chamberin Les Mazoyeres 2007 (surprise, surprise, its a Burgundy). I’ve now had this wine on numerous occasions, next to Le Musigny and Richebourg and surprisingly, I still love this wine, especially on a price to quality ratio.

Having said that, the most special wine I’ve had in 2013 was the Burguet Chambertin Clos De Beze 2005.  The wine is still far from reaching its peak but given the company and occasion, this great wine was elevated to a magical level… I’m not sure if listening to Damien Rice’s Blower’s Daughter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YXVMCHG-Nk whilst appreciating this wine elevates it even more, but it can’t hurt can it 😀 .

Finally, my thanks goes to all the winemakers who have poured their heart and soul into making all the wines tasted this year.  I am also grateful to all my friends throughout the world who have shared this wonderful year with me, either it be in tasting wines, visiting wineries or just hearing me babble about wines in general.  Last but not least, thank you to you all who reads this blog as I am not a professional wine critic, merely a keen drunk who enjoys trying anything alcoholic.

Happy New Year and may 2014 be an even better year for everyone!