Robert Parker’s “2010 in review”: Ten major points from the most renowned wine critic in the world

Robert Parker’s “2010 in review”: Ten major points and Michel Chapoutier among imported wineries of the year!

The acclaimed US Wine Critic Robert Parker made public today his “2010 in review” on Twitter. The biodynamic (and biodynamite) Michel Chapoutier is listed among top imported wineries of the year. Rhone appears many times in this review not only for great wineries but also for great wines and great winemakers. Among other interesting comments, Mark Aubert(Aubert),Helen Turley(Marcassin), Manfred Krankl(Sine Qua Non), Justin Smith(Saxum) are quoted among the winemakers/fashionistas of the year. The 10 major points of this Robert Parker’s “2010 in Review” are listed below:

1. Imported wineries of the year? Two Northern Rhone ones, Guigal and Chapoutier.

2. Why? From their lowly Cotes du Rhones($12-15),to their sumptuous Hermitages and Cote Roties,quality is consistent and world class.

3. Domestic wineries of the year? Three old-timers: the resurrected Louis Martini and Beaulieu as well as the frugal consumers’ go-to choice Kendall-Jackson-especially for their Vintner’s Reserve line of great bargains.

4. Rhones,2007 NapaCabernets,Tuscany’s 2006 reds,2009 German Mosels, 2009 Bordeaux,2009 Beaujolais and 2009 Northern Rhones,2006 Argentine malbecs,2008 Oregon pinot noirs.

5. Biggest disappointments of 2010? Southern Australia’s 2008s, 2008 California zinfandel, 2007 and 2006 red Burgundies,2008 northern Rhones.

6. Wines in fashion for 2011? Southern Rhones, Spanish reds from Toro, Rioja, Catalonia and Jumilla, Washington state cabernets, Chilean whites, Argentine Malbecs,those 2009 Mosels.

7. Best mature vintage for drinking in 2011? Just about anything from everywhere-red-from 1990 led by Bordeaux,Burgundy,the Rhone, Napa, Piedmont.

8. My winemakers/fashionistas of the year? Mark Aubert(Aubert),Helen Turley(Marcassin), Manfred Krankl(Sine Qua Non), Justin Smith(Saxum),…

9. Wine consultants of the year? Philippe Cambie-France’s Rhone Valley, Andy Erickson and Thomas Brown of Napa Valley, Pierre Seillan(Verite),Pascal and Vincent Maurel(Clos St. Jean)

10. Tell me Why knucklehead awards? The continued liquor lobby and legislative buyouts against the unfettered commerce of wine in the USA.