The Best 5 Wines I Tasted in 2020
This year, hobbies have taken on special significance and played an integral role in helping us maintain our sanity amidst quarantine(s), political upheaval, and social mayhem. Personally, I turned to wine.
I’ve considered myself a wine enthusiast for some time, beginning with my college job at Crisp Wine Bar in Houston. This year, however, I’ve taken that enthusiasm to a whole new level, joining a wine club and a wine society.
During quarantine, I discovered and joined the Black Girls Wine Society and subscribed to BrightCellars Wine Club. Between these two organizations and my own personal passion, I’ve tried so many new wines and varietals this year! Here’s a list of my five favorites.
#1 Rex Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2016
Tasted February 14th
This one came as a Valentine's Day present, and there’s only one other pinot on this list to rival it. This pinot has an intoxicatingly rich aroma of dark plums and baking spices. The taste is equally rich and smooth with a long, and delicious finish. Thinking about it now makes me want to go buy another bottle.
#2 La Fete du Rosé, Côtes de Provence Rosé 2018
Tasted June 4th
I purchased this treat directly from the winemaker (a first for me) and had it shipped to my doorstep for a virtual tasting event in June. The event, hosted by Travel Noire, featured label founder and CEO Donae Burston as well as author and certified sommelier Charles Springfield.
This rosé has a fruity, earthy aroma, and slightly herbaceous flavor. If you like rosé in general, you’ll love this one! It was crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink. As an added bonus, it’s a black-owned brand and label.
#3 Cactus Park Merlot 2017, Paso Robles, California
Tasted July 4th
This wine came in my first BrightCellars subscription box. There are A LOT of wine subscription services out there, but I’m so happy with BrightCellars, I don’t foresee using another service.
I was more than satisfied to receive this memorably delectable merlot! I like everything about it, from the bottle to the color of the wine to its earthy aroma and fruit-forward taste of figs and baking spices.
I’ve been wanting to buy another bottle (or several), but this wine has been sold out on the BrightCellars webpage since July. Still, I’m determined to get my hands on another one!
#4 Tyler Pinot Noir 2017, Santa Rita Hills, California
Tasted September 13th
I picked this wine up from Total Wines in preparation for a virtual Black Girls Wine Society tasting with a few of my wine sisters. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this Pinot!
This wine is a beautiful shade of pale ruby. You'll smell red fruits like strawberry on the nose, as well as a whisper of spice. You'll taste those same red fruits on the palate with an oaky, nutty finish.
#5 El Bombero Selección Especial 2019, Cariñena, Spain
Tasted December 19th
My last pick came in this year's Macy's 12-bottle Wine Advent Calendar. I picked a spot and pulled each wine in clockwise order, working my way to the middle. I tried this wine on the sixth day and ba- 👏🏽bé 👏🏽, I need a full bottle immediately!
I fell in love with it before I even tasted it. The smell is intoxicating! It has an oaky aroma with a bouquet of red fruits and a hint of spice. The taste is equally tantalizing: a smooth, full taste of black cherries and vanilla.
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Despite the challenges we've all faced this year, I've enjoyed the knowledge and sense of community that the Black Girls Wine Society has brought me. I've laughed. I've tried so many new and tasty varietals, and I've learned way more than I can summarize here. I'm blessed to have made it to the New Year and to be able to pour myself a glass of Monet & Chandon Nectar Imperial while celebrating.
May you also be blessed in the New Year! Cheers. 🥂
