Summarizing 2023 and looking into 2024

Wine of the year
Chateau Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande 1989 Pauillac (Red Bordeaux)
A stunning, graceful Bordeaux that remains vibrant at 34 years old. Exactly why aging fine wine can be so rewarding.

White wine of the year
Aubert Chardonnay 2018, Sonoma Coast, Lauren Vineyard

Runner-ups
Meo-Camuzet Frere & Sœurs 2019 Marsannay (Red Burgundy)
00 Wines 2018 Chardonnay, Oregon, VGW
Joseph Phelps Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Wines I drank the most
Résonance 2019 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
A. & G. Fantino 2019 Barbera d’Alba Superiore (Italy)
Diego Conterno 2022 Langhe Bianco, Nascetta (Italy)

Best restaurant meals
La Spinasse Seattle, WA – Well-made traditional Piedmont cuisine; excellent wine list
Restaurant Josephine Auburn, CA – Lively French bistro with refined cooking and high-quality ingredients; excellent bar
Old Vine Kitchen Costa Mesa, CA – Incredible scallops with celery root puree and tarragon
The Corner Huntington Beach, CA – The salmon in bouillabaisse is fabulous
Perro Negro Victoria, British Columbia – Delicious tapas in a beautiful city
Ooink Seattle, WA – Very good ramen house

5 personal observations/wine trends in 2023
1. Italian wines (Nebbiolo and Dolcetto; Langhe Bianco and other whites)
2. Oregon Pinot Noir (Résonance, Nicolas-Jay and Soter)
3. More aeration for red wines (Opening 30-60 minutes prior to drinking makes a big difference)
4. High alcohol levels (Are they getting out of control?)
5. Critics bolstering ratings to attract more followers

5 resolutions for 2024
1. More writing and short blog posts (“Sips,” like this one)
2. Improve my geography
3. Find wines that overdeliver for the price
4. Read more cooking books
5. Form a tasting group (Thoughts on video tastings?)