It brought me to TEARS, aged BORDEAUX, and a Wine of Kings | My Top 10 Wines of 2022

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Omg - the light makes such a difference!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Hahahha I was hamstrung by old light for sure… I shoot at 24 fps like you but could only shoot at 1/40 of a second shutter speed bc of light banding. Key light color temp also affected the color combinations of accent lights that actually looked decent. Hope to see you at 100k in 2023!

[@numanuma20]

Agree

[@Markinfilm]

As a professional motion picture cinematographer, I couldn't agree with you more. Lighting much like wine should have texture and depth and give an emotional response, once again like wine.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

For years, I have been obssessed with watching filmmaking content on how to make the videos better. I implement what I can but it’s difficult as a one man show…

[@Innovate22]

This was for me your best video to date. Every wine on your list was affixed to a unique experience, fond memories along your journey and growth in the wine world. You captured and shared this effectively through video and articulated with requisite passion. More like this in 2023.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Ahhhhh thanks so much. I did this with a raging fever too hahahah. More good stuff coming in 2023

[@hugosbalder6139]

Finally a wine youtuber who presents sweet wines!!! My first one was recioto di valpolicello and then I fell in love with Sauternes.........

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Ahhhh niceeee. I have an upcoming Face-Off video with passito wines!

[@rjo8500]

It’s was great to hear your personal connections with these wines. That’s what makes it so special.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks, that is what truly makes wine special!

[@marshallhao6819]

I love the new lighting! It makes your videos look a lot softer and significantly higher quality!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks!

[@blueswan2175]

OMGosh I love your passion for wine ,your the best...one of my favorite YT channels ,

[@drmatthewhorkey]

🙏

[@MsJavaWolf]

The studio looks really nice now, not just the lighting but also the maps and that rustic wall in the background, it just creates a really cool look. It's like serving wine from a nice glass, aesthetics matter, I just hope that the cool skull decanter will also make an appearance at some point ;)

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks. Skull decanter is still around!

[@typhoon2970]

Your knowledge in enthusiasm is infectious. Can't thank you enough. You are the best at what you do. We love and enjoy your attitude.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Wow thank YOU for watching

[@nuragicaMente]

Great Matt!!!! Hope to see you soon and Happy New Year!!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@drmatthewhorkey]

HNY to you too

[@michaell7097]

I appreciate how contextual your top ten list is. I have found that often the best wine tasting experiences are not just a wine that grabs my attention but wines that I have had in a certain place, at a certain time, and most importantly with certain people. I think your list captures well the experience of unexpected pleasure. It also points me to wines I have not tried, that I can seek out, and most importantly afford! One other note, I totally agree with your about being disappointed by older red wines which seem to be put on the pedestal of the greatest wine experiences but don't often deliver. I have instead found that aged white wines develop flavors I really love and much more often enjoy an aged white wine. Thanks for all the videos.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you and those first few sentences are exactly what wine is all about for me. I’m glad you like the videos and much to come. Second that on aged whites.

[@nicklhuang]

Really enjoyed the stories being your top wines, helped distinguish this video from others' general top 10 wines. Also the studio lighting looks great, solid investment 👍🏻

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Wow thank you on both accounts!

[@mikeymonty]

Beautiful Number One with your description your tears... Happy new year in advance!!!!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you and happy NY!!

[@eranelvas]

So glad to see a wine from Turkey as an honorable mention! Turkey is generally a country that flies under the radar when it comes to wine but we have some increible varieties that aren't well known outside of Turkey because vineyards are mostly planted with international varieties.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I’m a big fan of some of the Turkish grapes

[@kylepiccinino3811]

Discovered you this year and along with Konstantin Baum, you have made a BIG difference in my career development in the wine industry! Here's to many more, cheers and Happy New year! 🎉🥂

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you and have a great 2023

[@christopherruhland]

I love the new lighting!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks!

[@anthonymontemuro632]

Fun and informative video Matthew and the lighting looks awesome. ..Two wines come to mind for me this past year. ..a 2019 Santo Santorini Assyrtiko Volcanic Terroir...my first Assyrtiko and it was GREAT!...and a 2013 Fontodi Flaccianello...Awesome Sangiovese that was delicious and really complex.(not cheap but worth it!)...Looking forward to more video's in 2023...THANKS!!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Aawessssome both gorgeous wines. I was recently at the estate doing a mini vertical of Flaccianello. It’s great but I always preferred their Vigna de Sorbo Gran Selezione

[@mecartsrl1674]

The video we've all been waiting for! Happy new year Matthew, looking forward to a fantastic 2023!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Happy New Year!

[@nataliameylunas117]

Caparsa is magic! Looking forward to seeing you at the Chianti Classico Collection!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Fingers crossed, I hope I get an invite!

[@CrescentRollCarl]

Very nice list. Lots of interesting wines to try! Lighting looks really good. I need to try that Tokaij.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

It’s one of the iconic Sweet Tokaji. The Szent Tamas Tokaji Aszu is pretty pricey so their regular Tokaji Aszu might be a better buy

[@jmh31787]

Very much enjoy your content and this video is no exception. Thank you for sharing with authenticity. When I think back on this year, the wines that stick out for me are 2017 Lapierre Morgon (popped a magnum at my best friend's wedding), 2020 Pradeaux Rose (a true benchmark) and 2020 Domaine La Suffrene Bandol Rose (I live in South Texas and this is so reasonably priced), 2017 Thomas Pinot Noir (this small Oregon producer is the best American pinots I've had, if you haven't heard of him, I highly recommend looking him up). Once again, thank you!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you! Some wonderful wines and I do know Thomas Pinot Noir… have a great 2023

[@weiht6767]

Like you, I'm a 82 baby and both the Gruaud Larose and Las Cases were stellar, still tight and needed hours to open from the bottle. 2000 Sassicaia was a surprise, '15 Poggio di Sotto BdM, Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo '17 (Drank in Taormina probably made it even better!), Roagna Paje '15 were great as well.. Emidio Pepe 2000 was exceptional with a bit of barn funk, I love it. The wine that made me cry was '15 Soldera

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Dammmmn those are all serious serious wines!

[@Clay_N]

Also I appreciated how varied the list is. It could have been a bunch of reds, or from a specific region, but you had many unique ones in there.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you! I would have liked to include Oceanic, South African, and South American. Maybe next year!

[@GorskiNunavut]

Tokaj 😉, i'd pic up as a no 1, among champs.Grat video Mat!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you!

[@tarronwoon4144]

Great list and great unique experience added info. Thanks for the quality entertainment and exposure to deep wine world! Happy new year Matt, studio looks 👌🏻

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Hapoy new year to you as well!

[@KyleStrehlow]

Great video!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks!

[@Max-dg5gj]

Nothing to add I just wanted to say I love your channel, the wine world is very inaccessible there’s a lot of jargon but you’re so fun and fun to watch keep it up, I ordered a coravin through your link I’m in Germany so I don’t know if it effects the affiliate link but I hope it helps…Prost Neujahr

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Danke! Thank you so much, that means a lot. I want to bring FUN back to the world of wine.

[@laurenwalsh1837]

The three wines from BDX are (of course) on my top ten list as well. Each was exceptional and tied to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks for taking me back! BTW, lighting looks good. 👍

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks! Those all were pretty special experiences and GREAT memories…

[@VladVexler]

Brilliant! Oh gosh hard to say. I’ve drank less this year. A few big wines under performed. A 1953 Le Mont demi sec from Huet was magical. And the 1948 Le Haut Lieu sec was stunningly fresh. A Ganevat Vin Jaune had just incredible life force. And a subtly sparkling pink from Fabio Gea was a bit transportational - flowers in the sky. And a Dujac with a bit of age was so pure as to feel healthy.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I really wanted to hear your list! A Vin Jaune and a Dujac??!!! You already beat my list hahahah. I wish you lots of health in 2023 ans congrats on 100k

[@VladVexler]

@@drmatthewhorkey you keep getting better and better! Wish you plenty of growth for 2023. Will be much deserved .

[@robertgonzales3633]

Appreciate the insight on Wine this year... I have recently jumped back into drinking wine (Novice for sure) and steering away from the not always value added Napa Cabs (over priced IMO) has been great. I have become a fan of the chianti classico wines, so thanks for the recommendation. Most memorable wine in 2022. Well, the 2020 Austin Hope cab is a solid wine, consistently good and does not break the bank.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you liked some of the recommendations. Have a great 2023 as well!

[@juliusbijlsma2894]

Nice and entertaining video and some good and refreshing propositions. Some of the wines I enjoyed most this year (without making a classification) are Brunello Vigna Loreto 2015 - Mastrojanni, Faro 2013 - Palari; Chianti Classico Riserva 2010 - Castello D'Alboa.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Ohhhhh nice set from you as well!

[@LadyAceRoxy]

My first Blanc de Noir Champagne, Moussé Fils, blew me away. Also Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru extra brut, and Jolie Laide’s Clairette Blanche.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

😮😮😮

[@bencekato9186]

Glad to see some Tokaji in the top 10, and also the Turkish bottle is a nice little gem. I prefer your list to Wine Spectator haha. More interesting stuff. FYI the Szepsy family did not invent aszu wine making, it originates from the Fruska Gora, in the Srem wine region (used to be Hungary today Serbia) which was the no. 1. royal wine region before its Turkish invasion in the 16th century. This is when sweet aszu wine making was moved to Tokaj to ensure that the liquid gold can keep on flowing for the king.😅

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Hahahah thanks… Yes I’ve heard that story too. Hence why I said, “legend has it” as it’s commonly told in Hungary.

[@bencekato9186]

@@drmatthewhorkey Yep true, it is. Gotto go for that legendary marketing!🤩😁

[@numanuma20]

Not only is the studio amazing looking, the sound is great as well.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks! Sound is the same in previous videos though :)

[@numanuma20]

@@drmatthewhorkey 😅 Then keep it up!

[@Adrian802]

My favourite section is the sweet wine part. Unfortunately, I don't have the Szepsy St Tamas but I do have The Royal Tokaji 2007 Szt Tamas ( still sitting in the cellar unopened). d'Yquem cocktail party? Skip the Cocktails and just focus on the d'Yquems. Do you made a video regarding that trip?

[@drmatthewhorkey]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWmqe5yYfbOSppY

[@ryvirk]

Hey Matthew did you buy those maps? Looking to get a wine map for my kitchen but struggling to find nice ones. Let me know!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

All were gifts but they can be purchased. Two Italian ones are from Alessandro Masnaghetti: www.enogea.it/en/ Austrian one is my my friend Steve de Long: www.delongwine.com/

[@ryvirk]

@@drmatthewhorkey appreciate it

[@andi2381]

My number 1 this year was the 2016 Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling GG. Since you are a fan of german Riesling, you might know this producer (although its from Rheinhessen and not from the Nahe). This is the Benchmark for me when it comes to QPR. Its below 40€ here and the Most delicious white wine I ever had.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I know them, have visited them, and have had that exact wine! Nice choice

[@thomasbuseth4744]

This is just my most memorable wines, not neccesarily the best, and im just 21 years old from Norway, where we have a wine monopoly with limited access to the wine of the world! 10- Anna maria abbona dogliani san bernardo-2018. Best dolcetto ive had, so underrated! 9- Masi C. Amarone riserva 2016, second best amarone to date, smooth and elegante! 8- Viticcio CC prunaio gran selezione 2016, Amazing sangiovese and so unique! 7- Borgogno Barolo 2010- Just amazing, i love nebbiolo so much and this is beautiful. 6- Fattoria dei barbi BDM riserva 2010- amazing example of sangiovese 5- Campogiovanni BDM riserva 2010- 2nd closest ive been to perfection with sangiovese. 4- Eugenio Bocchino Barolo LU 2017, beautiful wineyard and restaurant. 3- Pian delle vigne BDM vignaferrovia 2010- Best sangiovese ive had 2- Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2015- breathtaking barolo, probably the best ive had ever 1- Attilio Ghisolfi Ciabot Minat barolo bussia riserva 2010- first truly amazing wine ive had, has a special place in my heart

[@drmatthewhorkey]

That is a heckuva list! I have several wine friends up that way in both Norway and Sweden. Enjoy the wines up there

[@jeremyquantrill4137]

Great video....hoping to get to Hungary again this year but cant stretch to the St Tamas from Szepsy, will get there 'standard' 2017 Aszu though which by all accounts is a knockout. Waiting to hear back from the UK distributor of the Caparsa as importing was only by the case and shipping etc was heavy on the wallet....all the best for 2023.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Yes the standard Aszu is also a knockout or the more affordable sweet Szamorodni… I hope you enjoy the Caparsa and HNY!

[@Andillion]

Nice journey in 2022!! I’m also 82 ;) turning 40 omg 😂 That 89 d’Yquem looks like a 750ml, drinking 2/3 is insane haha Please do a tawny port video in the future(10,20,30,40,50,VVOP) Hope you will reach 100k sub in 2023, cheers!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you… I have a Port vs Madeira video coming soon ;)

[@marknelson8724]

@@drmatthewhorkey My tasting crew is doing a Sherry/Madeira tasting probably April of 2023. Why? Both wines are oxidized to a greater or lesser degree.

[@ericifune5543]

After two trips to Portugal and several grand Port tastings, Port was in my top several wines.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Niceee, I go to to Portugal often too. Are you more of a Ruby or Tawny fan?

[@ericifune5543]

@@drmatthewhorkey Love both, but if I had to decide, wood aged.

[@MrVirgo7]

Lightning is perfect !

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks!

[@marknelson8724]

I had a few wines that made a nice impression on me but I don't keep my tasting notes in any reasonable order to refer back to so a list like this is tough but here are a few. 2016 Henschke "Johann's Garden" Barossa Valley, Australia. GSM 2019 Gray Wolf Paso Robles California. GSM 2018 Seaglass Santa Barbara County, California. Pinot Noir. An inexpensive Pinot Noir that delivered way more than expected, maybe it was a great vintage? 2017 Sanford Santa Rita Hills, California. Pinot Noir. 2016 Brea Margarita Vineyard Paso Robles, California. Cabernet Sauvignon. There are many Central Coast Cabernets that deliver good value and have a bit higher acid content which makes them a bit more refreshing. Many benefit from 2-4 years of cellar time. 1995 Beringer Napa Valley Port, Made from Cabernet Sauvignon. I finally found an occasion special enough and wasn't disappointed. NV Seppelt "Trafford" Tawny Port, Barossa, Australia. I had this for a long time, the bottle itself could be 20 years old. Not sure if this is even still made.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Ohhhh nice list as well. I agree with you on Central Coast Cabs…

[@hottuna2006]

I thought the Sauternes would have placed higher. You must be drinking some really nice wines. Best (most memorable) wine for me this year was Domaine Leflaive's Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes 2002. Just reinforces how amazing aged Bourgognes blancs can be. Lovely lighting by the way.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

An 02 Leflaive??? Niceeee. Like I said in the video, wines were in no particular order. Again, this wasn’t a list of the highest quality wines ever, they were ones that left an impression on me. The Michele Simoni in the list won’t blow anyone’s doors off

[@hottuna2006]

@@drmatthewhorkey Ahh... I missed that part!

[@joseluistorres9488]

Dear Dr! I suggest someday try the Tomas Postigo Rebollo or Vinificacion integral. If you don’t find them try Tomas Postigo 5 año. These are powerful wines in a silk glove… incredible RPC!!!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thank you!

[@joseluistorres9488]

Thank you for your marvelous videos! I forgot: They are Ribera del Duero.

[@Ruirspirul]

Saperavi getting props 😮😮🎉

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Yes sirrrr

[@Ruirspirul]

@@drmatthewhorkey its been so long since you visited Georgia, you thinking non funky Georgian wine is an archivment… thats cute 😆

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Hahah I know the wines are improving a lot as I taste them often. But that wine was so structured and built like a super fine wine

[@Ruirspirul]

@@drmatthewhorkey fun fact, that wine you tried, was recently added as a new appellation, almost exclusively one winery, well its one village but not many wineries over there.

[@comesahorseman]

One wine that got my attention this year was tho 90Plus Cellars Monterey (?) Pinot noir 2020. Very, very rich for a Pinot Noir.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Niceee

[@CreativeFabien]

Plenty of great wines there ;) I know a few :p

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Fabieennnnn hahahahha you were right next to me with that Chevalier Blanc

[@Wine.viken83]

Nice video, and nice wines😁🤘 my top three: 1. Tiganello 2016🤩 2. August Kessler pinot noir 2018🥰 3. Battenfeldt-Spanier frauenberg gg 2020😍 Worst wine of the year: Matua Marlborough pinot noir🤪 tried it three times now, still dont like it🤣 whats your worst?😅

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Brave man going back to the Matua THREE times????

[@Wine.viken83]

@@drmatthewhorkey its apperently a cheap, but good wine🤣 some say...hahaha

[@stevenbond6576]

Can you give a final listing of your tastings so we can search them and try to find them?

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Wines in videos are always in description box

[@henriklindhansen6456]

what a yer you had 🙂whis it was me ...

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I’m sure you had a great year in your own right!

[@henriklindhansen6456]

@@drmatthewhorkey yer wasent bad at all 😁been stacking up on 2016 barolo and brunello.. so i had to work alot lol^^

[@drmatthewhorkey]

At least you have a great vintage of both!

[@NoSediment]

I think Burgundy is unique in that way.. even if You have a lot of money and are willing to spend it on wine, You simply cannot get them. Even more so with back vintages. Crazy. Opposite with Bordeaux, though, as long as You are willing to pay, You will find bottles and older vintages as well. 🤷‍♀️

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Very well said! I like Burgundy but am not so crazed about it. I’d rather find very good, fairly affordable wines that people don’t know a lot about.

[@NoSediment]

Hahaha, You are being very polite “not all wines made in Qvevri are clean” 😅

[@drmatthewhorkey]

But it doesn’t bother me! Hahahah very traditional wines.

[@nichotime]

Aging is the only way to get the miracle!!! 1947 Chambertin Ponnelle, bottled by Maxim's in Paris! chateau Latour has to age to show the deep miracle. It totally changes from just before it matures to after. It blows up suddenly and becomes blinding and gets better and better - in the glass --, every taste is better and better -- sweeter nose, huge. The 100 point scale has no place for these precious, priceless and rare treasures. They are always totally different and surprising, Young wines these days can easily get to 100 points, it should not a rare score! In the old days, young wines were harsh and closed until they softened and opened up after 5-25 years. But some wines that last only open up at the very end 15-50 years, depending) and then stay good for almost as long afterwards. The really rare old wines are not the same as wine in general especially young wine. 99.9% of wines never really open up like the few great ones. Chateau Latour is the boss! But most of the 1st Growth Bordeau usually get there in great years. D'Yguem does. Tokaj Essencia. Saar and Ruwer, Reingau, but age is the only key. Again many young wines deserve 100 points. Excuse the many words. Great education! Higher Value comes from attention and appreciation. You help that happen, thank you.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Everything you said is perfect. When you do catch lightning in a bottle, it’s a helluva experience. Probably why we all keep chasing that. Thanks a lot!

[@philipquick7423]

Tasting a grape from the rarest old vine of an almost extinct Moldovan grape, Copceac in the summer!!!! Not actual wine! Still being replanted vineyards from this last remaining vine!!! I tasted it at the height of the ripeness cycle. Tasting history!!!!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Niceee

[@mauricioalvarez204]

Interesting video, but all wines, except the one, were all old World and none from the southern hemisphere, think is time for you to come to south america to try new things.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I would love to go but haven’t gotten an invite from any of the wine bodies yet.

[@JuicySommelier]

The lower energy was oddly more enjoyable 🤔

[@drmatthewhorkey]

😮😬