Wine Collecting: JEB DUNNUCK'S Top 100 Wines of 2023

[@margauxml]

Oh my, where to begin? Outstanding video from start to finish! Excellent insights and information so smoothly, expertly and intelligently presented. I’m so thrilled that you placed emphasis on the inclusion of Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone on JD’s Top 100 Wines of 2023. Elated to know that our mutual favorites Alain Voge Cornas, Georges Vernay Condrieu, and Guigal Cote Rotie are all on his list, and even more ecstatic that you discussed each of them in this video. It was the 2021 vintage of Voge Cornas that I tasted back in October. As for Vernay Condrieu, your description is exactly what I wrote in my notes during the tasting with her daughter in the room - impressive, unique, nothing quite like it. Certainly my favorite white wine experience and one that I won’t soon forget. I’m also very pleased that Produttori, Smith Haut Lafite, Ducru, and Domaine de Chevalier are on his list. I can’t recall why I wasn’t able to go to Domaine Clape because I remember either writing to them or going directly to their place. But outside of favorites Bordeaux and Rhone Valley, I think I’d love to try Jaffurs Syrah! Enjoyed your Arista backstory! And the Bellagio fountain part makes this video seem like a live show which is really nice. Thank you for making this video even if you were supposed to be on a short break away from home. Well-done! Santé et bon weekend, John!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much, Margaux! Sounds like you had a tremendous visit to Vernay! Yes, there were a number of my favorites on Jeb's list! While he is not able to review as many regions as Suckling, I'm glad to see he devotes significant attention to Rhone, Bordeaux, Champagne, Piedmont, Tuscany and the top 3 wine states in the US! Hope that you can try the Jaffurs! They do an excellent job! Cheers!

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm You’re welcome, John! I had a fantastic visit and tasting at Vernay’s winery - thank you for that recommendation and inspiration! Tasted 7 wines, all Christine Vernay vintages. She was amazing! So talented and gracious! I must thank you also for recommending Alain Voge and Produttori. Though visited in two separate trips, both were unforgettable. Thank you for the additional insights in your response here, by the way. Always appreciate your insights and trust your taste and opinion! Cheers!

[@AttorneySomm]

@@margauxml So glad to hear about these outstanding experiences! All such fantastic producers! It is those tastings and visits that can create life-long fans!

[@DrinkinItIn]

Jeb is easily my favorite wine critic.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! I think he does an excellent job as well.

[@margauxml]

Thank you so much for the pin, John! Greatly appreciated!

[@AttorneySomm]

You’re welcome Margaux! Appreciate the thoughtful comment.

[@cookandrideflorida]

I met Aldo Vacca about 15 years ago at a small wine shop in Carey, NC. The store owner picked him up at the airport and brought him to his store for a tasting of the 2004 and 2005 Reservas then took him back to the airport to finish his trip. It was a very good afternoon.

[@AttorneySomm]

Sounds like a terrific tasting! Thanks for weighing in!

[@cookandrideflorida]

@@AttorneySomm I bought a number of bottles so yes, it was a very good day. 😁

[@AttorneySomm]

@@cookandrideflorida Nice! Glad to hear it!

[@rickwezenaar]

My husband and I would like to wish you merry christmas and a happy new year ! Thank you for all your interesting videos about my favorite subject: Wine! Cheers!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Very glad you enjoy the videos! Happy holidays to both of you as well! Cheers!

[@CurdBros]

As the resident Riesling Oenophile I was disappointed not to see a single Riesling make the list. Maybe Jeb just doesn't drink much Riesling or just didn't like any. It's interesting to see so many Rieslings on Suckling's list, and none on Jeb's list. The wine world is HUGE these days with lots of great wines. I just did a quick search so I apologize if I missed a Riesling.

[@AttorneySomm]

He has one Riesling at 57. I think it’s largely because he doesn’t review Germany and Austria. Suckling has a huge team in comparison and can review 40,000 wines a year. Hopefully he can expand his coverage at some point.

[@gogreenmsu03]

Great video. A few you mentioned seem like ones I’d like to seek out. Would love to try a Chateau d’Ampuis, though as you mentioned, the price seems to be on the rise.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! Yes, you can occasionally find d'Ampuis on sale, so definitely keep an eye out. Highly recommend that wine! Hope you enjoy your weekend.

[@kid_a6859]

Seems like Jeb has a lot of American Syrah’s at the list this year. I cant remember if he usually has that many on his list but I love his choices

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for weighing in! He usually has a few, but definitely a strong showing for American Syrah this year.

[@DanForbesAgain]

Beautiful Las Vegas 😂 What it lacks in beauty it certainly makes up for in spectacle and access to good food and wine. What cool restaurants and bottles did you get to enjoy this trip?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! U2 at the Sphere was the main reason for the trip! Lotus of Siam was excellent too! 08 Rare Champagne, Krug GC (162), and an 08 Niepoort from Douro were probably my favorite wines - all taken from home. From there it was mostly cocktails.

[@DanForbesAgain]

Heard amazing things about the U2 show. Sounds like a great trip 🥳

[@AttorneySomm]

@@DanForbesAgain Thank you! Yes that was quite an experience!

[@henriklindhansen6456]

Think its generaly a Briliant list, Jeb made.. I remember Auguste Clap. when i was a young boy of 12.. cost about 12-15 bugs. Remember my first impression, smelling it back then, was its going to follow me, for life. 😁 I usaly get 1-2 bottles in good vingage, if i can get them. Ans still love them.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Such an outstanding producer! Very glad that you enjoy them as well! I’m certainly a big fan too. 👍🍷

[@hxl6162]

John, KZbin is not showing your videos for me, afterwards see with them if there's anything.

[@AttorneySomm]

Have you turned on notifications? If you do that, you will receive a notice whenever I publish a new video. Thanks for letting me know! My homepage also shows my most-recent videos. Currently they are obsessed with Bob's videos about wines from Trader Joe's, Costco, etc. That is all I see in my feed too.

[@hxl6162]

​@@AttorneySommyes they're on 😢

[@AttorneySomm]

@@hxl6162 Just got to my channel's main page and scroll or sort to see the latest videos. That is the best way to make sure you don't miss any (in addition to turning on the notifications). My current schedule is to release a new long video every Sunday, and a shorter video Wednesday or Thursday. Shorts are published sporadically when I get a chance. Appreciate the support! Hope you enjoy your holidays!

[@stevenholt4936]

I don't follow these lists, except via a the channels of a few KZbinrs, including, obviously, yours. One of the reasons I don't is that so few wines on the top whatever lists are ready for drinking. That's fine if one is an avid EP buyer but most people aren't. Even for those who are or at least have been, like me, I wouldn't take a list compiler's word for it; I would rather trust my wine merchant's knowledge and experience: at least they depend for their livelihood on getting it right, whereas I am never quite sure of the motivation of some list makers. Anyway, can one really make a league table in this way, comparing, say, Pol Roger with Cornas - where does one even begin and what are the criteria, especially as value for money doesn't appear to be one of them? While I am on my hobby horse, how can one decide between a 93 point wine and one which scores 94, which isn't entirely subjective? One reason I think scores are pretty meaningless. On the other hand, these league tables give you and others a handle with which to compile an interesting video presenting, what to me, is far more important: your analysis of various wines. That I find very useful, especially as I think you and I share similar tastes. Sorry for the rant but thanks for another interesting video.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for weighing in! You certainly raise some valid points. In his prefatory language, Jeb does acknowledge that this is not a science and characterizes them more as the most exciting wines they reviewed the past year. I agree that many of them do require additional bottle aging. Some are definitely enjoyable in their youth as well (e.g., the Oregon Pinot, the bubbles). Very glad that you at least enjoy the videos!

[@stevenholt4936]

@@AttorneySomm can I ask, do you use these lists as a guide for buying your wines? Btw, I agree with your views on Cornas (I am currently drinking the '13s) and Produttori del Barbaresco - I am trying to keep my hands off the two bottles of 2010 I have in my cellar. Tonight, a 2015 red Burgundy: strangely, a Cotes de Nuits that punches well above its lowly appellation.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@stevenholt4936 it depends on the list to some extent. Brusset is one I discovered on Jeb’s list a few years ago. And when I was just starting out and was not as familiar with as many producers, they were more useful for me personally. But everyone seems to enjoy the videos very much, so I like to go through them on this channel.

[@stevenholt4936]

@@AttorneySomm yes, your videos are very good, so please keep them coming. Others also use the lists as a vehicle for their output. I don't know Jeb but I have seen the Parker and Suckling lists in the past and thought them a little absurd. One of your fellow KZbinrs hates drinking windows, which I actually find useful, especially as I prefer my quality wines on the more mature side. So, I suppose we all have our pet peeves.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@stevenholt4936 Thank you! Definitely intend to keep publishing content. I agree that windows are very useful. They really helped me starting out and I cannot imagine buying a top wine without some understanding of when it is expected to show its best.

[@andi2381]

Wow, I do not like that list at all. 😅 The disrespect for my favourite regions (Germany, Austria) and grape varieties (Riesling, Grüner Veltliner) is astonishing...

[@AttorneySomm]

Jeb has a much smaller team than most critic so he does not review wines from those countries. He does have a Riesling.

[@CurdBros]

I should have scrolled down before I commented. I said the exact same thing. Germany and Austria are my favorite wine regions and he almost completely omitted them. Seems like a glaring miss in my eyes. Check out James Suckling's list. He has a number of decent choices on his list.

[@CurdBros]

@@AttorneySomm This makes sense. I was wondering what was going on. I do prefer when a critic is more honed in on a particular type. The wine world is so giant now that it almost takes a specialist in specific types of wine to really get a great sense. Like you always say, in the end the best wine is the wine you like.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@CurdBros Yes I did one of these for Sucklings list too and noted the high number of Rieslings there.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@CurdBros Yes, suckling relies heavily on his team and has specialists in various areas, as does WS.