Happy holidays to all of the Drinks Blog readers. It's been a really fun year of tasting wines and writing about them in The Vindicator and on vindy.com/valleyfood. Here are the best ten wines I tasted this year:

10. NV Dandelion Vineyards "Lion's Tooth of McClaren Vale" Shiraz $25

Incredibly big and bold even with the 5% Riesling blended in.

9. 2010 Quinto Do Castro Douro $40

An intricately consructed wine with multiple layers and enticing spice.

8. 2009 Coho "Michael Black Vineyard" Merlot $70

Persistent red fruit flavors with delicate tannins and a bright finish.

7. 2010 Chateau Saint Michelle "Indian Wells" Cabernet $25

Amazing integration of fruit, earth and spice. Easily drinks double its price.

6. 2005 Allegrini Amarone della Valpollicella Classico $90

I admit it will be hard to find this one locally, but look on line. It's worth it!

5. 2009 Ridge Estate Cabernet $45

Yes, this one was on my list last year, but it has only gotten better since then.

4. 2011 Rombauer Zinfandel $35

Perhaps the most balanced wine I tasted this year. Bright fruit and subtle spice!

3. 2005 Chateau Lynch Bages Liberal Bordeaux $100

Again, it will be tough to find this locally. Beauty in a glass that is relentless.

2. 2006 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Champagne $125

Fresh, bright, and artfully constructed with incredible minerality and intensity.

1. 2011 Two Hands "Bella's Garden" Shiraz

It's difficult to describe the complexity and levels of flavor. Incredible integration of massive tannins, dark fruit, terroir, and spice. Layers and layers of flavor.

Well. there they are. I hope you've enjoyed this blog as much as I did in 2013. I look forward to much more fun in the year to come!