Each of our regular WRO contributors has selected a Wine of the Year and a Wine Producer of the Year for 2007. We will feature one of their write-ups each day in this space through the end of the year, and if you’d like to nominate a wine or winery , email your choices to [email protected] –Ed.
Producer of the Year: Felton Road, Central Otago, New Zealand. When we were asked to select a winery or winemaker of the year for 2007, I mulled over the criteria for a few days, 
eventually noticing that no matter how I sorted the main points, Felton Road always rose to the top of my short list. Felton Road has only been producing wine since 1997, but the first wines released catapulted the New Zealand winery firmly onto the world stage. Based in Central Otago, the southernmost wine region in the world, Felton Road makes small quantities of Chardonnay and Riesling, but it is their Pinot Noir that captures the taste buds and makes an indelible impression on the wine memory. Winemaker Blair 
Walter, who worked for a short time in Oregon, is privy to some of the most sumptuous Pinot Noir grapes grown anywhere, especially from the Elms Vineyard, from which he makes Felton Road Block 3, a dark, seamless wine with ripe mulberry notes, and Block 5, an exotic, spicy Pinot with great depth and structure. I could go on about Felton Road, but one sip (and then another and another) of any Felton Road Pinot Road Pinot Noir and you’ll understand why New Zealand’s Felton Road is my choice for 2007 Producer of the Year.
Wine of the Year: Throughout 2007 I tasted a lot of exciting wines (and more than a few less than exciting ones), with the Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 just edging out Chateau St. Jean’s Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon Cinc Cepages 2002 and, from 
Australia, Clarendon Hills’ McLaren Vale Kangarilla Vineyard Grenache 2004. Caymus Special Selection has been a consistent world beater among Cabernet Sauvignons and the 2004 is a fine example of the finesse, depth and amazing flavor profile that sets Special Selection apart from its peers. The 2004 ($136) was carefully selected from individual vineyard blocks and aged in French oak barrels. It has a deep inky color, a lovely seamless aroma of dark fruits like blackberry, and nicely integrated toasted oak. The flavors are bright and inviting, with ample berry and coffee notes. It finishes long and textured; a complete package. The 2004 Special Selection is a Cabernet for Pinot Noir lovers.
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