[We will run our contributor’ picks for Producer and Wine of the Year in this space almost every day as 2011 winds down, so please check back frequently to see the year’s best. M.F.]
Producer of the Year
Champagne Louis Roederer is my producer of the year. This House has become a powerful force in the wine world, with its acquisition of many fine wineries throughout Europe–with the 
most recent, the acquiring of the great Second Growth Bordeaux, Château Pichon-Lalande.
In addition to producing what is arguably the best California sparkling wine, Roederer Estate, Louis Roederer also has Champagne Deutz in its portfolio. Deutz’ 1999 Cuvée William Deutz, its current release Prestige Cuvée, is one of the best Champagnes I’ve tasted this year. Roederer’s 2004 Cristal, released this year, will be magnificent, though it’s far too young to drink now if you want to see it at its best. Also, look for Louis Roederer’s current Rosé, its 2006–another winner from this outstanding Champagne House.
Wine of the Year
My wine of the year is the greatest Müller-Thurgau in the world, Tiefenbrunner’s Müller-
Thurgau Feldmarschall, made from an old-vine estate in Alto Adige, Italy, that is more than 3,000 feet in altitude. Its current release is its 2010, but I would recommend drinking its 2007 or 2008 now, as the wine needs a few years to show at its best.
I never knew that Müller-Thurgau could be this good until I tasted this wine. It has minerality, great acidity, lots of flavor, and a long finish. It is a wine that complements poultry and game as well as fish and seafood. It is currently my go-to white wine.
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