It’s 2013; will 13 be your lucky number? What do you hope to find in this gem of a year? A new love, perhaps? I am always in search of my next favorite wine. Over the last year I have tasted a lot of unique and delicious wines. Have you ever wondered about the appropriate way to taste wine? In my latest YouTube video below I show you step by step what to look for when tasting and demonstrate how. In 2012, I found some really interesting wines that wowed me, and I would like to share them with you!

Arindo Verdejo Reuda, Spain 2011 $10.99 –

I have written of Verdejo in past blogs, and this wine warrants me mentioning it again. Crisp and clean, with notes of pineapple, candied grapefruit, and Golden Delicious apples, this wine is juicy yet tart and refreshing; think yellow Starburst® candy. If you already like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, this is a must try.

Andeluna Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2011 $12.99 –

The life of a tweet is less than that of a flash, but the impact can be great. After trying Andeluna Malbec for the first time, I snapped a pic and tweeted what I thought of it. Since then, it has become our most popular Malbec on the floor. Predominate blueberry with blackberry and spice, this Malbec is complex and balanced, with a long, dry finish.

Revelry Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington $14.99 –

This is what Merlot should taste like. I was thoroughly impressed by all the wines I tried when we sat down to taste through all of the Revelry line, but the Merlot is what stuck with me. 100-percent Merlot, this wine exhibits blueberry pie, black cherry, and rustic spice with the toasty vanilla notes that come with American oak aging. Whether or not you think you like Merlot, if you are a wine lover, you should drink this wine.

Baron Fuente Grand Reserve Champagne, France NV $31.99 –

The time for Champagne has not passed, especially if you find one that is this good and this affordable. Pleasing, light, and elegant, this Champagne shows peach, biscuit, and honeyed spice. If you want Champagne but don’t want to blow your budget, this is an exceptional choice.

Kuleto Frog Prince Red Blend Napa Valley, California 2009 $37.99 –

This wine is a puzzle to me. It is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, but then they add a dollop of Syrah. Are the Bordeaux varietals in this wine the frog (an archaic slur for the French) and the Syrah the transforming kiss? I’m not sure, but I am sure that I love it. Bold and intense with cedar and tobacco on the nose, blackberry, cherry, and cassis on the palate and a long, dry finish with firm tannins, it’s a good choice for drinking now or for the next three to five years. Like puzzles, this wine reveals itself little by little, unveiling more luscious flavors as it does.

2013 is sure to bring many wonderful surprises and new loves into our lives. I look forward to trying new wines, re-tasting old favorites, and sharing them with you! Tell me about your favorite wines of 2012 by commenting here or by following me on Twitter @NinosWineExpert.