Another Cosmic Wines in the books!
2023 was one for the ages. You guys turned up in your finest — we even saw one spacesuit in the crowd — to taste wines, take advantage of the best pricing of the year, and meet winemakers and importers from across the industry. So which bottles came out on top?
These are the ten most popular wines from this year's Cosmic. Luckily for you, they're still available in the shop.
Evening Land Seven Springs Chardonnay 2021
The top wine from Cosmic 2023 was this Chardonnay from Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman of Evening Land in Oregon. If you tasted this at Cosmic, you met the enigmatic Darren Palace, the national sales manager for Evening Land and other Raj-Sashi outfits like Piedrasassi.
Pastini Bianco II Faraone 2022
This snappy, fresh Verdeca was brought to us by the one and only Kermit Lynch. Pastini is the only producer they represent in the southern heel of Italy, so you know it's something special. It's full of notes of fresh ginger, lime blossom, and lemongrass — the refreshing zinger you need to cleanse your palate.
Evening Land Seven Springs Pinot Noir 2022
Back for a close third place, this is one of two reds that made it to the top 10 slot at Cosmic 2023. Sourced from biodynamically farmed 40-year-old vines planted with input from Dominique Lafon from Domaine des Comte Lafon, it's savory, smoky, and nuanced. Burgundy lovers, take note.
De Fermo Pecorino d'Abruzzo Don Carlino 2022
Stefano and Eloisa farm these Pecorino vines overlooking the Mediterranean on the coast of Abruzzo. It's a light, racy white with notes of peach, sage, and thyme. A savory, fresh addition to the table.
Soeur Cadette Bourgogne Blanc 2022
If you purchased this easy-going white Burg, you met the one-and-only Lisa Strausser of Kermit Lynch. Lisa served up tastes of this natural white Burgundy from the cellar of one of Burgundy's rising stars, Valentin Montanet. It's a mineral-driven Chardonnay that will give your favorite Chablis a run for its money.
F&F Bachelier Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2020
The old vine Chablis from 8th-generation winemakers Florence and François Bachelier made a serious impression. This crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay was poured by Lyle Railsback of France & Western, an emerging importer that represents small producers with high standards.
Lauer Riesling Senior 2022
Ahhh Peter Lauer. Finally people seem to be catching on! It's hard not to when Stephen Bitterolf of vom Boden is pouring the bone-dry, aromatically explosive Riesling for you. It's a Riesling for serious collectors, and also an all-star weeknight bottle. It's somehow — for being the equivalent of a Premier Cru — extremely affordable.
Costal Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2020
Two Chablis in the top 10? You guys made good choices. A collaboration between Kermit Lynch and Domaine Jean Collet, this 1er Cru is full of zesting minerality and the characteristic wet stone.
Barbara Ohlzelt Riesling Heiligenstein 2021
Another winner brought to us by Stephen of Vom Boden. A quiet, simmering Austrian Riesling with more precision and clarity than is typically found in neighboring wines. Notes of minerality, citrus oils, lime zest, with beautiful concentration and perfectly balanced acidity.
Fatto Tombola Vino Rosso NV 1L
Last on this list is one of our exclusive wines made in partnership with small producers around the world. This light, fun red comes from Poderi Cellario in Piedmont. The size and cherry-fruited juiciness makes it perfect for parties. If you missed out at Cosmic, you can still snag some today.
