Taste is an inherently personal experience, heavily interwoven with nostalgia and individual memories. As the year 2025 comes to a close, it prompts reflections on the flavors and emotions it has evoked for many, particularly within the wine community. Just as a specific wine might remind me of a beach, another bottle might evoke memories of family or major life events.
In my own experience, one wine stands out: the 2022 Montserre Chablis from Château de Béru. This wine holds a special place for me as it hails from the vineyard where I worked my first harvest in 2022. Its striking acidity and lush roundness have made a lasting impression. The release party for my first book served as the backdrop to my tasting of this particular vintage, which encapsulates the surprises and unpredictable nature of the year.
To encapsulate the essence of 2025, I reached out to other wine professionals to hear about their experiences and how they would define the year through their favorite wines.
Joe Hirsch, a wine importer, observed a shift in the wine world, describing 2025 as a year leaning towards traditional styles. He noted, “Much like the world at large, this year, the wine world took a turn towards the traditional.” A standout for him was the Vin Noé Pommard ‘Rêve Américain’ 2023.
Nikita Malhotra, wine director at Smithereens, reflected on the pleasures of simpler wines, enjoying Rieslings that reminded him of home and favoring the Clos du Rouge, Gorge Côtes Catalanes Jeunes Vignes 2024 as his representation of the year.
Keara Driscoll, wine director at Bridges, found meaning in wine amidst her life changes, highlighting the Mas Candí ‘Montombra’ Blanco 2019 for its profound texture and emotional resonance.
Haden Riles of Sushi Noz noticed dual currents running through the year and referenced Julie Balagny’s Minouche, Fleurie Beaujolais as a representation of youthful joy. Meanwhile, Rosewood’s Neptune Riesling transformed his understanding of Riesling’s capabilities.
Daniel de la Nuez, founder of Forthave Spirits, straightforwardly described 2025 as tasting definitively like a Gamay.
For Sammi Schachter, wine director at Nudibranch, the year took on characteristics of Manzanilla sherry, bringing forth flavors reminiscent of salt and nostalgia.
Sophia Stettler-Eno from Reveler’s Hour noticed a more conservative wine trend in Washington, DC, selecting Domaine Verdier Logel, La Volcanique, Côtes Du Forez 2023 as her highlight.
Mariano Garay at Cove felt a mix of Riesling, Nebbiolo, and Champagne, expressing that the year conveyed confidence and excitement. He specifically reflected on Vollenweider Goldgrube Kabinett 2021, Emmanuel Brochet Champagne, and Elio Sandri Barolo Riserva Perno Vigna Disa 2018.
Travelling chef Henry Elliman shared a sense of optimism in 2025, identifying it with a sparkling white wine, Julien Altaber’s L’Écume Vin Mousseux.
In summary, each wine professional captured a unique sentiment related to 2025 through their selections, highlighting a vibrant tapestry of moments defined by tastes and experiences.