Menu sort by year field
I see you have added views tag views-filters, so, I think, you don't mind to list your content with Views.
If your field field_year is integer it is really easy to sort your content:


Some notes:


If you need block, just create Block display in Views. New block will be available on admin/structure/block page. 
Add fields you want. Here I'm showing only title as a link to the original piece of content.
Remove all sorts and add your own by clicking on the Add button. It's very easy to find your field by it's name or machine name.


Result:



Yes, active class is added automatically. 
Views module has tons of settings. To learn more please take a look at “Taming the Beast: Learn Views with NodeOne” series.