What are you drinking right now?
Me:
I first opened a 2004 Patric Lesec Chateauneuf du Pape "Chasse Temps" I bought at Costco. I remembered another decently low priced CdP from Lesec, the "Rubis", and got this one assuming in would be in the same league. Totally disappointing, no idea what RP was thinking about when we rated it 89-91. No bouquet, no grenache, no nothing. Daughter says not even good for soaking the dried mushrooms.
Since I was in the Rhone-ish mood, I set the Lesec aside and opened a tried and true, the 2000 Tardieu-Laurent Saint-Joseph. Here, reverend Robert got it right: "This supple, medium to full-bodied, elegant St.-Joseph possesses superb depth, purity, and balance. " Rated 90-92. An entirely different league. Forget ratings, dear reader, they are meaningless.
Summary for the day: one out of two. Not at all bad, I guess...
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Midlife
Jan 20, 2011 03:36 PM
Just tasted some 2007 Trivium. WOW! Really amazing cab from the Lewelling Vineyard in St. Helena. Just a couple of hundred cases a year and worth every bit of its $65 price tag.
The hotel wine director back East who argues here that California wines are too big (in one aspect or another) to pair with better food has apparently not tasted this wine.
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scrappydog
Feb 16, 2010 02:19 PM
With Grilled NY strips and sides:
2002 Longboard Vineyards Redgrav Vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep purple color. Moderate tannins. Plenty of fruit: dark cherry / cassis and a little spice. Nice wine with the chow.
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ibstatguy
Feb 10, 2010 08:27 PM
2006 Adegas Valmiñor Albariño Rías Baixas O Rosal with some cold fried chicken - worked pretty well
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Willem
Jan 29, 2010 03:17 AM
Louis Roederer brut premier
Pierre Yves Colin Puligny Montrachet les Folatieres 2007
Francois Chidaine Montlouis Clos Habert 2005
San Fabiano Calcinaia chianti classico riserva Cellole 2001
Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2001
Cal Pla (Mas d'en Compte) Priorat Planots 2005
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ibstatguy
Jan 22, 2010 02:55 PM
2006 Gutzler Pinot Noir: VDP estate with soil and climate similar to Burgundy! This Pinot is dark garnet, viscous and full bodied. A nice bit of ripe cherry with smoky tannins on the finish and round in the mouth. Great with game, foul, cheese, or all alone... 100% estate fruit and bottled from a great German red wine producer!
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Lis Neris Confini, Friuli 03 - Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Riesling blend. Fun stuff, especially with prosciutto
Castello di Ama l'Apparita 96 - Merlot. Showing very young. Needs a lot more time. The 90, by comparison, had much more secondary aromatics. Nevertheless, delicious. At a quarter of the price of Masseto? I'll take this in a hearbeat.
Gaja, Langhe Nebbiolo Conteisa 96 - 8% Barbera, remainder nebbiolo from the commune of Cerequio. Probably too young, but a very intense nose after sitting in a decanter for a bit. Also showing incredibly young. Would have loved to see its development tomorrow, but alas, it did not last. Fun stuff.
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At the moment, plonk. But last night we went out to BYOB and I brought along a bottle of 1996 The Signature from Yalumba, which is supposedly built for the long haul - 15+ years. I'm gonna guess we were a minimum of a year too late on this one, maybe more. Not vinegar and still drinkable, but verging on the "hot" side with nothing left for legs.
We stopped buying for cellaring a few years ago and that was one of our last half dozen bottles we had tucked away. Sad that it we didn't enjoy it at its peak. It was also the penultimate bottle of three cases we brought back with us from Australia a few years ago. Hoping the last bottle from that trip - Penfolds St. Henri from same vintage - had held up a bit better. Guess we'll be opening that one soon.
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scrappydog
Dec 26, 2009 08:18 PM
We have been slacking off lately on posting notes, due to a busy schedule. We resolve to try harder in the coming year. Yesterday with turkey and a apple - cranberry stuffing: 2007 Radio-Coteau La Neblina Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Deep garnet color, velvety smooth and unlike almost any California Pinot that I have had. ABV 14.4%. Very old world in style. Outstanding on its own and excellent with the meal. Also serve a Point Concepcion Chardonnay for the white wine fans.
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ibstatguy
Dec 21, 2009 08:54 AM
last week had '05 Justin Isocles and Justification as well as an '05 Dehlinger Estate PN
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More rough duty...
Henriot Blanc de Souverain
Henriot Souverain
Henriot Rose
Henriot 98
Henriot Cuvee des Enchanteleurs 96The blanc de blancs and the Enchanteleurs were my favorites. The 98 was almost too yeasty.
Salon Le Mesnil 85
Clerico Barolo Percristina 00
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella 02
Quintarelli Amarone 93Salon is, well, Salon. I thought about decanting and waiting a day, but it was gone in 45 minutes. I think my personal preference is for something just slightly younger. The Percristina came alive after about an hour, then went back to sleep. We thought it had died, but after the dormant stage, all the savory characteristics came out. Amazing development. Dal Forno was like mint chocolate milk, in a good way, and the Quintarelli still had a long time to go.
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Willem
Dec 13, 2009 02:03 PM
- 2005 Pierre Yves Colin Meursault PC Les Perrieres - a white Burgundy Benchmark. Needs some air, well develop nicely, and is great already. Can develop much more than the average PYC I think. I like it most at 13 celsius. Minutes of aftertaste...
- 2005 Pintas. Wow. Needs air because of tannins but has appealing smoothness coming. Actually a bit too young, but great. very deep and complex, loads of fruit, excellent structure, rich, even a bit dusty in a good way. You can smell this one for minutes and will keep discovering.
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Willem
Nov 13, 2009 09:33 AM
happy camper...
2008 Albino Armani Sauvignin Campo Napoleone - if you can say "Italian Sauvignon Blanc" this is it - blind I would have guessed that it would be from Alto Adige, but it is Veneto
2007 Pierre Yves Colin Rully Les Cailloux - tells you all about Burgundy Chardonnay... PY Colin is such a Master!
2005 Frattasi Falanghina Donna Laura - extremely rich but typical - wow, a treat
2001 Dominique Laurent Mazis Chambertin - HELLO - the aromas don't stop, a very complete pinot noir and excellent wine, puts good year DRC echezeaux in memory... the amazing fruit, the earth, only the good "animal" aromas, the herbs, liquorice, the complexity, the great balance in all density- tannins- acidity- alcohol- ..., the extreme harmony...
2007 Sughera "adeo", great stuff, bit young but very drinkeable, and finally a 'super tuscan' you can long for, based on grapes and not wood, and, with value for money - Bordeaux eat yr heart out
2004 Caberlot... quite the archetypical red wine at its best - but completely different... as well completely different from, but in perfection resembling, Franchetti's wines. -
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More rough duty...
Fontodi Flacianello delle Pieve 01 - 750 and magnum.
As someone who openly doesn't care for sangiovese, the Flancianello is a masterpiece. The 750 is drinking perfectly, and the magnum was like 15 years back. Even though I hesitate to decant any moderately older sangiovese, a serious decant helps with the magnum. I cant decide if I prefer this or the Isole e Olena Cepparello.
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A good night for wine tasting!
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame '98
Not a fan of Veuve, but Grand Dame almost never disappoints. Very BdB-y.Veuve Clicquot Rare Vintage '88
Biscuit, pancake, sherry nose. Lots of life for an older champagne, but unlikely to improve.Araujo Syrah Eisele '05
The most compelling American syrah I've had. Super intense nose, and looooong.Ornellaia Masseto '05
Much more drinkable at this stage than the 04. Lots going on here. Surprisingly did not shut down during evolution in the glass.Mouton Rothschild '04
Never been the biggest Mouton fan, but showing very well for its youth.Petrus '04
Great nose, but disjointed midpalate and beyond. Masseto was superior in about every way.›3 Replies -
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Willem
Oct 20, 2009 10:29 AM
Sunday: Nine Popes 2003 (Charles Melton). Tried it quite some time ago and had some doubt, but now it is on the spot, delicious tribute to Chateau9!!
Now: Dominio de Tares 'Baltos' (Bierzo, Mencia). Nice and smooth, balanced, some earth & herbs, still nice black fruit. -
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Willem
Sep 30, 2009 04:00 PM
Firriato Harmonium 2005. Great stuff. Very rich, but balanced. With grilled lambchops.
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Willem
Sep 26, 2009 02:58 PM
Les Vins de Vienne Condrieu 2007. Great quite modernly styled Condrieu. Full of the white peach, stone fruits, flowers, freshness, perfum as you would expect, and a slight, nice, not overdone touch of wood, typically for this group of producers. Pretty full, great acidity, quite some non-disturbing alcohol. It has more of the Condrieu viognier characteristics then the 2006, but (just!) doesn't get the harmonious richness of the excellent unforgettable 2005. Very great glass, and very enjoyable on the table with some ingenuity.
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re: Willem
Delucacheesemonger
Oct 8, 2009 10:40 AM
If you ever get the chance to go to Margaret River south of Perth to the vineyard, it is as impressive as the wine.
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Tasted last week....
1995 Ornellaia - luscious and slutty
1990 Ornellaia Masseto - an unexpected animal quality, great balance
1998 Giacosa Barolo Falletto - looked twice its age, yet youthful and singing after a short decant, still years to go.Drank tonight with steak and burgers:
2007 Lapierre Morgon
2006 Maysara Pinot Noir Jamsheed -
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Willem
Sep 5, 2009 11:01 AM
Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly 2005.
Typical Dagueneau in style: fresh, lightness, terroir (one of the only wines I would use this abused word for - 'minerality'), extremely balanced and elegant. Fortunately some of the more typical grape characteristics are slightly present in this one, which adds to the enjoyability (it is good in that aspect, I am looking forward to the two other bottles in due time).
It is much more likable than the Dageneau 2005 Pur Sang, which got 97 from Wine Spectator. That wine is perhaps one of the most interesting ever in my glass, and one of the only wines that can sport so many green notes while being perfect, but it misses pleasure, it is too intellectual - we tasted it (blind) from magnum in a - if I may say - 'high level' wine group, together with 9 other great wines, and it was the most talked about wine, but not the most enjoyed... The best tasting note (not mine) was: "it smells like it isn't even in the glass". By the way: there were like two glasses left in the bottle, which went into the fridge only to come out six days later. It was still in excellent condition... -
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scrappydog
Aug 14, 2009 09:24 AM
With grilled filet, sauted spinach and mushrooms:
Downing Family 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux-style blend consisting of 83% Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and just 3% Cabernet Franc. ABV 14.5%. Deep purple color, smooth, well integrated tannins. Plum and cherry with a hint of coffee. Nice wine. About $38 locally.
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2003 Phelan Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
1997 Marcarini 'Brunate'
1993 Clerico 'Ciabot Mentin Ginestra'
1991 Querciabella 'Camartina'Lots of surprises, including how well the Clerico has held up, with still quite a good tannic bite and great acidity. Unfortunately, a 5 hour decant still didn't do the wine justice, though an aroma of dry porcinis became more and more prominent. The Marcarini looked its age, but was incredibly fresh on the palate. Both of these Barolo still have years to go.
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scrappydog
Jul 28, 2009 09:08 AM
With grilled beef kabobs:
2005 Core Ground Around. A blend of 40% Grenache 30% Tempranillo and 30% Syrah. Cherries, blackberries and some pepper / spice. Nice acidity. Around $45 locally.
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ibstatguy
Jul 26, 2009 09:32 PM
N.V. L. Aubry Fils Champagne Rosé Brut; 2005 Thomas Pinot Noir Dundee Hills. Both are stand out wines. Nailing a big exacta in the first race at Del Mar probably didn't hurt the enjoyment of both in the least. Had the Thomas with grilled lamb chops; paired up perfectly.
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ibstatguy
Jul 19, 2009 02:49 PM
1996 Taittinger Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes; N.V. H. Billiot Champagne Brut Reserve Grand Cru; and a treasure trove of Blankiet: Proprietary Red (their Reserve; I think it was '06); '04 Merlot and Rive Droite (I think it was '07). A wonderful evening and very nice dinner.
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scrappydog
Jul 18, 2009 04:56 PM
With grilled NY Strip steak, sauteed mushrooms and steamed broccoflower:
Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 1999. Decanted about 45 minutes. Purple color, nice mouth feel. ABV 14%. A nice match for the meal.
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Willem
Jun 18, 2009 06:53 PM
Vetrere 'cre' 2007, a 100% moscato (dry) from Puglia. Very nice, well structured, great acidity, and a full range moscato aroma. And again a Framingham Sauvignon Blanc (NZ), which is truly excellent. Alls the grape's characteristics in aroma and structure, with just that bit of 'filling'. Recommended. Last but not least a Kaesler Stonehorse GSM 2004, great example of Australia's Southern Rhone interpretation... 15,5%... no problem though. Great in the pepper spice and lush fruits, and perfect with the lambroast + grilled pumpkin!
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Willem
Jun 16, 2009 01:40 PM
A&P de Villaine Challonais 2005, rare, and excellent, archetypical Burgundy as it should be. Complete pinot noir. Great.
Terre Nere Etna Rosso Feudi di Mezzo 2005. Excellent. Sicilian Burgundy indeed. This is what wine is all about! Deep nose, ripe but delicate fruit, great structure, you just keep on enjoying the complex aroma! -
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Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2003
On the nose barnyard, pencil lead, spice, cassis and blackcurrent. The cassis and blackcurrent becoming more pronounced as time goes on. On the palate a wall of ripe black fruit. Little hints of earth and leather followed by firm tannins which carry through a semi-long finish. Somewhat of a disconnect between the fruit and tannin at first but with some time they begin to marry. Not the most sophisticated wine but not completely strait forward either. The bottom line, enjoyable drinking, with a some thinking involced. I don't think this wine will benefit from any more time in the bottle but will be drinkable for years. Lots of sediment so you must decanter. For the price point Iit is a success and I went back to the store and bought several more. Cheers, Matt
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nanette
May 28, 2009 11:11 AM
We've been drinking a lot of The Ned 2007 Waihopai River Sauvignon Blanc. It is a touch above the 2008, though at 14% it is a bit "rich". Very zesty, lovely on its own or enjoyed in the garden with a bbq.
Waitrose has it on sale at 25% off, so only £7.11 a bottle for something a notch above Oyster Bay but below Cloudy Bay. I would say it is a bit more old world styled than a lot of new world SB, has that lovely French minerality.
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Willem
May 25, 2009 03:57 PM
Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Samaragd Terrasses 2007. Nice. Still needs some air, developes fine. 2006 was better, but it remains as ever a glass worth drinking, very much so. full with great freshness and excellent acidity, great typicity. Ending with Kaesler Stonehorse GSM 2004, which is reaching the end of its peak, a great moment for the wine with the richer grenache competing with the shiraz spicyness, and, after a day (started the bottle yesterday), some enriching development (also signaling: drink now). Nice, a bit strong though. Where is the lamb roast...?
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a 1999 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva. True Rioja. Excellent! Then proceeded to drink a '95 Domaine de Pegau Cuvee Reservee Chateauneuf du Pape, then a '94 Chat. Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Grand Cru Classe Pauillac, on to the 1994 Caymus Special Selection Cab Sauv, finished with a '03 Chat. Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes. Needless to say, it was a good night.
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re: ibstatguy
Both were exquisite, with the Comtesse perhaps edging out the Caymus, at least as far as my palate is concerned. A lot of times, even the highest rated, touted, Calif. cabs are a little too concentrated, high alcohol, fruit forward and oaky for me, ( like some old vintages of Flora Springs, Pahlmeyer, etc.) but I have to say the Caymus was drinking just right. Perfect balance of fruit, tannins, oak etc.but much heavier, thicker than the Comtesse, which was very aromatic, with lovely spice notes, and a terrific finish. Both and very lengthy finishes, actually.
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ibstatguy
May 10, 2009 09:28 PM
N.V. Jean Milan Champagne Blanc de Blancs Spécial Grand Cru and 2007 Anthill Farms Pinot Noir demuth. Mothers Day dinner with cheese souffle (probably should not have tried this for the first time on Mothers Day), plank grilled salmon, etc. LOVE the Jean Milan and was very favorably impressed with the Anthill.
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We had a bottle of 2007 Domaine des Curiades Chasselas with filet of perch last night. It's a local Swiss white from the Geneva area. Like many Swiss whites it was light and not complex. Decent fruit and a hint of acid. Not a bad match with the local fish specialty, but not a revelation.
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ibstatguy
Apr 24, 2009 02:27 PM
2004 Wedell Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills; with a good friend at Cowboy Star and a couple of damn good burgers. Not for a "burgundy" fan (whatever, exactly, that means). Lots of fruit, opulent perhaps? Had the Wedell the first time at Bouchon in Vegas and it blew away the Sea Smoke that we started with.
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ibstatguy
Apr 12, 2009 09:01 PM
1997 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle Cuvée Alexandra; 2003 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Estate; 2002 Ridge Geyserville. These were all wonderful wines enjoyed with Easter appertizers and.or dinner. I don't buy much LP champagne but this was a terrific wine rose.
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ibstatguy
Apr 6, 2009 02:41 PM
2004 Señorío de San Vicente Tempranillo Rioja San Vicente ; just noted that the first post in this thread was about a bottle of Lascaux, imported by Kermit Lynch. I just got a bottle from a friend last Friday so i will be looking for a time to open mine.
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ibstatguy
Apr 1, 2009 10:04 PM
2001 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo Classico Riserva; opened it tonight after playing some tennis and had it with a hot dog, yes, a hot dog. what the heck, I was starving and I wanted a glass of red wine. Isn't barolo and hot dog a classic food/wine combo? Any way, this is a very lovely wine with plenty of time still ahead.
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ibstatguy
Mar 27, 2009 04:26 PM
2005 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Goldridge - a complete reaffirmation of why I stay on their allocation list.
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ibstatguy
Feb 9, 2009 10:02 AM
2000 Havens Wine Cellars Syrah T Block Hudson Vineyard; had this last night with shepard's pie (lamb) - an excellent combination and reaffirmed Haven's position in my mind as a great QPR winery. remains to be seen what will happen now with ownership and winemaker changes.
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ibstatguy
Feb 6, 2009 12:35 PM
N.V. Zoémie de Sousa Champagne Brut Merveille; 2002 François Jobard Meursault En La Barre; 2005 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
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re: ibstatguy
Last night: 2006 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Piersporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett
(soo good with brie & goat cheese), 2006 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay (glorious with pork chops, apples & onions) and 2005 Navarro Muscat Blanc (and chocolate chip cookies: heaven!)
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ibstatguy
Feb 1, 2009 07:31 PM
2006 Château Grande Cassagne Costières-de-Nîmes Rosé; N.V. Riondo Prosecco Veneto IGT; 2004 Tyrus Evan Claret
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vickib
Jan 8, 2009 08:27 PM
New Year's Eve: '02 Marcel Moineaux Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs - floral, along with yeast, apple, dough, nuts, and then, those flowers again....
A couple of days later: 2006 Buisson Renard Pouilly Fumé, Didier Dagueneau - wow. I was accused of infanticide, and yes, it could have laid down a couple of more years, but it was very fine indeed.›2 Replies -
2004 Nicolas Joly Savennières 'Les Clos Sacrés'
1994 Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon 'Clos de Ste Catherine'The Joly was great, as always. Paired with oysters, squid, and skate in beurre noir. The Baumard had an unbelievable color of orange Fanta. Paired with cheese plate.
God, I love chenin.
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'06 Bastianich Friulano
NV Champalou Vouvray Brut
'05 Movia Sauvignon
'93 Zilliken Riesling Spatlese Saarsburger Rausch
'97 Trinchero Barbera d'Asti 'Noce'The Movia was awesome. The Zilliken was tired and nearly dead, but still fun as an experiment.
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re: ibstatguy
A winery that straddles both Friuli and Slovenia, Movia produces some of the most unique white wines, i.e. barrel fermenting ribolla gialla, usually a non-descript grape and resulting wine, into something that rivals Joly in complexity, oddity, and pure enjoyment.
More information here amongst these links:
http://thepour.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/05/04/expanding-the-borders/
http://www.vinography.com/archives/2008/05/movia_slovenia_current_release.html
http://www.italianwinemerchantstore.c...-
re: mengathon
cockscomb
Jan 23, 2009 09:47 PM
meng... have you also tried damijan or gravner as well? if you like movia, you may like these guys as well, if you haven't already!
i happen to be swilling down some 96 voge cornas with a bison burger... pretty sexy for a young but off vint cornas
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ibstatguy
Dec 26, 2008 07:50 PM
2005 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir The North Slope ; N.V. H. Billiot Champagne Brut Reserve Grand Cru; 1995 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage; N.V. Louis Barthélémy Champagne Brut Rosé; 1995 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino
the last couple of days have been great: family, friends, great food and wine
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Last night -
2005 Sloan Asterisk - Fruit bomb (no surprise) needed a prolonged decant - 3+ hours... even used a Vinturi that someone recently gave me as a gift. Great wine for the NY strip I had for dinner. As it evolved in the glass, there was a sweet chocolate component that came out. Quite nice. Full mouthfeel. Very ripe and jammy fruit. Tannins were definitely present. Did not have the same salinity content of it's bigger brother.
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BillB656
Dec 12, 2008 02:46 PM
Last couple of nights
1996 Salvatore Molettieri Taurasi Cinque Querce (Campania) Last tasted two years ago, this was shut down hard with no aromatics at all. Now it opens with tons of dried roses, fennel, and black cherry. The mid palate is showing lots of acidity and structure followed by some serious tongue coating, fine grained chalky tannins. This is really enjoyable now and should evolve over the next 5-10yrs. Lots of sediment. Decant next time.2006 Château de Raousset Morgon Douby (Beaujolais) A new producer for me and my first from Douby. This wine is everything I love about Beaujolais. Ahh-inspiring floral aromatics, high-toned strawberry and tart tart cherry flavors, just enough tannic structure showing both power and finesse, and really bright acidity. There is a solid sense of iron and granite at the core. I’m very happy drinking this wine. Drink and hold. Imp: Jeanne-Marie de Champs
2005 Domaine d'Orfeuilles Vouvray Silex (Loire) A few sheeps worth of wool draped over chalky limestone and lemon. It’s wonderfully dry and crisp with crunchy pink grapefruit acids on the finish. Good enough to pick up a few more to lay down.
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1979 Lungarotti Torgiano 'Rubesco'
Despite the cork disintegrating, the wine drank very well. Lots of toffee, coffee, raisin, dried cherries, and loads of mushrooms. However, after decanting for sediment, the wine broke down in about an hour. The aromas dissipated and the finish turned vinegary.2005 Edmunds St. John Syrah, El Dorado Co., 'Wylie Fenaughty'
A most unique Californian syrah, with loads of herbs on the nose: eucalpytus, mint, sage; and dark cherries. Medium bodied, with tannins that just melt. I was shocked to see this wine at 14.6% abv. Indeed, "la terre parle."›2 Replies -
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ibstatguy
Nov 15, 2008 08:50 AM
1997 Castello del Terriccio Lupicaia Maremma Toscana IGT . Had the Lupicaia with very good friends and there's no better way to enjoy a great wine. In my mind, this wine (or "similar") validate the Super Tuscan concept. Wish I had more, it was my last one.
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Willem
Nov 13, 2008 12:07 PM
There has been more talk about the Firriato Chiaramonte nero d'avola on these boards. I'm drinking the 2006 now. I loved 04 and especially 05. 06 is great as well, perhaps a tiny little bit less packed than 05 but still full of flavour in great elegant balance with the tannins and fresh acidity. Excellent fruit, with the recognizable spicy aroma's which I love in this wine. A tasty one for sure.
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wineguy7
Nov 10, 2008 07:15 AM
Last night I opened the first of eight bottles I had purchased of 1996 Joseph Roty Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvee de "Champs-Chenys". I thought it might be ready to drink by now, but alas, it is not. Still tight, not showing much in the nose. On the palate, it took over two hours of being open to express itself. I will probably wait another 6-12 months or so before I open another.
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ibstatguy
Nov 6, 2008 07:33 AM
birthday lunch at Blue Boheme on Wednesday: N.V. Zoémie de Sousa Champagne Brut Merveille; 2004 Philippe Faury Condrieu; 2001 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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re: mengathon
ibstatguy
Nov 7, 2008 05:16 AM
I was not familiar with it until given a few bottles. Wonderful stuff, yeasty but not overpoweringly so, loads of very tiny bubbles and hence a very smooth mouthfeel. I give it a huge thumbs up. The Beaucastel was decanted for about an hour and was terrific; I was a bit worried that it would be WAY to young but that was not the case at all.
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Warning: Baby killing involved...
2002 Baumard Quarts de Chaume.
mmmmmmm. i think this one might outlive me. Already an intense golden color, it's incredible now, but needs food. Something like a cheesecake, fresh fruit, or foie gras. Loads of tropical fruits, apricots, nectarines. Not as full-bodied and lighter botrytis flavors than I expected, but still rich, and all with great, great acidity. Very curious to see what it's like tomorrow.
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ibstatguy
Oct 31, 2008 03:19 PM
2005 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvée Doucinello; with lunch at Blue Boheme with a very good friend. I thought it would be way early for this wine but it just opened beautifully. I am sure that it has a fair bit of life left but gosh its wonderful now.
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ibstatguy
Oct 25, 2008 09:55 AM
with friends at Cowboy Star eating burgers and bison burgers (both excellent): NV Nicolas Feuillatte brut rose and '05 Erna Schein Jersey Boy. Feuillatte was very yeasty and Jersey Boy was popular but a bit of a disappointment for me particularly since I compared it to an '05 Anderson Conn Valley Right Bank that got opened later at home.
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ibstatguy
Oct 21, 2008 11:27 PM
'02 Lewis Alec's Blend; with piece of cold fried chicken tonight after some tennis. It was either a classic (who'd a thought) combo or I was was starving and dying of thirst...The Alec's blend is to my mind one of those over the top wines but I sure do like it for some reason
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ibstatguy
Oct 12, 2008 04:16 PM
'06 Champlou Vouvray; a kermit lynch import; very nice wine on a beautiful and sunny san diego late afternoon.
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ibstatguy
Oct 7, 2008 10:44 PM
'07 Rombauer Chard Carneros; haven't had something like in a long time. had it with roast chicken. nice
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re: ibstatguy
Delucacheesemonger
Oct 8, 2008 10:28 AM
Currently in Bretagne with a dozen creuses #2 and a bottle of very cheap Muscadet sur lies, my oh my oh my
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2004 Joly Savennières, 'Les Clos Sacrés'
Out of the ice bucket and into a decanter. Yum. Went with everything from oysters to a skate meunier. My friend suggested an apple pie with this, and it probably would have gone great. I'm a convert now...
2005 Mas Igneus Priorat›2 Replies-
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re: ibstatguy
Quite nice. I didn't jot down the specific blend, but I'm pretty sure it was 50% grenache, 35% carignane and the remainder CS and syrah. The nose was ripe plummy fruit, some red spices, a good amount of earthiness, and very pleasant and subtle oak. Medium body, relatively light tannins, but great, great acidity and carried the +14% abv quite well. I'd enjoy this one young. It should be around $20-25 or so retail, given our price at the restaurant? I'd be inclined to buy some more.
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Delucacheesemonger
Oct 1, 2008 01:05 PM
As l am typing in Paris. a Dr Parce banyuls 1990 with a perfect maroilles and a four year old comte, it is heaven
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re: ibstatguy
wineguy7
Sep 29, 2008 08:23 AM
I don't know what that is. Is Renaissance the name of a particular cuvee?
This bottling is 1998 Cornas from Auguste Clape. I bought six bottles from Kermit Lynch when it was released. I've opened three of the bottles now. The last time I tasted this wine was two years ago. That time and the prior bottle (maybe two years earlier) showed no fruit, but lots of tannin and earth. Now the tannins seem to be softening. There was copious glycerin, black fruit, smoky, minerally and meaty notes as well as great length. I will probably revisit this wine in another year.
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re: ibstatguy
wineguy7
Dec 27, 2009 10:53 AM
I opened my fourth bottle of the '98 Clape Cornas last night: the first since my post of 9/28/08. It has evolved significantly in the last year. The tannins are now softer, less angular, but still present. The smoke, mineral, meat and glycerin are consistent with my last tasting, as well as the length. It seems to have come together more. Less disjointed and more seamless, but with power. Two bottles are remaining. I may wait another year to open one.
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Willem
Sep 23, 2008 01:51 PM
right now: a Fleury from clos de la Roillette, 2006, which is quite delicious, has the Beaujolais Cru fruits + something extra what 'we Europeans' ;=) (and many others as well), like to call terroir + an especially impressive great structure, which often is lacking is these (gamay) wines. Remarkably.
...And I 'have' to mention this weekend's Francois Villard Condrieu 2006, an etheral multifaceted extremely elegant and highly recommended wine! Divine! -
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vickib
Sep 18, 2008 09:06 PM
l'Hortus Rose de Saignee 2007. It was wonderful with dinner last night, and even better tonight, the end of the bottle, all by itself after a long day at work. Warmed up slightly and swirled, it has an aroma that I associate with much more "ambititous" wines.
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Willem
Sep 15, 2008 01:34 PM
Reichsgraff von Kesselstadt Wehlenr Sonnenuhr Grosses Gewacghs Trocken Riesling 2006.
Fabulous. The aroma is so full of nuances, powerfull but elegant, fruit and flowers with integrated mineraliy, lots of taste, stellar though refined acidity. Riesling rules! -
scrappydog
Sep 14, 2008 07:53 AM
Edmunds St John "Wylie-Fenaughty" Syrah 2000, El Dorado County with grilled burgers. ABV 14.1%. Outstanding.
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Jacquesson Cuvée 732
Citrus, minerals, good amount of earthiness. Quite a long finish for an NV, if one can call it that.
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Such a long thread! These days -- September 2009 -- while it may be a fad akin to the early '80's white zinfandel -- yuck -- we are leaning more toward New Zealand sauvignon blancs. Gotta love the grapefruit on the nose! We also enjoy all things Molly Dooker. My wife has categorically given up Zinfandels, much to my dismay. We enjoy trying new California Pinot Noirs.
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2002 Olga Raffault Chinon 'Les Picasses'
Nice Chinon. I prefer this with a slight chill.2005 Foreau Vouvray Demi-Sec
How do you like this wine? I think it needs food
Drinker 1: I really want some soft cheese.
Drinker 2, 20 minutes later: I have a craving for cheese.
Note to self: next time when drinking this wine, call ahead and make sure the host has cheese.... -
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Are we moving this to the new thread?
'96 Duval-Leroy. Gorgeous champagne, probably at its peak right now, and decidedly better and more harmonious than compared to just 12 months ago. Nutty, yeasty, and toasty, and relatively full-bodied, with excellent length and finish. Yet thoroughly confusing when I found out it was 70% chardonnay, while their NV is usually 75% pinot noir, according to their website. Given a choice between blanc de blancs or blanc de noirs, I definitely would have guessed the latter. What gives? Quite unique in that their vintage brut is drastically different in its composition than their NV. I can't really think of another house that does this.
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Agent_Red
Jul 8, 2008 09:47 PM
Hans Fahden 2006 Merlot Napa Valley. We LOVED the last two vintages of their Cabernet Sauvignon and this youthful Merlot is wonderful as well.
Here is my review of the wine:
Tasting Profile:
Look – Deep ruby red in color with a heart of dark plum. Swirl the glass and thick legs appear slowly before they march slowly down the glass
Smell – A wonderful blast of concentrated aromas of earthen cherry, ripe blackberry, soft pine tar and mild fresh mixed salad herbs
Feel – Initially velvet soft and then the wine shows lush medium tannins as it coats and then drys the tongue and the roof of the mouth
Taste – Big and rich flavors of dark stonefruit, dark cherry, dark smoky blueberry, blackberry and plum, with a slight herbaceous or vegital quality that gives the wine a hearty flavor that follows its initial fruity brightness
Finish – Super long-lasting, with smokey fruit then more vegital all over mouth flavors that taper off slowly as the wine coats and the drys your mouth
Conclusion – Once again, Hans Fahden winery has us scratching our heads at the high-quality/low-price of their wines. We declared their Cabernet Sauvignon to be an under-priced masterpiece and we say the same of this fantastic, youthful Merlot. The only ‘bad’ thing we could say about this wine is that once it is gone, it’s gone. Okay, to be fair, all wines are like this, but when we asked the winery if there would be a future vintage, they (sniff) said ‘nope’!
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re: Agent_Red
maria lorraine
Jul 8, 2008 10:39 PM
Sorry, but I think their stuff is just awful.
A friend works there, and the winery itself is less than 4 miles away, so I've had plenty of occasion to taste their grape-y, foxy, disappointing wines.
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re: Agent_Red
maria lorraine
Jul 9, 2008 10:37 AM
I'm sorry to "out" you...
but it is truly self-serving and disingenuous to review a wine you're also trying to SELL prominently on your website.
Besides, "smokey fruit then more vegital all over mouth flavors"? WTF?
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re: Agent_Red
First of all it's v-e-g-E-t-a-l, not vegital. Secondly, Maria is right -- "vegetal" in a Cabernet or Merlot is usually a sign of unripe (or underripe) grapes.
Your description of this wine makes me want to run away from it, not buy it, but it also sounds typical of every Hans Fahden I've ever had. To be polite, let me just say: not my favorite winery.
(FWIW, I am one of those who turned down an opportunity to buy a quantity of these wines at a serious discount, but even then -- I didn't think these wines were worth offering to my customers.)
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re: OCAnn
scrappydog
Jul 2, 2008 12:40 PM
I really like this wine. It pairs up nicely with a wide range of food and is a great bargain at WHWC at $8.99. I like the screwcap also. What did you think of the wine?
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vvvindaloo
Jun 29, 2008 07:16 PM
Just opened my first bottle of Layer Cake Primitivo from Puglia. I am shocked at how fantastic this is- smooth, incredibly full and velvety for a 13.5% "zinfandel" (which this wine is co-labeled as) and so easy to drink. I am glad I took the chance on it.
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vickib
Jun 28, 2008 09:27 PM
Last week, in the mountains of SoCal, with my SO:
2004 Domaine Robert-Denogent St. Veran Le Pommards Vielles Vignes
2006 Friedrich Becker Spatburgunder "B"The coming week, in Vegas, with my rowdy friends:
Roederer Estate N.V. Brut
2006 Domaine Jean Pierre Seve Macon-Solutre
2003 Blind Trail Central Otago Pinot Noir -
Just came back from birthday party for my 90 year old mother. We put down six bottles of 2007 Oregon Achery Summit Rose' and six bottles of 2007 Elk Cove Rose'. 4 o'clock party, unusually warm and humid in Eugene today (to bad for Olympic Trials participants), both were nice crisp Rose's, appreciated by all.
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1999 Coteaux du Layon, Pierre-Bise "Chaume" - a little past peak.
2004 Paumanok Cabernet Franc - yummy stuff, great nose, texture, with nice green and tobacco streaks, though i do miss the barnyard/mineral qualities of those from the Loire.
2005 Côtes-du-Rhône, M. Chapoutier, "Belleruche" - more intensity than a typical CDR, the syrah seems prominent.›1 Reply -
Bill Hunt
Jun 23, 2008 07:09 PM
This is a thread, with a life of its own. OK, I'm still playing. Biale Grande Zin, and it is sublime. It paired well with ribs last night, and is doing well on its own. Nice firm mouthfeel, a bit of alcohol (do not have the bottle handy, but would guess 14.5% ABV), plenty of black berries.
Hunt
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ibstatguy
Jun 4, 2008 08:54 PM
'03 Argiolas Costera Isola del Nuraghi; very nice wine, reminded me of a So. Rhone; wish I'd bought a LOT more...
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Bill Hunt
Jun 3, 2008 09:07 PM
Hey, as long as the thread's alive, I'll keep coming back. Tonight, it a lovely little Picchetti Bellichetti Vineyards Santa Clara Mountains '05 Zin. Lovely spices and a bit lighter style. It went well with baked ziti and broccoli with IT cheeses atop. For the alcohol folk, it was ABV 14.2%, and lovely with the red sauce on the ziti, along with ground beef. If one wants a "spicy," lower alcohol Zin, this might be the one. I'm about to have it with a few dark, bitter-sweet chocolate morsels, with which I think it will go nicely.
Hunt
PS - it did, just as I thought. If one really loves Zins, Picchetti (Santa Cruz Mtns. winery), is one to check out. Only problem is keeping up with each of their offerings, as I think I've had over 20, this year alone. Still, that is not a bad comment, unless one keeps score, or tries to buy exactly what they had three months ago.
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Last night:
Anselmo Mendes Andreza Loureiro 2006 -- a few hours before dinner, w/ cheeses
Quinto de Cabriz Dão 2005 -- w/ lamb curry
Weingut Klaus Knobloch Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese 2000 -- later in the evening›4 Replies-
re: chriscatva
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re: chriscatva
misnatalie
Jun 2, 2008 11:17 AM
Thanks. Did you purchase the bottle at a retailer? If so where. I've been looking for a nice dessert wine.
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re: misnatalie
I bought it several years ago at a northern Virginia shop called Arrowine. In general you can find good buys in TBAs made from German grapes other than Riesling (ortega, scheurebe, huxelrebe). Wine specialty stores -- or maybe the wine department at a store like Whole Foods -- may have some wines of this sort. And online shopping is a good option too.
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Yesterday afternoon, at a winery opening: Barrel Oak Winery Bowhaus White -- a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Seyval Blanc -- with a charcuterie plate. A nice light patio wine for a hot day here in Virginia.
Last night: With a hamburger, Quinto de Cabriz Dão 2005, a blend of Alfrocheiro, Tinta-Roriz (Tempranillo), and Touriga-Nacional. For dessert, Weingut Klaus Knobloch Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese 2000.
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I am drinking (literally) right now, a bottle of 2003 Jose de Sousa Alentejano. I am a wine newbie, at least at the level of intellectualizing the whole experience, and I am extremely impressed with the velvety ambery richness of the wine, especially for the price (I think I paid 18 bucks including tax, and this is in monopolistic Quebec, you can get much better deals anywhere else). I can't seem to stop drinking it, despite getting drunker and drunker every moment. I am trying to crack the code of why I like this wine. Too bad, I am left with the whole bottle since partner is not a big drinker, or should I say thank god?
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Itsas Mendi Txakoli 2006, a Spanish white from the Basque region, made with the Hondarrabi Zuri grape -- with fried oysters. Lots of citrus, medium body, fairly complex. An interesting wine, and one I'd drink again. (I'm doing this thing where you try to taste a lot of different grapes, so going for unusual ones to add to my list.)
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re: chriscatva
TBird
May 24, 2008 03:29 PM
thursday night:
2005 M. Chapoutier St. Joseph Blanc Les Granits<---huge with tasty dose of vanilla
2006 Domaine Yves Cuilleron St. Joseph Lyzeras Blanc<----minerally and sulpheric which blew off after awhile
1998 Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie<---earthy but not really my style
2001 Porter Creek Syrah Timbervine Ranch<----ringer and easily indentified as such. what a NICE wine. seriously.
2001 Les Vignobles Levet Côte-Rôtie La Chavaroche<--what i brought and lovely doses of pepper and meat. kind of oily, in a good way.
2006 Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30<---brilliant notes of cherry.tuesday night:
2005 Meßmer Burrweiller Schawer Riesling Kabinett trocken
2006 Kutch Pinot Noir Russian River Valleymystery wine(easily nailed by yours truly)
1999 Joseph Drouhin Maranges 1er Cru<--sucked ass and i brought it
1999 Domaine Joblot Givry 1er Cru Clos du Cellier Aux Moines<---thin and useless
1999 Henri Perrot-Minot Morey St. Denis 1er Cru La Riotte Vieilles Vignes<---closed tight
1999 Frédéric Magnien Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Clos Baulet Cuvée Unique,----corked
1999 Domain Arlaud Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Les Ruchots<---finally! delicious
1999 Domaine Arlaud Gevrey-Chambertin Les Combottes Cuvée Unique<---ended on a great note. wotn. delicioussunday night:
2006 Viñedos de Nieva Sauvignon Blanc Rueda Blanco Nieva<---appetizer!
1997 Pezzi King Cabernet Sauvignon
1997 T-Vine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
1997 Bookster Cabernet Sauvignon
1985 Gustave Niebaum Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
1995 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon
1985 Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 M2 Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 6last friday night:
1997 R. López de Heredia Rioja Rosado Viña Tondonia
1967 Marcarini Barolo Brunate
1987 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Chalone
1997 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
1997 Kanonkop Estate Paul Sauer
1997 Domaine Armand Rousseau Père et Fils Charmes-Chambertin
1997 Biasca Merlot
1977 Warre Porto Vintage
2000 Château Yon-Figeac plusmy liver needs a break.
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Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos Bierzo 2006, with steak salad. This is a really nice wine, made with 100% Mencia grapes. It reminds me a bit of cab franc, with with darker fruit and more mineral (and probably less spiciness than many cab francs). I opened this bottle a few days ago and it's even better than at first.
Later I expect to have a glass of La Grange Snort 2006 (a port-style wine from Virginia's Winery at La Grange, made from Touriga Nacional & Tannat) -- with chocolate cake.
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re: chriscatva
njfoodies
May 22, 2008 06:19 PM
2005 Taz Fiddlestix pinot noir. YUM! Notes at: http://jerseyfoodies.blogspot.com/200...
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Robert Hobbs
May 22, 2008 02:38 PM
Had a few glasses of J Lohr's Seven Oaks Cabernet last night. Love the stuff.
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re: ibstatguy
Beach Chick
May 21, 2008 10:32 PM
Too weird..
I'm drinking an '03 Ridge Lytton West Syrah..it's really good.
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At a very special tasting, I got to experience probably the best wines of my life. Sorry sir, that spit bucket is unnecessary, and if I may, a tad insulting. The lineup:
1. Champagne Salon, Le Mesnil 1996
2. Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Remoissenet Père et Fils, "Diamond Jubilee" 1997
3. Leon Beyer Gewürztraminer, Cuvée de Comtes d'Eguisheim 1988
4. Chambolle-Musigny, 1er Cru, Robert Groffier et Fils, "Amoureuses" 1988
5. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Dom. du Vieux Télégraphe, 1985
6. Pauillac, Ch. Mouton-Rothschild 1998
7. Maury, Vin Doux Naturel, 1925(!)Everything was fantastic. The Salon was my favorite, no surprise given my personal love of champagne, and I'll be singing its praises 'til kingdom come. That said, it is incredibly young and cellaring can only help. The Mouton was young as well, a little closed, and probably needs another 5-10 years before it's really ready. The Télégraphe was in great shape and is at its peak now, according to our host who recently shared a meal with Mssr. Brunier. The Corton and the Chambolle were, IMO, both drinking at peak, and glorious reminders to myself: patience! The Beyer gewurz was the only relative disappointment, only because I loved the other wines. Nevertheless, it was intense and long, and vibrant for its age.
If only every night could be like this....
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re: Bill Hunt
Yeah, I have to admit my dumb luck. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I had never been to a tasting where so many great, well-aged wines were featured. And we were very fortunate to have an extremely knowledgeable and generous host who provided the right spectrum of wines, each drinking at the proper time window.
OTOH, Bill, if you're ever in NYC, lemme know. If you happen to be here when the next tasting takes place, I think I might be able to sneak you in =)
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njfoodies
May 20, 2008 09:29 AM
Unfortunately I'm stuck in the office and had to resort to Coke at the moment. =) -mJ
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re: njfoodies
Robert Hobbs
May 20, 2008 09:46 AM
Has anyone ever tried Earthquake Cabernet? I recently had a few glasses the other night and I really enjoy it.
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Catena Alta 2004 Malbec Mendoza. When I bought it, I did not know that Wine Spectator gave it the 23rd slot for its Top 100 Wines of 2007.
Beautiful wine - well balanced, lush with notes of dark berry, cedar and spice and a finish that never finishes. It just lingers on . . .
To me, it's a wine that almost any red wine drinker will like. Great fruit, but not jammy. Woody and spicy, but not overly so. Tannic, but not overly so. It is "medium" and balanced all the way through.
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Scargod
May 14, 2008 11:26 AM
Karl Ronne of The Wine Thief, in New Haven, CT, is an unusual guy. He waited on me personally yesterday and their selections are amazing. He buys from a distributor who seems to specialize in boutique wineries and smaller lots. You don't find much of his wines in bigger stores.
On his suggestion I bought a case of "Inaki", a 2005 red from Chile. This $15 bottle of "no name" red (meaning grapes are not listed) is phenominal for the price. If you can find it, give it twenty minutes to breathe, preferably in a carafe, and you will be rewarded with lush fruit and chocolate worthy of a wine at twice the price. -
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vickib
May 13, 2008 02:36 PM
Mother's Day: 2005 Cigale GSM Barossa. Nice Rhone earthiness. Mild barnyard funk, and fruit. This is a hit at my house.
Tonight I'm thinking of a 2006 Macon Solutre White Burg., or possibly an '06 Hugl Weine Gruner Veltliner. Or, like Chef June above, that Roederer Estate. It looks like I'm going to stop at the grocery store on the way home from work today for some fish.
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ibstatguy
May 12, 2008 09:35 AM
Sunday: '99 Les Pallieres Gigondas with grilled lamb. Nora Albarino and Leth Gruner Veltliner with a variety of cheeses.
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For mother's day brunch :
Champagne (moet-chandon)
2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape (served with BBQ ribs (not too sweet), roasted potatoes and roasted peppers).
2006 Domaine Du Moulin Cheverny (red) (served with cheeses, (laguiole, gouda and Pizy) and nuts, dates and salad)
Both wines (excluding champagne) were very good, the Charvin was typical, but not too overpowering, while the Cheverny was fresh and light and hold up well after the Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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2006 Torii Mor Oregon Pinot Noir. I actually opened it last night and had a small glass. Put the cork back in and am now drinking glass #2 (nice big one in a PN glass), day two is wonderful. Soft flavors, great PN. What is even better is I found it at the Scottsdale Costco for $24. Great Oregon PN for the money. I am liking these 2006's a bunch.
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re: ibstatguy
Not at all. This was the basic cuvée (Tradition). Monpertuis has another more expensive cuvée (Classique). Or maybe I have the names reversed. I managed to get it on sale at 25% off at $30. I've seen it regularly priced at around $35.
The wine itself was a good mix of rustic and a more modern style. Lots of earthy flavors, minerals, some black pepper. Dark raspberry flavors in the background. Medium-full bodied, good length. Compared to the '04, much fresher and better to drink now, but should have enough structure to cellar for awhile. It wasn't the best example of what the '05 Rhones have to offer, but a good QPR nevertheless.
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Fortunate enough to attend a Diageo tasting. The highlights...
1986 Beaulieu Georges de LaTour
1995 Beaulieu Georges de LaTour
1995 Sterling SVR
1997 Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
2004 Ch. Haut-Brion
2004 Ch. Margaux
2004 Ch. Lafite Rothschild
2004 Domaine de Bonserine Côte-Rôtie, La Sarrasine
2004 Rosenblum Syrah, Reserve, Kick Ranch, Sonoma County
It was my first experience with the first growths. Quite nice with wonderful complex aromas, but dare I say overrated? And also not nearly ready to drink for at least a few years.The 86 Georges de LaTour was incredibly fresh for a wine that age. I wonder how many CA cabernets will be able to claim that in 20 years.
But my favorite was the Rosenblum Kick Ranch Syrah. Let's hope his wines don't change after the acquisition.
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Swine and Vine tonight!
Or otherwise known as Pinot and pork. Two bottles of 2006 Oregon Shea Estate Pinot Noir, one bottle of 2006 Oregon Tori Morr Pinot Noir, will start decanting and using my Wine Swirl in an hour or two. Maybe sooner, the ribs are on now and I should be tasting as I cook.
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wineguy7
Apr 12, 2008 11:39 AM
Non-vintage Kitma Tselepos Amalia Brut Methode Traditionelle. Made from the Moschofilero grape, this has to be one of the driest sparkling wines I've ever had.
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re: wineguy7
TBird
Apr 22, 2008 05:17 PM
2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé
2005 Vital Vineyards Pinot Noir
2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2005 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Botella
2005 Kenneth Volk Pinot Noir Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
2006 Claiborne and Churchill Pinot Noir
2006 Adelsheim Pinot Noir
2006 Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Pinot Noir Cork Dancer 6.1 Santa Barbara County
2006 Hayman & Hill Pinot Noir Reserve Selection No. 41 Santa Lucia Highlands
2006 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir
2006 Babcock Pinot Noirstandouts were the KB, the seasmoke & the claiborne & churchill.
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re: TBird
Domaine Schlumberger 2003 Pinot Gris. Nice mineral on the nose and tongue. Some nice stone fruit. As one would expect, the acid was medium plus.
I live in Texas. It gets hot here. It was pretty hot today. As I was grilling, simple monkfish medallions, my wine warmed considerably. Interestingly, the wine continued to show well as its temperature continued to rise. An excellent, moderately priced summer wine.
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wineguy7
Apr 10, 2008 09:58 PM
2004 La Madura Saint-Chinian Classic. 30% Grenache, 39 % Carignan, 15 % Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre.
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re: ibstatguy
wineguy7
Apr 11, 2008 04:16 PM
Here's their website: http://www.lamadura.com/en/index.php
This wine has lovely floral aromas. Tannins are there, but silky, and has excellent spice and minerality as well as great depth and purity of fruit.
I think I paid around $18/bottle.I purchased this wine from an interesting shop in San Francisco called Terroir.
Here's their location:
1116 Folsom street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone (415) 558-9946
http://terroirsf.com/
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My latest gem from Trader Joe's. The 2005 Epicuro Aglianico ($5). I've grabbed a couple cases. Get some for yourself if you can!
Cheers!
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TiaRaye
Mar 6, 2008 04:42 PM
Tonight I grabbed a bottle of Domaine Chandon Chardonnay. ($18.00 at B.J.'s) I'm pretty much a newbie, so I pretty much just grab whatever catches my eye and taste away!
Anyway, something is bothering me about this wine, and I can't put it into words. I think maybe the alcohol is out of balance. The more I swirl it around and try to pinpoint the flavors, it seems I can only tast the heat.
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Finally I bought some wine off a recommendation from the Board. WOW...I'm speechless. I'm a BIG fan of cult Bordeaux wines. It was a 2003 Chateau Le Puy Cuvee Barthelemy (100% Biodynamic & Organic). This wine is an incredible example of terroir! Soft tannins with a super long finish and a complex nose of currants ripe fruit and hints of coco.
The guy who recommended it said it was hard to find in Los Angeles. I had no problem finding this wine. Actually, I stumbled across a really cool website that specializes in French wines and they delivered it to me next day.
Check out: http://www.aocwines.com. $100 a bottle.
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re: mengathon
TBird
Feb 23, 2008 06:56 AM
monday night at a malbec, $10-20 evening:
2005 Clos La Coutale Cahors
2006 Tomero Malbec
2006 Gouguenheim Malbec
2002 Le Combal Cahors
2005 Bodega Sur de los Malbec Gran Reserva
2005 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec
2006 Bodega Renacer Malbec Punto Final (x’s 2 – duplicate)
2005 Bodega Renacer Malbec Punto Final Reserva (x’s 2 – duplicate)tuesday nights cold climate aussie night:
2004 Berry's Bridge Shiraz
2002 Berry's Bridge Shiraz
2003 Tintara Shiraz Reserve
2005 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz Lieu dit Malakoff
1999 Greenock Creek Shiraz Apricot Block
2004 Wild Duck Creek Shiraz Springflat
2004 Heathcote II Shiraz
N.V. Yalumba Antique Tawny Museum Reservewednesday night lounging:
2006 The Bitch Grenache
2004 Jacob's Creek Shiraz Reservethursday night italian gala at the marriot marquee:
about 250 different italians, too many for notes.last night lounging:
2006 Razor's Edge Shiraztonight long island otbn:
i am considering bringing 3 of these, please feel free to help me pick:
2001 Herb Lamb Cabernet Sauvignon EII Napa Valley Red Wine
2000 Château La Fleur de Jaugue
2003 Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Mason's
2004 M2 Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 6
2004 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Cohn
2005 McPrice Myers Grenache L'Ange Rougeothers are bringing:
98 almaviva
93 don mechlor
99 insignia
99 Araujomy liver hurts.
:-)
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Icantread
Feb 22, 2008 05:46 AM
have a bottle of 2003 Domaine Alfred Morrito PN I'm nervous about opening this weekend. Meanwhile I've been on the zin binge, with Marrieta, Hendry Block 28(?) 2002, Titus 2003, The Prisoner (2005 and 2006). Notable exceptions Mauro 2004, Scholium Project Naucratis 2006 and Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2002(just me or very sweet for sauvignon blanc? paired nicely with dinners though)
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vickib
Feb 18, 2008 06:08 PM
Iron Horse Rose Brut 2003. The nose and flavors are very deep. I got meat, red berries, and mango, both on the nose and in the mouth, with a long finish. I served it with sirloin just seasoned with salt and pepper, and berries for dessert. It did completely different things with the meat and berries, but worked well with each. This is a very big sparkler. The color is a deep coral salmon. It's very different than any other sparkler/Champagne I've ever had.
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ibstatguy
Feb 18, 2008 03:40 PM
shared the following champagnes over lunch today at Currant in San Diego: '98 Pol Roger rose, Larmandier-Bernier rose and Louis Barthelemy rose. All were very good and all were quite distinct from the others. a great way to spend the afternoon with 3 good friends
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2005 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage, ABV 13%
Was supposed to have this over Thanksgiving, but drank a JL Chave Silène instead, which was fine, at the time...
The color was dark purple, with an almost inky density. And wow, what a nose! So complex. Dark raspberry, chocolate, bacon fat, coffee, grilled herbs (rosemary?), with the crushed black pepper just blasting away. In the mouth, the wine medium-full, with flavors of black olives emerging. The finish is long, vibrant, and begs you to take another sip. The flavors of black pepper and the minerals, especially, just sing on the nose, in the palate, and throughout the finish. This wine would be great with a steak au poivre.
Overall, this Graillot is a fabulous bargain at ~$30, and if it's at all indicative of how the '05 Rhônes are drinking now, there's little chance I'll be able to keep myself from drinking them as soon as I buy them. I'm glad I have a second bottle but it's unlikely it'll last very long. This is exactly what I want in a Northern Rhône.
And oolah, if you're reading this... I'd just open one now, especially if you have a couple stored away. And you could certainly cellar it for awhile, but personally, I enjoyed the tannins and the structure as they are now. Or maybe they just went well with my ribeye. I would also recommend that you not decant this wine, as after just a few minutes in the glass, the wine was at its peak, at least to me. The first glass v. 2 hour decant v. the next day? The first glass was still the best to me. Enjoy!
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re: mengathon
oolah
Feb 15, 2008 09:24 AM
Wow, thank you for these notes. I only have one bottle, unfortunately, but from your description, I'll be drinking it soon. It sounds wonderful. I had a 99 Graillot a few years ago and it's still one of my favorite wines -- this one may top it.
Le Du has a magnum of the Graillot La Guiraude at the *not* bargain price of $125, but if you've got the storage space for it, it might be worthwhile.
http://www.leduwines.com/sku000000009...-
re: oolah
The '03 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Thalabert was my previous favorite, but this was at least just as good. Quite different styles; it'd be fun to compare the two side by side.
Thanks for the tip about Le Du. I like their selections, but their prices are, as you point, um, terrifying. The Bollinger Special Cuvée they have for $60 can usually be found for around $40.
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re: mengathon
Thanks for the note. I'm happy to have 5 of these but am trying to keep my hands off them for a little longer. Have you tried the Crozes-Hermitage from Alain's son Maxime? Also excellent but harder to find. Domaine de Lises http://www.skurnikwines.com/prospects...
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scrappydog
Jan 30, 2008 10:14 AM
Last Saturday night, a cold rainy SOCAL evening at home, with a mediterranian chicken stew, Coya Malbec 2004, Oakville, Napa Valley. Actually a great match, but it would pair well with grilled steak also. We did not decant; poured it straight from the bottle. The wine appeared near perfect, as best I can tell. Deep garnet color, smooth and supple with a moderate fruit (blueberry / plum) presence. 14.5% abv. Recommended by a trusted wine shop owner. We generally do not drink a lot of Malbec, and usually look to Argentina when shopping for Malbec, but this wine was excellent. I would buy it again.
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ibstatguy
Jan 30, 2008 09:29 AM
From last Saturday, tasting notes kept by my friend Marty as the evening progressed:
'90 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill: Bright, rich and expressive on the nose and palate. Seemingly the most mature and ready of the three. Lovely champagne.
'90 Bollinger RD: Reticent and dense on the nose and palate. Like a big coiled spring that will take years to unfurl. Should be great, but when?
'90 Krug: Intense and mouth filling. It finishes with a whiplash of minerally, mealy fruits. Oh my! Notwithstanding the line up reds to follow, this was hard to leave.
Reds: '78 Camille Giroud NSG Les Cazetiers -- pretty, fully mature Burgundy; '96 Chevillon NSG Les Pruliers -- still deep, dark and needing time, but really good; '03 Potel Chambertin -- others liked it, but not for me, although way to young to know where this may go; '82 Cerbaiona Brunello -- in its prime and delicious; '90 Salvioni Brunello -- not ready and not as good as the latter, at least right now; '89 Giacosa Falletto Riserva -- absolutely gorgeous, and just about reason enough for leaving the Krug; '70 Taylor Port
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2001 Paumanok Assemblage, North Fork, Long Island, 13% ABV
44% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 21% cabernet franc
Bottle was a little over the hill. Not bad, but nothing special. I'm sticking to their whites.NV Champagne Aubry
60% pinot meunier, 20% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay
Wow, probably the best NV brut, non-rosé champagne I've had at the entry level, less than $40. At $30, this blows away any of the large houses at the same price range. Gorgeous color of gold, with hues of pink. The nose was full of biscuit and toasted bread, with subdued fruit. The bubbles were fine, smooth, and just melts in your mouth perfectly. Awesome value.A belated New Year's Resolution: Drink as many grower-producers as I can.
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The holidays brought a lot of merriment to my household. A sampling of what we have drunk over the past month:
2004 Calera Ryan's Vineyard pinot noir - Lovely. Not super complex but very drinkable. With dinner at NOPA.
2003 Eponymous red bordeaux blend - Delicious! I think the brand new vintages sell for like $20? This was $65. Definitely a buy now, drink later.
I picked up some Edmund St. John Bone-Jolly for around $19. My boyfriend, a big fan of Beaujolais, hates it. I hate beaujolais, but thought this wine was okay. I think though it would be better in five years, not to soften any tannins but to develop complexity. It does however have a very peculiar odor to my nose. Lots of violets, in an excessively perfumey kind of way.
2003 Chateau Faure-Beausejour: our go-to, wallet-friendly Bordeaux. Rich, deep, delicious, and about $13.
2004 Mt. Veeder Winery cabernet sauvignon. We almost ruined this by pouring it into a decanter still coated with a veneer of dishwashing liquid (of the lavender aromatherapy variety). Luckily, we only decanted half and were able to enjoy the deep luscious fruit of this wine in clean, non-soapy glasses. Cost $33.99 at a Long’s drugstore. (Only in the Bay Area.) For the price though, you can get better.
2004 Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois, cuvee vignals. Somewhat musty and earthy on the nose with a very palatable raisiny fruit in the mouth. Lightweight without being austere, owing to respectable tannins. We love this stuff. $18.
My favorite wine of the last two months, however, has to be the Domaine Serene Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley. $35. It is a bigger pinot, but utter heaven.
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NV Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs. Prefer this to the regular brut.
2004 Cline Mourvedre, Ancient Vines, Contra Costa. Eh. Not bad, but not interesting either.
2006 Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir. Yummy and complex. Beautiful after 10 minutes in the glass. Cantaloupes, strawberries, chestnuts, all there from the nose to the finish. My favorite non-champage rosé.
2006 Quady Muscat, Electra. okay, not a real wine with the added acids. but tasty nonetheless.›1 Reply -
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Saturday night
Opus One 2000, excellent chewy and firm. I consistently underrate this wine because it tends to be one the non-wine drinkers buy to impress, but I must admit it was execllent
Pahlmeyer Merlot 2002, excellent fruit, good balance, delicious
Ch. Le Bon Pastuer 1989, wonderful nose, great merlot flavor aging nicely. -
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re: wineguy7
As I sit here web surfing, with a bowl of minestrone: Frogtown Propaganda, a Bordeaux-style red blend from Lumpkin County, Georgia -- lots better than it probably sounds :-). (I had an opportunity to purchase leftover bottles from the Eastern Seaboard Vinifera Winegrowers' Association competition at a very reasonable price.)
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2005 Rosenblum Heritage Clones Petite Syrah. Pepper and blackberry on the palate. Paired very nicely with the braised lamb shanks.
~Eddie
http://oeno.blogspot.com -
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A few from over the weekend...
'05 Porter Creek Old Vine Zinfandel - cracked one over Thanksgiving that was an off-bottle. This time a much better experience, but it took over an hour for this to open up. Definitely my least favorite varietal from this producer.
'05 Domaine de la Solitude CDR - closed at first, but then opened up and was quite tasty. Nice acidity, mild tannins and very enjoyable right now.
'05 Mas de Boislauzon CDR - I love the CDPs from this producer and was eager to try their CDR. Unfortunately, this bottle needs more time. IMO, it's still overly tannic and even though a few hours of aeration helps soften the wine, I think this one will show brilliantly in a few years.
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re: vinosnob
We drank our Porter Creek Carignane with Thanksgiving dinner. Also took an hour or two to open, and to my palate was still tight as a screw in the end. But folks seemed to enjoy it with rich food. We are aging the rest of our shipment for at least three years.
Before that, we took a little trip to Anderson Valley. The bounty:
- 2005? Esterlina cabernet sauvignon, Russian River. Nice and rich in berries, but not terribly complex.
- 2006 Navarro gewurztraminer. Killer as usual.
- 2006 Navarro "cluster select" late harvest gewurz.
- 2005 Londer pinot noir, Anderson Valley. From memory: big and spicy.
- 2003 Toulouse pinot noir, Anderson Valley. Not to be missed! Aging nicely. An almost aristocratic blend that may please those looking for Burgundy-style wines in California. The reserve is good, too, but honestly, the non-reserve is just as delicious.
- Germain-Robin brandy. Light, delicate, intoxicating. And almost gone!Random wines we've downed of late:
- 2006 Seaview Brut sparkling wine, Australia
- 2004 Sinskey Merlot. Yummy, but not merlot. Almost a third? cabernet in formulation, and frankly 100% cab in the mouth.
- 2006 Sinskey rose. Undrinkably bad. Like rotten strawberries. (Vin gris is always good though.)
- 2006 Man Chardonnay. Cheap, clean, good acid. Butter-free.-
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re: The Chowfather AKA sobe
You know, I usually suggest Navarro pinots (or a certain few from Oregon). They are not heavy, not terribly expensive, and they are reliably good (but not nearly as good as Toulouse).
I should add that Toulouse pinot really varies year to year, which is something you pick up on in the vertical tasting and is due mostly to the fact that they've only got so many grapes and cannot blend their way to a consistent type of wine each year. I love that though, because then the vintage really means something. For instance, the 2003, so fragile and beautiful, is totally different than the 2005, which is much bolder and bigger. From talking to the winemaker, I suspect that he may try and continue in this latter vein. I hope he doesn't (too big!), but that may be his taste.
Other pinot noirs I've recently enjoyed (Oregon): Chehalem 3 vineyards pinot noir. Always Beaux Freres. Can't say I love Rex Hill. I've tried, and I done quit it.
I did have a very interesting New York state wine (raided Vintage Wines in Soho of all their half bottles) and came away with some appreciation for the Wolffer La Ferme Martin merlot. It is a refreshing 12.8 percent alcohol, which is so hard to find except in French wines, I find.
Anyhow, good luck! And if you want Toulouse, you can buy it cheaper at K&L wines than you can at the vineyard!
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re: iwantmytwodollars
FYI wine spectator gave the 05 91 points. I ordered some of the 03 and the 05. Looking forward to both
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Dai...
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Frodnesor
Dec 1, 2007 10:15 PM
Past few weeks ->
Bokisch Garnacha Lodi 05(?)
J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 04
Chateau Tour Simard St. Emilion 99
Preston (Dry Creek) Barbera Cavallo Block 05
Giacomo Vico Barbera d'Alba 04
Penner Ash Willamette Valley Pinot 05
Seghesio Marian's Reserve Blend (zin petite sirah carignane) 04
Bruno Biacosa Barbera d'Alba 04
Gary Farrell Starr Ridge RRV Pinot 04
Preston (Dry Creek) Old Vine Zin 05
Dominus Napanook 03Have notes on some of these if anyone's interested.
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re: Frodnesor
cassis
Dec 3, 2007 05:05 AM
May I ask where you purchased the Giacomo Vico Barbera d'Alba 04? I visit Piedmont every year and always enjoy their Barbera, spent a long afternoon at the vineyard in 2003, have finished up all but a 1999 I brought back, but have never found it for sale here in the Boston area.
Thanks!
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