The Queen and I, along with Pinot Envy and Mr. PE, had the distinct pleasure of visiting Victorville, Ca., on Saturday. We took part in HDW's monthly Saturday tasting, went back to the High Desert Wine Emporium for a little more tasting and then had dinner at the Cask and Cleaver along with a bunch of his friends and customers.
HDW's generousity was simply incredible as he went above and beyond with samples of some of his finest bottles, including 2002 9 and S2, Lewis merlot, a special bottle of Clarendon Hills shiraz, etc., etc. Pinot Envy brought along a 1997 Pride reserve that just put the finishing touch on a wonderful day and evening.
Thanks to HDW and the Mrs. PE and the Mr. Days like Saturday are what make this such a very special place.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

I couldn't agree more KoH. That was one fantastic group you were with. Great people. Sounds great! Makes me want to head back to SoCal.

Joe

All the wines showed well... Let's not forget the 2 bottles of the 2001 Walter Hansel Chardonnay, Cuvee Alyce (Parker 97 points) -- what a sublime Chardonnay!

The one that really impressed me (once again) was the Marquis-Philips 2002 "9"; dang, it don't git much better than that!

highdesertwine

Agreed on both HDW. The 9 was off the charts, considering the price. And the Walter Hansel was sublime.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

Agreed on both HDW. The 9 was off the charts, considering the price. And the Walter Hansel was sublime. I propose we do it again ASAP.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

Sounds like a great time. What do you guys think about the drikning window on the 9?

********
Yes, but I came here for an argument.

Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.

I defer to KoH and HDW on the drinking window on the "9", they are two Aussie lovin' winos!


and BTW- I am still not over the "Alyce Cuvee" incident!
(more to come on that!)

*********************************
"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"

The 2002 M-P 9 Shiraz is so darn good straight out of the bottle, my drinking window (to finish the bottle) is about 1/2 hour! With apologies to Oscar Robertson, they should rename this wine, "The Big O."

;-)

Seriously, I have had a bottle over a 10 hour period, and it was going just as strongly at the end as when I popped it. To me, this equates to a lifespan of at least 15 years.

But I don't see my last 6 bottles lasting more than 2 years, it is just so yummy now.

I hope this helped.

highdesertwine

Ouch....You were drinking great Marquis Phillips on the 23rd and didn't remember to call Lady Toetag to wish her Happy Birthday. I guess the bottle of Integrity I was holding for you will head back to the cooler.

BTW, have you all tasted the 2001 Pride Cab? It has the same finish as the 1997 Insignia. And as usual it is no where to be found.

SIP SIP HOOREY

See you in March

You are right about the 2001 Pride.... Also the 2001 Neal....

They are resting comfortably in my cellar...

:-)

highdesertwine

Hi HDW,

I have not tried the Walter Hansel and was wondering what the style is like.
Thanks!

red4life

King,
When are you and the QUEEN comin back to AZ to experience some true Southwestern Hospitality??
Huff Daddy & Sugar Daddy

As I understand it, the Walter Hansel property is right next door to the Kistler Estate.

Imagine the depth and complexity of the best Kistlers, but with a honeyed lightness and purity more reminiscent of the best White Burgundies. Complexity and seamlessness are adjectives that quickly come to mind. The finish seems to build and echo for over a minute.

My reaction to this wine is not unlike the first time I tried the 1990 Ch. d'Yquem. Each sip compels the next one, as new aromas, flavors, and textures are found.

I hope that this is helpful. King, Queen, PE -- what say you??

highdesertwine

sds,
The question is, when are you and the missus coming to NO?
And oh by the way, my cousin will moving in the next year or so, so we'll take advantage of her hospitality soon we hope.

AND I could not believe how good the 9 was right out of the bottle.

Finally, happy birthday Missy. and A-Team I'll deliver you Integrity at the end of March.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

Well R4L-
If I had not been scammed by a retailer in Palm Desert (still waiting for a formal response before I post my RANT!!) , I would bring one to dinner with you and Bev....however.....


Anyhow, about the "Alyce" everything HDW said, you know me, not usually moved by Chards but near the end of the evening someone had about 2 oz remaining in a glass, I don't even know who it belonged to but I snagged it and downed it!
More honied and brighter then most Kistler Chards!
Great juice!

*********************************
"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"

quote:

---

Imagine the depth and complexity of the best Kistlers, but with a honeyed lightness and purity more reminiscent of the best White Burgundies. Complexity and seamlessness are adjectives that quickly come to mind. The finish seems to build and echo for over a minute.

My reaction to this wine is not unlike the first time I tried the 1990 Ch. d'Yquem. Each sip compels the next one, as new aromas, flavors, and textures are found.

---

Doesn't get more poetic than that! For a Chardonnay, it was spectacular.

Thanks, HDW & Missus, for a great, great time. We had so much fun meeting your friends, visiting your shop and breaking bread, playing telephone and sharing Mud Pie.

Now don't go taking this the wrong way, , but the look on PE's face while indulging in that massage was priceless. I rather enjoyed mine too.

PE, it must have been my sister's last sips of Chard. Or was that the glass that went flying across the table?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://seattle.vinocellar.com

Sounds like a great time and good wines.

Thanks all!

Sounds great, now where to find some .

red4life

I didn't know relaxtion during a massage was mandatory..geesh!

hey R4L-
good news on the Alyce, I will be bringing a bottle to dinner!
The Palm Desert wine store made good on their promise...yay!
....they just needed a little encouragement from HDW and the powers that be

*********************************
"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"

Awesome, i was thinking of bringing the '97 Pahlmeyer red to balance out the evening...

We are so looking forward to having dinner with the two of you.

red4life

HDW,
Since i have such a great deal of respect for your palate, i was wondering if you have tried either of the '02 Aubert Chardonnay's and if so what your impressions were? If not then i will have some soon and hopefully we can hook up to try some.

red4life

Pinot Envy....

Glad to hear you liked the Alyce!

R4L....

If you have any "bit" of desire to stock a phenomenal chardonnay (97-100 pts. in my book), I would not hesitate to call the winery. They still have some of this and their other bottlings left. They will put you on the mailing list and send you an order form. At $34 (even $75-100), you CANNOT BEAT IT!!!!!!

-DRAB

So much wine.....so little time!!!

You always have such kind things to say... I appreciate it!

However, Aubert is one of those wines I really enjoy, but don't have access to through distribution. By all means, let's get together and have a party!

But I'll be pretty busy for the next 6 weeks. I'm doing quadruple duty between my wineshop, newsletter, winegroup, and directing an international wine competition.

highdesertwine

Dang, it's just past 9:00am and yall got me drooling over here!

A curse on all of yous!