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April 2020 - What are you drinking?

sunnylea57sunnylea57Member

A virtual Northern Rhone tasting last night with w+a, VinT and bman. A few other forumites joined the festivities a bit later including otw, gman, bomba, xhoser and basecadet.

My contribution: 2011 M. Chapoutier Le Meal Blanc

Deep golden honey colour. Delicious and beautifully balanced. Honeydew melon, pear, vanilla, almond paste, and a judicious level of waxiness.

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vintvintMember

I found a 2012 Domaine Durand Cornas Empreintes in the cellar. Apparently I never recorded the purchase so it was a happy discovery. 

Decanted forabout 90 minutes and this exceeded expectations by a wide margin.  Blood & rusty iron on the nose but lithe and silky on the palate with a lingering finish  Wish I had more, because this will only get better from here.  

winetarelliwinetarelliMember
sunnylea57 posted:

A virtual Northern Rhone tasting last night with w+a, VinT and bman. A few other forumites joined the festivities a bit later including otw, gman, bomba, xhoser and basecadet.

My contribution: 2011 M. Chapoutier Le Meal Blanc

Deep golden honey colour. Delicious and beautifully balanced. Honeydew melon, pear, vanilla, almond paste, and a judicious level of waxiness.

IMG_0356

  Sounds wonderful.

 

For me:

2018 Clos St Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

winetarelliwinetarelliMember
vinoevelo posted:
winetarelli posted:

2016 Domaine de Trevallon. (French Alps)

Ive heard good things but never had one - what do you think of winetarelli?

It was interesting.  It's a Syrah/Cabernet blend but I would say it doesn't show any one varietal character.  Could have also been a Mourvedre by fruit profile.  Jammy purple fruit, but not overripe in flavor profile.  (13% ABV, I believe.). Some Loire-like Miracle Grow minerality along with a hint of Rhone funk.  The palate was better than the nose or finish.  (The nose was reticent and a bit monolithic in its purple fruit and hint of asphalt; the finish was a bit monolithic and shorter than ideal.)  I can definitely see drinking this with hearty red meat dishes -- seems appropriate it hails from the Alps.  @$60, I don't know that I would buy this again, though.  It isn't in the same league as, for example, Charvin CDP, or Faury Cote-Rotie, imo.

Last edited by winetarelli
steve8steve8Member
sunnylea57 posted:

A virtual Northern Rhone tasting last night with w+a, VinT and bman. A few other forumites joined the festivities a bit later including otw, gman, bomba, xhoser and basecadet.

My contribution: 2011 M. Chapoutier Le Meal Blanc

Deep golden honey colour. Delicious and beautifully balanced. Honeydew melon, pear, vanilla, almond paste, and a judicious level of waxiness.

 

Sounds great. I have a bottle each of the 2010 and 2012 so you're tempting me to open one. I should have joined in on the tasting.

Last edited by steve8
A azwieseMember
csm posted:

2016 Chave st Joseph Offerus.  Delicious. 

We had this wine (different vintage) at a cool restaurant/bar in Paris called Cafe L'abattoir a few years ago.  Whenever I see it, I'll buy a bottle or two.  I don't know if it's the sentimental side of me thinking it was a fun evening and loving the wine since, or if it is just a dang good wine, but I really enjoy this bottling every time I drink it.  

patespo1patespo1Member

Last two weeks:

2012 Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay

2016 Two Wolves Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Robert Mondavi I Block Fume Blanc

2012 No Girls Syrah

2011 SQN The Moment

2005 Chateau Rayas Reserve

2017 Elizabeth Spencer Rose of Pinot Noir

2015 Louis Michel & Fils Montmain Chablis Premier Cru

2012 Slantwalk Malbec Riserva

2004 Clos Des Papes CdP

1984 Chateau Lafite

2000 Castello Banfi Brunello 

The Antica Terra or SQN the Moment were the best of the White wines, while the Rayas was clearly the best red.  Unfortunately the Lafite was DOA, I don't remember where I sourced it so not sure how it was stored.  

Looking over the list I'm realizing I need to open some bubbles.  

Since the kids don't have to be up early for school, and it's quiet around the office, we seem to be enjoying our cellar much more than we normally do.  Silver lining I suppose. 

vinoevelovinoeveloMember
winetarelli posted:
vinoevelo posted:
winetarelli posted:

2016 Domaine de Trevallon. (French Alps)

Ive heard good things but never had one - what do you think of winetarelli?

It was interesting.  It's a Syrah/Cabernet blend but I would say it doesn't show any one varietal character.  Could have also been a Mourvedre by fruit profile.  Jammy purple fruit, but not overripe in flavor profile.  (13% ABV, I believe.). Some Loire-like Miracle Grow minerality along with a hint of Rhone funk.  The palate was better than the nose or finish.  (The nose was reticent and a bit monolithic in its purple fruit and hint of asphalt; the finish was a bit monolithic and shorter than ideal.)  I can definitely see drinking this with hearty red meat dishes -- seems appropriate it hails from the Alps.  @$60, I don't know that I would buy this again, though.  It isn't in the same league as, for example, Charvin CDP, or Faury Cote-Rotie, imo.

Thanks!  Some of these non-traditional wines offer some great value for what they are, but like you, I'd be buying Faury & Charvin, or Granges des Peres, Ch. Simone and Tempier, at that point.   

vinoevelovinoeveloMember

2018 Domaine Ilarria Blanc - really interesting.  The nose is very floral with tropical fruit, while the palate has the florals but seems devoid of any fruit.  It's all floral/mineral/saline.  Mrs. VeV & I enjoyed it.  QPR isnt very good in our market though.

2016 Domaine Ilarria Rouge - Dark red fruit, good tannic structure but still medium bodied and fresh.  Rustic. Interesting again, especially for a tannat blend, but there's a lot of other wines that scratch that itch at half the price.  Will revisit again this evening.

 

The Old ManThe Old ManMember
bomba503 posted:

2012 Scarecrow

2015 Phelps Insignia

Both decanted 24 hours with my friend on his 60th birthday tonight. Both great and needed the 24 hours. First night out in a couple weeks and wasn't going to let the situation take away enjoying some great wine together. Of course, proper precautions taken 

Sitting outside at least six feet apart? No way I'm letting anyone into my house right now. Even my daughter stays outside.

billhikebillhikeMember
The Old Man posted:
bomba503 posted:

2012 Scarecrow

2015 Phelps Insignia

Both decanted 24 hours with my friend on his 60th birthday tonight. Both great and needed the 24 hours. First night out in a couple weeks and wasn't going to let the situation take away enjoying some great wine together. Of course, proper precautions taken 

Sitting outside at least six feet apart? No way I'm letting anyone into my house right now. Even my daughter stays outside.

That’s assuming anyone, including your daughter would even want to come over. 

The Old ManThe Old ManMember
billhike posted:
The Old Man posted:
bomba503 posted:

2012 Scarecrow

2015 Phelps Insignia

Both decanted 24 hours with my friend on his 60th birthday tonight. Both great and needed the 24 hours. First night out in a couple weeks and wasn't going to let the situation take away enjoying some great wine together. Of course, proper precautions taken 

Sitting outside at least six feet apart? No way I'm letting anyone into my house right now. Even my daughter stays outside.

That’s assuming anyone, including your daughter would even want to come over. 

I laughed. I actually do have people who put up with me, but not a lot. However I am friends with all my old girlfriends including my high-school girlfriend, my second high school girlfriend, my college girlfriend, two in between girlfriends, the girlfriend who I was with right before the woman I married, and my ex-wife. And all of them are friends with each other.

steve8steve8Member
The Old Man posted:
wineocd posted:

sounds like the basis for a sit-com   ...do a pilot  

We have visited each other in various combinations, including many years when I was still married to my wife. All just as friends--darn.

I can only assume that for the relationships to have endured that long you must not talk about film aspect ratios very often.

steve8steve8Member
ProSys posted:
fcs posted:

2009 Clos Rougeaud "Les Poteaux" Saumur Champigny

Tasty Red Burg...

Are you referring to the Clos Rougeard Les Poyeux?  If so, that’s a tasty Cab Franc from the Loire region.

And one which is pretty difficult to get, at least up here. Our wine monopoly gets limited quantities and I've been shutout each time I tried to get some. FCS I'd be interested to read your opinion of the 2009.

The Old ManThe Old ManMember
steve8 posted:
The Old Man posted:
wineocd posted:

sounds like the basis for a sit-com   ...do a pilot  

We have visited each other in various combinations, including many years when I was still married to my wife. All just as friends--darn.

I can only assume that for the relationships to have endured that long you must not talk about film aspect ratios very often.

They are all very well versed in the subject.

2010 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, too soon, but life can be too short.

billhikebillhikeMember
otw posted:
billhike posted:

I’m planning to open a 2010 Chateau Montlabert tonight.

Let me know what you think of it.  I found 6 bottles of the 1988 in the back corner of my wine cellar as I was packing up for our move.  Very little information available on this wine online.

Will do. Time to check on the first of three I have.

vintvintMember
billhike posted:
otw posted:
billhike posted:

I’m planning to open a 2010 Chateau Montlabert tonight.

Let me know what you think of it.  I found 6 bottles of the 1988 in the back corner of my wine cellar as I was packing up for our move.  Very little information available on this wine online.

Will do. Time to check on the first of three I have.

Same owners as Beycheville. Planted 80% merlot, 20% franc. Looks like a nice cellar defender.  OTW - will be fascinating to hear how the '88's held up. You might have unearthed a buried treasure. 

Chateau Montlabert website

More general info here from Wine Cellar Insider

otwotwMember
vint posted:
billhike posted:
otw posted:
billhike posted:

I’m planning to open a 2010 Chateau Montlabert tonight.

Let me know what you think of it.  I found 6 bottles of the 1988 in the back corner of my wine cellar as I was packing up for our move.  Very little information available on this wine online.

Will do. Time to check on the first of three I have.

Same owners as Beycheville. Planted 80% merlot, 20% franc. Looks like a nice cellar defender.  OTW - will be fascinating to hear how the '88's held up. You might have unearthed a buried treasure. 

Chateau Montlabert website

More general info here from Wine Cellar Insider

Thanks for doing so much research for me - much appreciated.  The Montlabert website is one of the better ones that I have seen.

Unfortunately, I can't find much around that dates before the ownership change in 2008.  The new owners obviously poured in a lot of effort and money when they took over which should have had an impact on the wine.  Still, the basic terroir is what it was back in 1988 and I suspect that the previous owners were as committed to making a good wine in its day.

I'll save a bottle to bring to one of our get-togethers whenever we get out of the current medical lockdown.

steve8steve8Member
otw posted:

Yesterday, before and during another virtual wine gathering:

  • 2004 Clos des Papes CdP
  • 2001 Fontodi Flaccianello
  • 2015 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis

...following which I slept very well.

April 12, 2020 9:05 am

How was the 04 Clos des Papes drinking? I still have a couple left after having mixed results with previous ones.

Last edited by steve8
winetarelliwinetarelliMember

2009 Alexandre Le Brun Dilection.  K&L direct rosé Champagne.  The 2007 "Fascination" is seriously killer $70 BdB.  This is similarly priced (I think this was $60 reduced from $80) but it is not at the same level.  Good, fruit forward (but not offensively so) some cranberry, orange rind, sourdough, red apple skins, limestone.  Absolutely fine for $60, but not a 'must purchase'.

otwotwMember
steve8 posted:
otw posted:

Yesterday, before and during another virtual wine gathering:

  • 2004 Clos des Papes CdP
  • 2001 Fontodi Flaccianello
  • 2015 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis

...following which I slept very well.

April 12, 2020 9:05 am

How was the 04 Clos des Papes drinking? I still have a couple left after having mixed results with previous ones.

You have lots of time.  It has a long life left in it.

A azwieseMember

Had some bottles of Kirkland NV Champagne leftover from my wife's mimosa get together from about a month ago.  Drank it while getting ready for Easter brunch.  Pretty tasty for the price.  Wouldn't hesitate to throw in some OJ, but can definitely be enjoyed solo as well.  

With brunch, a 2014 Bedrock Heritage and 1996 Faustino I Gran Reserva.  Both were excellent.  

bomba503bomba503Member

2004 Tantara Pinot Noir Evelyn

Their flagship bottling this was a label I loved before the original wine maker/owner split with his partner. The second of a 3 bottle auction lot. The first bottle I had several months ago was stewed prunes and dumped down the drain. This bottle was what I hoped for when I bought them. Drank like a well aged burgundy. Fingers crossed for #3

vintvintMember
Bytown Rick posted:
vint posted:

Tantalus Maija Pinot Noir 2017.

Love the Tantalus Riesling.  I order it directly from the winery.

When I was there last year I tasted through the entire red and white lineups but it was a case of whites I brought home. Half Chards, half Old Vine Rieslings. They'd all age well but I can't keep my hands off them.    

Last edited by vint
vinoevelovinoeveloMember

NV Suenen C+C BdB

NV Cedric Bouchard Val Vilane

1985 Castello di Nieve Barbaresco Santo Stefano

The Suenen was good but painfully young.  Needs a few years IMO.  The Bouchard, as always, was fantastic.  Such a vinous champagne.  Love it.  The Barbresco was an auction purchase and near the end of its life.  It had a nice orange/brown edge to it, showed good typicity once the intial funk blew off but quickly deteriorated with ever increasing oxidative notes in the decanter.  Not bad for a Tuesday.

 

winetarelliwinetarelliMember

2018 Willi Schaefer Wehlner Sonnenuhr Spatlese. 

Good, but slightly simple and lacking a touch of acid. Lots of Slate, Asian pear, green/yellow apple, some sulfer (but not oppressive).  Only let sown due to the extraordinary past experiences I’ve had with this — my favorite — German producer. (Not enough Egon-Muller, no Keller for producer comparison.)

steve8steve8Member

2005 Cuvée du Vatican, CdP, Réserve Sixtine

Drinking really well.

2015 Sadie Family, Grenache, Soldaat

Lighter bodied than I expected, but a very elegant version of grenache. Blind I might have guessed it was a new world pinot.

2007 Carpineta Fontalpino, IGT, Do Ut Des

I have several of these from different vintages, but for the value I should have bought more in strong vintages. Really delicious.

 

L longboarderMember

2003 Ramey Hudson Chardonnay - So I was going through the cellar and came across this behind an OWC. Figured it was way past it’s prime but decided to open it anyway. It had aged to a golden color which made me even more suspicious that it would be undrinkable. Boy was I wrong. If I had tasted this blind I would have guessed it to be a Batard Montrachet from a top producer. It actually improved in the glass. Biggest surprise ever for a CA Chardonnay. Wish I would have found more. 

winetarelliwinetarelliMember
longboarder posted:

2003 Ramey Hudson Chardonnay - So I was going through the cellar and came across this behind an OWC. Figured it was way past it’s prime but decided to open it anyway. It had aged to a golden color which made me even more suspicious that it would be undrinkable. Boy was I wrong. If I had tasted this blind I would have guessed it to be a Batard Montrachet from a top producer. It actually improved in the glass. Biggest surprise ever for a CA Chardonnay. Wish I would have found more. 

Wow!  Shocking, but good for you!

Ramey definitely does make very good  CA Chard within its style category.  This reminds me of easily, easily the best CA Chardonnay I ever had which was a similarly aged Marcassin.

 

Last edited by winetarelli
G g-manMember
winetarelli posted:
longboarder posted:

2003 Ramey Hudson Chardonnay - So I was going through the cellar and came across this behind an OWC. Figured it was way past it’s prime but decided to open it anyway. It had aged to a golden color which made me even more suspicious that it would be undrinkable. Boy was I wrong. If I had tasted this blind I would have guessed it to be a Batard Montrachet from a top producer. It actually improved in the glass. Biggest surprise ever for a CA Chardonnay. Wish I would have found more. 

Wow!  Shocking, but good for you!

Ramey definitely does make very good  CA Chard within its style category.  This reminds me of easily, easily the best CA Chardonnay I ever had which was a similarly aged Marcassin.

 

yea I agree, not quite as oaky as the marcassin, and def not as sweet but similarly enjoyable just the same and at 1/4 of the price!!

S shavezMember
Bytown Rick posted:
shavez posted:

2009 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro

How was this?  I have some earlier Wendourees that I have yet to try.

It was wonderful. Still young, which is no surprise for this producer, but it was drinking well after a couple of hours of air. In fact this was much more approachable than what I believe was a 1996 that I drank several years ago. Mostly red fruited nose with spice, pepper, and just enough eucalyptus to remind you of its origins. Medium+ bodied, with good fruit and a strong structure. While it drank well yesterday, it will undoubtedly continue to improve for a long time still. These are so rare outside of Australia, you are lucky to have a few! 

Bytown RickBytown RickMember
shavez posted:
Bytown Rick posted:
shavez posted:

2009 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro

How was this?  I have some earlier Wendourees that I have yet to try.

It was wonderful. Still young, which is no surprise for this producer, but it was drinking well after a couple of hours of air. In fact this was much more approachable than what I believe was a 1996 that I drank several years ago. Mostly red fruited nose with spice, pepper, and just enough eucalyptus to remind you of its origins. Medium+ bodied, with good fruit and a strong structure. While it drank well yesterday, it will undoubtedly continue to improve for a long time still. These are so rare outside of Australia, you are lucky to have a few! 

Thanks.  Rare beasts indeed.  Looking forward to opening the first one .

otwotwMember

I needed some palate cleansing this weekend, so on Friday opened up 

  • Satonhomare Junmai Daiginjo Pride of the Village Sake

and enjoyed it so much that we went through a couple of bottles.  Then it was back to:

  • 2018 Tornatore Etna Bianco
  • 2005 Querciabella Camartina
  • 2007 Domenico Clerico Barolo Mentin Ginestra
  • 2006 Bibi Graetz Testamatta

 

Last edited by otw
W winedrmikeMember
bomba503 posted:
winedrmike posted:

3 Howell Mountain cabernets in 3 nights:

2014 Haber Family Howell mtn 

2014 O' shaughnesy Howell mtn 

2015 Red Cap Vineyards

 

Finally made it up to Red Cap in January. Had a great visit. Tom and I recorded a special message for greenwine LOL 

The 14 is in a great spot.

Actually, all 3 of these cabs were were really delicious- just popped and poured. But  I agree, '14 Red Cap is drinking really well right now.

steve8steve8Member
otw posted:

I needed some palate cleansing this weekend, so on Friday opened up 

  • Satonhomare Junmai Daiginjo Pride of the Village Sake

and enjoyed it so much that we went through a couple of bottles.  Then it was back to:

  • 2018 Tornatore Etna Bianco
  • 2005 Querciabella Camartina
  • 2007 Domenico Clerico Barolo Mentin Ginestra
  • 2006 Bibi Graetz Testamatta

 

OTW, how were the Clerico and Graetz drinking? I have a couple of bottles of each and have managed to keep my hands off except for a bottle of the Graetz back in 2017, which I thought was outstanding.

patespo1patespo1Member

Past week or so..

1973 Cheval Blanc … birth year wine, thought it had a good chance to be DOA, but it was really elegant and balanced.  Pleasantly surprised

2016 Portalupi Barbera

2002 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cab/Merlot blend

2004 Gloria Ferrer Jose S Ferrer Selection Pinot Noir...first bottle we dumped, 2nd bottle was very good

2010 Hunnicutt Chardonnay...beautifully aged Cali Chard

2008 Hunnicutt Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2002 Ridge Lytton Estate Syrah

 

The Old ManThe Old ManMember
bman posted:
The Old Man posted:

2005 Don Melchor

Was it still showing well?  I have several bottles from the mid naughts and wonder when they will start to decline. 

I have always found this wine to be wild and unpredictable. Still a powerhouse, not declining, I'd say drink now but there's no harm in waiting a few more years. Unfortunately this was my last bottle.