October 2014: What Are You Drinking?

quote:

Originally posted by Mezzo Litro:
Last nite:
2004 Brancaia il blu
2004 Tig
2004 Luce

This morning:
2014 Advil

I think I needed the 2014 vintage after many nights of 3 - 4 wines.

quote:

Originally posted by DoktaP:

quote:

Originally posted by FL Wino:
1991 E. Guigal La Turque
2001 Ch. du Tertre Margaux
2007 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape

How was the '91 La La? It is probably right in it's zone and should have been gorgeous. One of my absolute favourite vintages and on my Top Ten wines list for sure.

The 91 showed well. About at it's peak. Decanted for 1 1/2 hours. Would place it at a 92+ on the WS scale.

Paired with lobster tails and filet

2004 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
2008 Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay

Both worked well with a roasted corn and fennel risotto. The Cloudy Bay is still in fine form.

Rick

quote:

Originally posted by Mezzo Litro:
Last nite:
2004 Brancaia il blu
2004 Tig
2004 Luce

This morning:
2014 Advil

ML, where have you been dude? Long time no see,hear or post. Welcome back.

NV Duval Leroy, Champagne
NV Chanoine, Champagne, Grande Reserve
2012 Pierre Martin, Sancerre, Les Monts Damnes
2011 Tenuta San Guido, IGT, Le Difese
2004 Tenuta San Guido, IGT, Sassicaia
2006 Zenato, Amarone
2003 Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes

Opening the Sassicaia seemed like a good idea at the time.

2002 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurzrtraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim (375 ml)
2005 Domaine Georges Vernay Condrieu les Chaillees de L'Enfer
2013 Brys Estate Dry Riesling Old Mission Peninsula
2006 Maison Vincent Girardin Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vielles Vignes

Last night

- 2001 Fritz Haag Riesling Spatlese Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr -- apple, grapefruit, mineral, great acidity, long finish that fades slowly, delicious (was killer with a spicy carrot soup)

- 2009 Vincent Girardin Moulin a Vent Clos de la Tour -- this almost seems to be getting darker each time I open one; beautiful nose of dark fruits and sage; lots of ripe cherry, berry, mushroom, sage, espresso, good acidity, long finish, terrific Beaujolais; this was the only bottle served blind, and our guests who are pretty wine-knowledgeable were convinced it was a young Savigny; I still have quite a few and wouldn't be surprised if this wine will still improve over the short term

- 2009 Manoir du Carra Moulin a Vent -- very juicy, lots of berry flavour, slightly peppery, medium-long finish, very nice

- 2009 Marcel Lapierre Morgon -- also quite dark, with big nose of berries, quite floral; flavour closest to blackberry with mineral, black pepper, silky, good acidity, long lightly-tannic finish, still on the upswing; about the same intensity as the Girardin, differing slightly in flavour and with a hair longer finish, excellent; there's still a bit of this left so I'll be able to try a small glass again tonight

2011 Kumeu Village Chard 'hand harvested' - not bad...looking forward to the Hunting Hill I have
2011 Ch. La Sabatiere, Monbazillac

2005 Alvaro Palacios Priorat Les Terrasses

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
NV Duval Leroy, Champagne
NV Chanoine, Champagne, Grande Reserve
2012 Pierre Martin, Sancerre, Les Monts Damnes
2011 Tenuta San Guido, IGT, Le Difese
2004 Tenuta San Guido, IGT, Sassicaia
2006 Zenato, Amarone
2003 Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes

Opening the Sassicaia seemed like a good idea at the time.

How was it Steve8? Approachable? Noticing a lot of 2004 Tuscans being opened over the past week.

2013 Domaine de la Petite Cassagne Costières-de-Nîmes Rosé.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
2005 Alvaro Palacios Priorat Les Terrasses

I'm guessing you really liked this. And fine for drinking now. Am I right?

2006 Favia Quarzo syrah
1982 Leoville Poyferre

2011 Pecchenino Dogliani San Luigi

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
2004 Tenuta San Guido, IGT, Sassicaia

Opening the Sassicaia seemed like a good idea at the time.

A little early was it?

Your impressions, overall?

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:
2002 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurzrtraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim (375 ml)

I'm guessing this was your WOTN. True?

quote:

Originally posted by KSC02:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:
2002 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurzrtraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim (375 ml)

I'm guessing this was your WOTN. True?

Actually, quite the opposite. It may have been a bad bottle or bad storage, but this wine was somewhat oxidized and tired. The cork was fine. Deep golden amber color. The fruit and flavors were very rich, but the the finish was short and flabby. I'm not familiar with aged Z-H wines, so I'm not sure if this is what to expect or not, but younger Z-H has not been this disappointing.

The other wines were much better. Believe it or not, the 2013 Brys Dry Riesling was killer, and by far the best of the three whites. The Clos de la Roche was also very grand!

NV Parxet Cava Cuvée 21

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
2005 Alvaro Palacios Priorat Les Terrasses

I'm guessing you really liked this. And fine for drinking now. Am I right?

I liked it a little bit more the last time I had it. I'd say open it and tasted it and be prepared to give it a little air before serving.

Thanks. I have several other Priorats from the 2005 vintage which I like a lot.

Last night with wine doc and fusionstorm:
2005 Smith Haut Lafite
2003 Dom Perignon
2006 Carter Coliseum Block Cab
1977 Martin Ray Cab
2002 Chapoutier La Meal Blanc
All showed beautifully- but especially loved the progression of the Chapoutier, the nose of the Martin Ray, and the perfect balance of the carter.

2004 Dom Perignon

Super unimpressed.

2011 Kosta Browne RRV Pinot

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:
2004 Dom Perignon

Super unimpressed.

Is Dom a vintage champer that typically shows well at an early age? I've had some '90 and '96 that were awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by Eb56:

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:
2004 Dom Perignon

Super unimpressed.

Is Dom a vintage champer that typically shows well at an early age? I've had some '90 and '96 that were awesome.

i disagree with jorge on this one

the 2004 dom is a great drinker in my opinion.

dom p definitely shows very well early. it';s not a super sour/super dry champers that requires age.

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:

quote:

Originally posted by Eb56:

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:
2004 Dom Perignon

Super unimpressed.

Is Dom a vintage champer that typically shows well at an early age? I've had some '90 and '96 that were awesome.

i disagree with jorge on this one

the 2004 dom is a great drinker in my opinion.

dom p definitely shows very well early. it';s not a super sour/super dry champers that requires age.

Glad to hear, because my cork seemed a little off. It had mold/mildew on the outside portion of the cork, and the cage was a little oxidized, which I found really strange for an '04

Unfortunately we opened it for a family celebration, so we drank it all and I can't return it, but I'll try another bottle.

quote:

Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Last night with wine doc and fusionstorm:
2005 Smith Haut Lafitte
2003 Dom Perignon
2006 Carter Coliseum Block Cab
1977 Martin Ray Cab
2002 Chapoutier La Meal Blanc
All showed beautifully- but especially loved the progression of the Chapoutier, the nose of the Martin Ray, and the perfect balance of the carter.

FIFY and damn sorry I missed this one. How did the MR show?

quote:

Originally posted by Vinolocity:

quote:

Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Last night with wine doc and fusionstorm:
2005 Smith Haut Lafitte
2003 Dom Perignon
2006 Carter Coliseum Block Cab
1977 Martin Ray Cab
2002 Chapoutier La Meal Blanc
All showed beautifully- but especially loved the progression of the Chapoutier, the nose of the Martin Ray, and the perfect balance of the carter.

FIFY and damn sorry I missed this one. How did the MR show?

Was a WOTN for 40 mins then went over cliff, which has been my experience with my other bottles.

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:

quote:

Originally posted by Eb56:

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:
2004 Dom Perignon

Super unimpressed.

Is Dom a vintage champer that typically shows well at an early age? I've had some '90 and '96 that were awesome.

i disagree with jorge on this one

the 2004 dom is a great drinker in my opinion.

dom p definitely shows very well early. it';s not a super sour/super dry champers that requires age.

Glad to hear, because my cork seemed a little off. It had mold/mildew on the outside portion of the cork, and the cage was a little oxidized, which I found really strange for an '04

Unfortunately we opened it for a family celebration, so we drank it all and I can't return it, but I'll try another bottle.

had 3 bottles during a champers tasting a lws did.

all 3 were creamy, lemony, hints of fresh sweet creme and incredibly fine mousse so i'm more inclined to say your bottle was a dud. if you're looking for more tartness though, i can see where someone might not like the 04 dom.

2009 Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2005 Vouvray sec, Georges Brunet. That wine promised alot when i tasted it at young age, now it strongly confirms its class. Looking forward to more tastings in the 10-20 years to come, let alone to the demi-sec from the same vintage in the next 20-40 years.

2005 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
1999 Castello di Verrazzano Sassello ( magnum)

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
2005 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

I have some of this. How was it? I don't have nearly enough experience with white Bordeaux...

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
2005 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
1999 Castello di Verrazzano Sassello ( magnum)

Question to the Bordeaux blanc expert: No doubt about the absolute class of SHL, an amazing experience at young age, what do you think about the aging potential of SHL? Does it really improve at an age >= 6 years, in your expert opion?

quote:

Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Last night with wine doc and fusionstorm:
2002 Chapoutier La Meal Blanc
All showed beautifully- but especially loved the progression of the Chapoutier

Gentlemen- what would your thoughts be on the readiness of this in magnum? I suspect i should avoid temptation for now, but I could very easily be nudged in the other direction. TIA.

Tonight with some really nice baked halibut fillets, we're having 2008 Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Estate, nice nose of lemon and hazelnut, with ripe pear,lemon, hazelnut and a hint of herb-- maybe sage-- as well; excellent acidity, and a very long finish. Excellent.

2004 Outpost Cabernet

quote:

Originally posted by AllRed:

quote:

Originally posted by TPEwinedrinker:
Last night with wine doc and fusionstorm:
2002 Chapoutier La Meal Blanc
All showed beautifully- but especially loved the progression of the Chapoutier

Gentlemen- what would your thoughts be on the readiness of this in magnum? I suspect i should avoid temptation for now, but I could very easily be nudged in the other direction. TIA.

I think this wine is good to go - even magnum. This wine progressed wonderfully over the evening, but I sense it is at peak already. If you have an appropriate event in the next year or two, I would pull the trigger.

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
2005 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

dude, do you have an endless supply of this wine? seems like you drink a bottle a month for the last couple years.

I'm a fan of the 05 Blanc although the last bottle I had was a little past prime for me.

2012 Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Simply delicious, what I expect from Ramey chards.

Over a long weekend in Boston/Newport, RI, with old high school friends plus others. Would have been a perfect weekend except we went to see the Bears get drubbed by the Pats. Not a lot of wine drinkers, but between beer, tequilla and bloody mary's we still managed to squeeze in:

2000 Les Tourelles de Longueville (MAG)
2000 Cantemerle
2001 Clark Claudon Cabernet
2010 Vermillion (Keplinger)
2008 K Vintners Clifton Syrah
2007 Arnot Roberts Alder Springs Syrah
2003 Yalumba Signature
2011 Mendoza Vyds Gran Reserva Malbec

2011 Talley Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosemary's Vineyard

2010 Bodegas Mas Alta Priorat Artigas

Couldn't resist and pulled the cork on a 2007 Livio Sassetti last night. Pours lighter than other vintages I've had, bricking on the edges. Cherry, leather, leaves. Medium weight.

I liked it now and will pick a few more up for the longer term.

2006 Dr. Konstantin Frank Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes
2007 Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli
2006 Dr Konstantin Frank Cabernet Sauvignon

Had to show someone that there is good wine in NYS

Last night at dinner with Bman and Uncle John

1992 Laurel Glen, Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Vietti, Barbera D'Alba, Scarrone Vigna Vecchia
2008 Shafer, Syrah, Relentless

The Laurel Glen rocked.

1998 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Reserva Viña Tondonia

Last night with my monthly blind group:

1987 Heitz Martha's Vineyard
1986 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cab
1978 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cab
1986 Cheval Blanc (my wotn)
1992 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill (my runner up)
2005 Franciscan Magnificat
1986 Forman Napa Cab
2000 Corison Kronos Vineyard Cab

2011 Thomas Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
2002 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm

Just opened my last 89' HB and can smell it from across the room. Love that! Bone in prime rib eyes going on the grill shortly.

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:
Just opened my last 89' HB and can smell it from across the room. Love that! Bone in prime rib eyes going on the grill shortly.

This is where we need a green with envy emoticon.

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:
2004 Dom Perignon

Super unimpressed.

I agree. I was very unimpressed with the '04 at the WS Wine Experience. I know g-man begs to differ but for me it was an uninspired effort. Not as bad as the '03 though.

2002 Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Charmottes", Charles Thomas
Nice villages, not at all tired, but then a bad 2002 red Burgundy doesn't seem to exist.

2011 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio

2010 Laughing Stock Portfolio - very good

quote:

Originally posted by Longboarder:

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:
Just opened my last 89' HB and can smell it from across the room. Love that! Bone in prime rib eyes going on the grill shortly.

This is where we need a green with envy emoticon.

Working on glass two Mr. Longboarder and this is a real joy, what a nose! Something that truly improves when sharing with close friends. This will wine is good for many more yrs... Will be buying more if i can assure good provenance

quote:

Originally posted by Longboarder:
... Not as bad as the '03 though.

I'm glad to hear someone else chime in on this vintage of Dom. One of the most "meh" bottles of DP I can recall every having.

PH

Tonight with chanterelles in risotto, 2008 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley. Just had a tiny taste, great nose, nice ripe fruit, rich but balanced.

quote:

Originally posted by DoktaP:

quote:

Originally posted by Gkapoor:
Awesome dinner at the craft

1970 petrus
1986 mouton rothschild
1995 angelus

How was the '86 Mouton? Have they started to mature yet or are they still tight as a drum? I've been sitting on mine since release and waiting to pop a couple.

Dok, sorry for the late response but have been slammed at work. No longer tight as a drum on the nose but the palate still has ways to go.

2006 Stefania Santa Cruz Cabernet

Enjoyed sipping wine with ucladave on this lovely afternoon.

2012 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay - big, powerful oaky Cali Chard
2012 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir - very fine, silky, fruity pinot. Many thanks to Shane T for picking these up!

quote:

Originally posted by Longboarder:

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:
Just opened my last 89' HB and can smell it from across the room. Love that! Bone in prime rib eyes going on the grill shortly.

This is where we need a green with envy emoticon.

Indeed

1998 Krug
2008 Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne

To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

2003 Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin a Vent Clos du Rochegres - Drinking really nicely now.

1998 Clos Ste. Hune
2010 Pur Sang

With Parcival and Danyull

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that JC. It stopped working resulting in heat damage?

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that JC. It stopped working resulting in heat damage?

Exactamundo - big f'ing disaster.

2007 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja Veraton

Last night's end of the month fun with futronic, OTW, VinT, vinoevelo and Darcy.

Thx for the hospitality, fut!

Bodegas Tradicion VORS Amontillado
2011 Bodegas Rafael Palacios 'As Sortes Val do Bibei' Valdeorras (Godello)
2006 Paul Autard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
1994 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia
1998 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890
1993 Clos Mogador
2004 Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel Ribera del Duero Reserva
2004 Prunotto Barolo
2011 Vietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco

2011 Dr Loosen, Riesling Spatlese, Urziger Wurzgarten
This undoubted will go for years, but it is delicious now and I wouldn't hesitate to open another.

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that JC. It stopped working resulting in heat damage?

Exactamundo - big f'ing disaster.

Was the vino temp inside an air conditioned area?

quote:

Originally posted by redknife:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that JC. It stopped working resulting in heat damage?

Exactamundo - big f'ing disaster.

Was the vino temp inside an air conditioned area?

No - it was supposed to have the cooling unit built to work properly in garage and always worked fine until we moved. Had it been, would have been much less of a disaster but we only have so much room inside.

This is the worst post ever. Sorry man.

After reading this, I went on Amazon an ordered a wifi thermometer that will alert me if temps rise too high.

Sorry JC and FKG. That really sucks.

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:
This is the worst post ever. Sorry man.

After reading this, I went on Amazon an ordered a wifi thermometer that will alert me if temps rise too high.

Good idea - its just wine but many of our prized bottles were in that unit and it blows

quote:

Originally posted by jburman82:
Sorry JC and FKG. That really sucks.

Thanks. And yes it sure does

Jc and FKG. So sorry to hear. Do you have a shot at insurance replacements?

PH

- 2012 Bogle Merlot

WS gave this an (88) under Top-Values. I was at the grocery store, and thought I'd see for myself. This is actually a pretty decent quaffer. Medium bodied, nice oak treatment. A bargain at $8.

quote:

Originally posted by Gkapoor:

quote:

Originally posted by DoktaP:

quote:

Originally posted by Gkapoor:
Awesome dinner at the craft

1970 petrus
1986 mouton rothschild
1995 angelus

How was the '86 Mouton? Have they started to mature yet or are they still tight as a drum? I've been sitting on mine since release and waiting to pop a couple.

Dok, sorry for the late response but have been slammed at work. No longer tight as a drum on the nose but the palate still has ways to go.

I bought a case of this on futures and have opened two bottles so far and been disappointed.

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that JC. It stopped working resulting in heat damage?

Exactamundo - big f'ing disaster.

I am very sorry to hear that! Was it old? I'm considering a large one for our new home, along with a generator for backup. That could be a real disaster. Is there insurance available for a loss like that?

2006 Bodegas Uvaguilera Manjar de Silos

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that.

How hot do you think your bottles got, and for how long?

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that JC. It stopped working resulting in heat damage?

Exactamundo - big f'ing disaster.

I am very sorry to hear that! Was it old? I'm considering a large one for our new home, along with a generator for backup. That could be a real disaster. Is there insurance available for a loss like that?

Slightly over 2 years.

Our wine is insured, the adjusters came yesterday. We will see if and what they pay out. .

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that.

How hot do you think your bottles got, and for how long?

85 degrees -for how long? Not sure - a day perhaps? We suspect that the temperature has been fluctuating more than we were aware for the last couple weeks though

quote:

Originally posted by Shane T.:
- 2012 Bogle Merlot

WS gave this an (88) under Top-Values. I was at the grocery store, and thought I'd see for myself. This is actually a pretty decent quaffer. Medium bodied, nice oak treatment. A bargain at $8.

Bogle is usually a safe value wine. A friend brought a bottle of the Phantom in honor of Halloween, to our girls weekend retreat and it was quite enjoyable.

2011 Bodegas y Viñedos de la Marquesa Rioja Valserrano Blanco

2011 Quinta do Passadouro

I've been trying some "value priced" 11's from Portugal recently as the vintage was supposedly outstanding. This one is delicious and worth the CDN$27.

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

Our wine is insured, the adjusters came yesterday. We will see if and what they pay out. .

Through who? Mind giving me some details on that?

Im going to finish off the month by opening a nice bottle of SEGHESIO Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vine 2001.

quote:

Originally posted by Jorgerunfast:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

Our wine is insured, the adjusters came yesterday. We will see if and what they pay out. .

Through who? Mind giving me some details on that?

FKG is in charge - email her and she will give you the details.

2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Heritage Wine Papera Ranch

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that.

How hot do you think your bottles got, and for how long?

85 degrees -for how long? Not sure - a day perhaps? We suspect that the temperature has been fluctuating more than we were aware for the last couple weeks though

I think it was hot for a couple weeks. There was a lot of damage and seeping. I mean weeping. Well, weeping over the seeping...

quote:

Originally posted by Florida Keys Girl:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
To mourn the malfunction of our large Vinotemp causing a large damage to our wine:

2008 Hacienda Terra d'Uro Toro Tinto

Sorry to hear that.

How hot do you think your bottles got, and for how long?

85 degrees -for how long? Not sure - a day perhaps? We suspect that the temperature has been fluctuating more than we were aware for the last couple weeks though

I think it was hot for a couple weeks. There was a lot of damage and seeping. I mean weeping. Well, weeping over the seeping...

This is very sad to hear. You must have lost more than a few bottles that held a special importance to you. Hope at least that your insurance company deals fairly with you, and that a lot of it is replaceable without too much hassle.

NV Champagne Jean Laurent Brut Blanc de Noirs

On deck for later today

2007 Gallo Family Barrelli Vyd Cabernet
2008 Novy Rosella's Vyd Syrah
2006 Donna Olimpia 1898 Tageto

2000 Quilceda Creek Cab. Time has helped this but it's not deserving of the high praise Parker heaped upon it.

2011 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley. Was better on release and hopefully just a dumb period. Saved most of the bottle for tonight to see if that helps.

2001 Clerico Barolo Pajana

quote:

Originally posted by Shane T.:
- 2012 Bogle Merlot

WS gave this an (88) under Top-Values. I was at the grocery store, and thought I'd see for myself. This is actually a pretty decent quaffer. Medium bodied, nice oak treatment. A bargain at $8.

Bogle is usually a safe value wine. A friend brought a bottle of the Phantom in honor of Halloween, to our girls weekend retreat and it was quite enjoyable.