What bottle of wine did you open today?

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Rudi Finkler · #10901 Post by **Rudi Finkler** » November 6th, 2019, 9:32 am

Welcome to the club, Alex!

#10902 Post by **Paul Miller** » November 6th, 2019, 10:05 am

2014 Tercero Roussanne Zaca Mesa Vineyard

Alex Frank · #10903 Post by **Alex Frank** » November 6th, 2019, 12:11 pm

Rudi Finkler wrote: ↑
November 6th, 2019, 9:32 am
Welcome to the club, Alex!

Thank you, Rudi, I appreciate it!

HMechbal · #10904 Post by **HMechbal** » November 7th, 2019, 2:11 am

2006 Bouchard Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Vigne de L'Enfant Jesus : Delicate nose of strawberries and flowers. Likewise, the palate has strawberries and cherries and a delicate flowery undertone, with a nice bright acidity and fine tannins.

First bottle of VEJ (and rarely do I drink mid/high-end Pinot), it was very nice.

2009 Domaine de Montcalmes Les Terrasses du Larzac Rouge : Dark robe. Ripe dark fruits, licorice, some prunes. Smooth tannins. Generous wine, you sense the hot vintage. I was surprised by how primary this still is, I will wait 3-5 years before opening the next bottle.

Not my best bottle of Montcalmes, I had preferred the 2012 vintage, more balanced. Still good and can still age and evolve.

2014 Domaine de Montcalmes Coteaux du Languedoc Le Geai : Red fruits, cinnamon. Soft wine, a bit more delicate than the regular cuvée of Montcalmes. Nice freshness at the end.

Opened in front of the 2009 bottle and won the match. More delicate and more freshness than the older bottle, at least for now.

2009 Château Cornelie (Haut-Medoc) : Juicy wine, full of fruits, dark and red, spices (cinnamon, cloves). On the ripe side compared to the 2010 but also very enjoyable. Great value here.

Alex N · #10905 Post by **Alex N** » November 8th, 2019, 6:40 pm

Folded Hills 2016 August Red. A somewhat newish winery (at least the facility) with an interesting vineyard history that goes back several decades (I believe Italian varietals which were replanted(?)). About 2/3 syrah and 1/3 grenache. Angela Osborne from Tribute To Grace is the winemaker and it's such a pretty and flowery wine, balanced and ripe. Not overly extracted or super concentrated just like her grenache, and still delicate with that much syrah %, but also not light footed, either. Being a big fan of her winemaking style and only ever having her 100% grenache, this was really a treat. Wowzers.

Ramon C · #10906 Post by **Ramon C** » November 9th, 2019, 5:46 am

2001 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Reserva
@LaTana

With excellent free lunch tapas, I initially ordered the full bottle of the 2004, but when bartend said they have half-bottles, but only the 2001 version, easy call for me as my wife drinks very little. This bottle, very dark ruby fresh in appearance was all-traditional in character. A great drinker at Euro 22 (full bottle 2004/05 at Euro35).

#10907 Post by **Stephen Faulkner** » November 9th, 2019, 6:48 am

Congruence cabernet sauvignon 2009 - Another excellent bottle of this fully mature CA cab that was a perfect match with grilled Flannery hangars. Lots of tobacco on the nose; seems like less fruit, a little softer than previous bottle; starting to slide? While I subscribe to the only great bottles adage, every one of these have been great. Even though I buy wine to drink it, always a little bittersweet drinking down the last of a stash of wonderful wine.

Bedrock Old Vine zinfandel 2018 - Opened despite my better judgement based on the early glowing reviews and hopefully I won’t cave to peer pressure next time. Very nice but wayyyy too young with plenty of brambly raspberry fruit that seems a little coarse/disjointed and needs time to come together. These youthful excesses may have been enhanced by drinking after the Felsina CCR

Fèlsina CCR 2011 - Classic chianti with smooth, integrated dusty cherry and nice match with grilled chicken sun-dried tomato-garlic sauce. Would like to hold last one to see what happens next, but it will be tough.

Dennis Atick · #10908 Post by **Dennis Atick** » November 9th, 2019, 7:04 am

Last night: 2017 Arianna Occhipinti Il Frappato - young, mostly open, clean and fresh.

Ramon C · #10909 Post by **Ramon C** » November 10th, 2019, 1:09 am

Ch. Leoville Poyferre, NYC (11/4/19)

From vintages 1966 to 2004 - bottles were consistent in style up until 2000/01, and then veered away to a more obvious modern approach from then on. Drank with 8 fun, friendly local enthusiasts, most with steak mains, vintages 1982, 1990, 1996 and 1966 were my favorites (also by the group, as per final tabulated scoring).

YLee · #10910 Post by **YLee** » November 10th, 2019, 1:40 am

Ramon C wrote: ↑
November 10th, 2019, 1:09 am
Ch. Leoville Poyferre, NYC (11/4/19)

From vintages 1966 to 2004 - bottles were consistent in style up until 2000/01, and then veered away to a more obvious modern approach from then on. Drank with 8 fun, friendly local enthusiasts, most with steak mains, vintages 1982, 1990, 1996 and 1966 were my favorites (also by the group, as per final tabulated scoring).

E513DF24-1B23-442F-8971-D0FC4E409FCC.jpeg

Sounds like a fun night. Wish I was there. How was the '70? Or did you not have that?

Ramon C · #10911 Post by **Ramon C** » November 10th, 2019, 6:36 am

YLee wrote: ↑
November 10th, 2019, 1:40 am

Ramon C wrote: ↑
November 10th, 2019, 1:09 am
Ch. Leoville Poyferre, NYC (11/4/19)

From vintages 1966 to 2004 - bottles were consistent in style up until 2000/01, and then veered away to a more obvious modern approach from then on. Drank with 8 fun, friendly local enthusiasts, most with steak mains, vintages 1982, 1990, 1996 and 1966 were my favorites (also by the group, as per final tabulated scoring).

E513DF24-1B23-442F-8971-D0FC4E409FCC.jpeg
Sounds like a fun night. Wish I was there. How was the '70? Or did you not have that?

Didn’t have the ‘70.

#10912 Post by **Andrew Demaree** » November 10th, 2019, 7:47 am

Alex N wrote: ↑
November 8th, 2019, 6:40 pm
Folded Hills 2016 August Red. A somewhat newish winery (at least the facility) with an interesting vineyard history that goes back several decades (I believe Italian varietals which were replanted(?)). About 2/3 syrah and 1/3 grenache. Angela Osborne from Tribute To Grace is the winemaker and it's such a pretty and flowery wine, balanced and ripe. Not overly extracted or super concentrated just like her grenache, and still delicate with that much syrah %, but also not light footed, either. Being a big fan of her winemaking style and only ever having her 100% grenache, this was really a treat. Wowzers.

That sounds terrific.

#10913 Post by **Kris Patten** » November 10th, 2019, 7:27 pm

Vazart-Coquart Blanc de Blancs Brut Reserve Grand Cru NV

Ramey Chardonnay Woolsey Road 2013

jon leifer · #10914 Post by **jon leifer** » November 13th, 2019, 9:36 am

2017 Markham Sauvignon Blanc (Napa)

#10915 Post by **Demian Saenz** » November 13th, 2019, 3:17 pm

2017 The Bedrock Heritage - my first Bedrock.

#10916 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » November 13th, 2019, 9:14 pm

15 jaboulet thalabert: young but drinking well; agree that this lacks typicity and rusticity but it’s a nice wine if not distinctively northern Rhône.

Ramon C · #10917 Post by **Ramon C** » November 15th, 2019, 5:31 am

Someone has to drink them.

Mid-week cold weather beverages at a fun dinner at UWS in NYC, with select Chateauneuf-du-Pape from 1983 (edited with correct vintage) to 2006. The 1998 Beaucastel Hommage, the 1990 Clos des Papes and the 1998 Pegau Reservee topped this good lineup.

A1ex H · #10918 Post by **A1ex H** » November 15th, 2019, 2:10 pm

Saxum Heart Stone 2010
The nose is full of dark red and black fruit with a touch of spice. The palate is concentrated and dense with blackcurrants, plums and blackberries. There is a slightly smoky note and a mineral streak running through the wine. The spice from the french oak is present but works well given the concentration of fruit in the wine. There is good acidity to provide some degree of balance. Hides its 15.7% alcohol well.

#10919 Post by **Adam Frisch** » November 15th, 2019, 8:17 pm

2017 Mathiasson Linda Vista Chardonnay.

michael ottesen · #10920 Post by **michael ottesen** » November 16th, 2019, 8:17 am

Montevertine Rosso 2014 yummi

David Schliecker · #10921 Post by **David Schliecker** » November 16th, 2019, 8:38 am

LAst night it was the 2013 Rhys Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir and it was flat out fantastic. Makes me wish I hadn't stopped buying.

#10922 Post by **Michael O'Brien** » November 16th, 2019, 8:49 am

NV Bollinger Special Cuvee and 2014 Corazon del Sol Gran Reserva opened for a dinner.

jon leifer · #10923 Post by **jon leifer** » November 16th, 2019, 3:01 pm

2016 Goodfellow Whistling Ridge Blanc AKA "The Crack"..Hadn't paid any attention to the blend when tasted with Megan in June, was too busy enjoying the wine..Looking at back label, was kinda surprised to see there is a healthy dollop of Pinot Noir..Don't sweat the components, just enjoy the wine.

#10924 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » November 16th, 2019, 4:01 pm

Vilmart Grand Cellier (13-15 apparently from Envoyer’s notes) drinking well with good freshness. Probably should have opened the 12 base but whatever this is very nice.

#10925 Post by **Len Stevens** » November 16th, 2019, 4:17 pm

Taking a magnum of 03 Spottwoode to a dinner with friends...this is by far my favorite Cali Cab, so I'm really hoping this is "in the pocket". I'll report back soon...

bob parsons alberta · #10926 Post by **bob parsons alberta** » November 16th, 2019, 10:47 pm

Very nice 2016 Ch. Labegorce at a tasting downtown.

#10927 Post by **Geoff F.** » November 16th, 2019, 11:24 pm

2008 Petit-Le Brun Champagne 2008. A solid buy from Garagiste. I don't know that I'd get more, but I'm happy with it and I'll keep my second bottle around for another 5+ years before drinking.

#10928 Post by **Diane Kessler** » November 17th, 2019, 8:00 am

David Schliecker wrote: ↑
November 16th, 2019, 8:38 am
LAst night it was the 2013 Rhys Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir and it was flat out fantastic. Makes me wish I hadn't stopped buying.

I just had the 2013 Horseshoe Pinot a couple of weeks ago - also fantastic. I’ve dropped off a lot of mailing lists, but have stuck with Rhys.

Alex N · #10929 Post by **Alex N** » November 17th, 2019, 9:18 am

2015 Mending Wall cab is drinking very nicely right now.
2015 Beckmen Syrah Block 6 - outstanding
2016 Beckmen PMV Grenache (mostly grenache, small% syrah) - Good, but didn't wow me like it usually does.
2017 Austin Hope Cab - confirmed I don't like this wine, even at over 1/2 retail.

J. Rock · #10930 Post by **J. Rock** » November 18th, 2019, 2:15 pm

We had quite the lineup yesterday of wines that I've really wanted to try, but hadn't had the chance to until yesterday:

2013 Clos Solène Hommage À Nos Pairs Reserve
2013 Torrin Akasha
2013 Saxum Bone Rock
2013 Saxum JBV
2013 Jonata Todos
2014 Myriad Las Madres Syrah
2016 Andremily Mourvedre

I thought all of the wines were great, but out of the 4 Paso Robles wines, I preferred the Saxum Bone Rock a bit more than the others (although, I'm interested to see how they are all drinking today).

I was impressed that the Jonata Todos held its own with the more expensive Paso Wines (it helped that it was more approachable).

To my surprise, my favorite of the day was the Myriad. I really loved the savory cool climate flavor profile.

I might have been most impressed with the Andremily Mourvedre, which I think is a great wine despite it using a grape that I'm usually not a huge fan of on its own.

The one thing that I was wondering is -- how long do you usually wait before you open your big Paso reds like Saxum? I thought they all seemed very young still.

jon leifer · #10931 Post by **jon leifer** » November 19th, 2019, 10:46 am

2013 Bedrock North Coast Syrah...no rush if ya got em, I think this one still has room for improvement, will reward continued cellaring and wd not be surprised if it goes out to 2023 or beyond.

Alex Frank · #10932 Post by **Alex Frank** » November 19th, 2019, 12:47 pm

2005 Haut Batailley last night. Good, not great.

#10933 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » November 19th, 2019, 5:56 pm

Opened a 2012 Cabot Vineyards Syrah Kimberly's Vineyard on Saturday, had one glass, friend came over and wanted me to drink Scotch with him, so I gassed it and put it aside. Poured a glass today and holy hell is it awesome. Always been a huge fan of John's Syrahs (top 5 in US Syrahs for my preferences) but after the bit of oxygen over time, this is really extraordinary. It has a sweetness that it normally doesn't have - not cloying, not sticky, just pure-fruited to go with its typical rustic character. Not uncommon for something like (another favorite) Lagier Meredith, but unique for Cabot, and I'm loving it. Sad it is my last bottle.

#10934 Post by **Robert.A.Jr.** » November 19th, 2019, 5:59 pm

Thanks for that note, Todd. I’ve been meaning to get back into purchasing Cabot. I happen to open another board favorite, Halcon Alturas, from the 2017 vintage, and it is quite the winner as well, even in its infancy. I bought the first few vintages of Paul’s wines, and then for whatever reason, they fell off my radar given my affinity for French Syrah, but glad to be back to them. Two days into this wine, and it shows the restraint, cool climate mountain characteristics, and savory quality, that I recall from prior vintages, but far less noticeable oak. I think Paul has moved almost exclusively to neutral oak on this bottling.

#10935 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » November 19th, 2019, 7:26 pm

Robert.A.Jr. wrote: ↑
November 19th, 2019, 5:59 pm
Thanks for that note, Todd. I’ve been meaning to get back into purchasing Cabot. I happen to open another board favorite, Halcon Alturas, from the 2017 vintage, and it is quite the winner as well, even in its infancy. I bought the first few vintages of Paul’s wines, and then for whatever reason, they fell off my radar given my affinity for French Syrah, but glad to be back to them. Two days into this wine, and it shows the restraint, cool climate mountain characteristics, and savory quality, that I recall from prior vintages, but far less noticeable oak. I think Paul has moved almost exclusively to neutral oak on this bottling.

Halcon is another of those 'top 5' for me, without a doubt - incredible wines, mistaken (often) blind for Northern Rhone...try it sometime

#10936 Post by **Jeremy C** » November 19th, 2019, 9:12 pm

2011 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A very pleasant wine, with restrained but very present fruit. Really, I enjoy the 2011 Napa cabs much more than the critics predicted.

#10937 Post by **Todd F r e n c h** » November 19th, 2019, 10:10 pm

Jeremy C wrote: ↑
November 19th, 2019, 9:12 pm
2011 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A very pleasant wine, with restrained but very present fruit. Really, I enjoy the 2011 Napa cabs much more than the critics predicted.

Precisely my experience as well, on both counts

#10938 Post by **Diane Kessler** » November 20th, 2019, 9:51 pm

1995 Chave
1978 Haut Brion
1978 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
2011 Mascarello

It was a good wine night

#10939 Post by **Craig G** » November 21st, 2019, 12:04 am

Diane Kessler wrote: ↑
November 20th, 2019, 9:51 pm
1995 Chave
1978 Haut Brion
1978 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
2011 Mascarello

It was a good wine night

Pikers.

Alex N · #10940 Post by **Alex N** » November 21st, 2019, 10:42 am

Opened a 2013 Aston Estate Pinot last night with dinner. It's drinking well and opened up nicely, big and concentrated. I've had this a number of times and I finally "get" the "cola" note with these wines. The other 1/2 bottle will be drank tonight or tomorrow. I've been preferring leaner pinots but this one didn't disappoint.

Ramon C · #10941 Post by **Ramon C** » November 21st, 2019, 3:37 pm

Diane Kessler wrote: ↑
November 20th, 2019, 9:51 pm
1995 Chave
1978 Haut Brion
1978 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo
2011 Mascarello

It was a good wine night

No doubt.

#10942 Post by **Karen Troisi** » November 21st, 2019, 4:55 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑
November 19th, 2019, 10:10 pm

Jeremy C wrote: ↑
November 19th, 2019, 9:12 pm
2011 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A very pleasant wine, with restrained but very present fruit. Really, I enjoy the 2011 Napa cabs much more than the critics predicted.
Precisely my experience as well, on both counts

Thank you Jeremy and Todd - I need to open one of those soon.

Alex Frank · #10943 Post by **Alex Frank** » November 22nd, 2019, 9:12 am

Opened a 2001 Leoville Barton last night. My first-ever LB and it did not disappoint. Lovely notes of leather, cedar and black cherry on the nose, with the palate following suit, along with hints of earth, vanilla and anise. Long, fruitful finish, and the acidity was up front but beautifully balanced, right where I like it. A touch on the lighter, less-concentrated side but still drank beautifully. Wish I hadn't waited 'til I was nearly 35 to finally enjoy one of these.

Vikrant Rachakonda · #10944 Post by **Vikrant Rachakonda** » November 23rd, 2019, 8:19 pm

A quick 2 bottle dinner with some friends:
2018 domaine Huet vouvray Clos du bourg Moelleux

2011 jamet Cote rotie: this was excellent tonight

#10945 Post by **Neal.Mollen** » November 24th, 2019, 8:49 am

A 2011 Forman cab. Really quite nice. Took a while to open up but was quite balanced.

#10946 Post by **Blair Ridley** » November 24th, 2019, 8:53 am

2013 Patrick Javillier Meursault Les Tillets - the more I drink of this producer, the more I fall in love. Wide open, round with excellent fruit with a touch of buttery minerality. Perhaps not carrying the chiseled acidity the strongest vintages provide, but a wonderful drink nonetheless.

#10947 Post by **AAgrawal** » November 24th, 2019, 9:17 am

Vikrant Rachakonda wrote: ↑
November 23rd, 2019, 8:19 pm
A quick 2 bottle dinner with some friends:
2018 domaine Huet vouvray Clos du bourg Moelleux

2011 jamet Cote rotie: this was excellent tonight

B7A9F87F-F84B-4AB9-8392-6C180141F572.jpeg

I would be very interested in hearing how you liked the 2018 Huet! It's supposed to be a good year for the sweeter bottlings.

Vikrant Rachakonda · #10948 Post by **Vikrant Rachakonda** » November 24th, 2019, 11:12 am

The 2018 Huet was excellent; crisp, sweet honeysuckle but still with acid. I liked it better than a 2017 Le Mont Moelleux I had last month.

Wasn’t aware this was a strong vintage for Loire sweet wines.

jon leifer · #10949 Post by **jon leifer** » November 25th, 2019, 2:49 pm

2016 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Allomi Vyd, popped and poured, fragrant nose, lots of black fruits on the palate, no clue whether this will improve with cellaring or how long it might hold at this level but drinking quite nicely now, no need to wait.

#10950 Post by **Jeff Rosenberg** » November 25th, 2019, 5:05 pm

2005 Malvira Roero Trinita Riserva. Really nice Nebbiolo.