Revered extended family members moved from Boise to Coeur d’Alene {CDA} recently and we went for a first visit to the new home, a wonderful 4 story townhouse located on the Spokane River near where it drains the northern end of the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake.
The family had previously provided me with a 30 bottle wine storage unit to store wines for our Boise visits, but when the move occurred it got scraped in favor of a Whynter 166 bottle stainless dual zone model.
I kept an inventory of the few wines still cellared with notes on purchase dates, price and more and since it had been a few years since the last visit, I recognized some needed to be opened during this visit.
Also, I wondered how they survived the various times they were out of storage and being transported.
So, here are some notes on the 4 gems opened, all of which survived and presented nicely:
NV JEAN VESSELLE OEIL DE PERDRIX (the Eye of the Partridge)- bought from good guy Brian Erickson of Erickson Fine Wines {he sold in 2023 and name changed to Eagle Wine Merchant} in Eagle, ID, 5/18/17 for $57; 100% Pinot Noir sourced from Boozy matured 2-3 years, dosed at 5-7 gpl therefore a Brut; disgorged 5/19/16; this champagne is given its name because of its gentle amber coloring which is first obtained when the Pinot Noir is pressed and this amber tint remains throughout the wine-making process and was still very evident upon opening; this traditional Blanc de Noirs was in its prime having super pleasant aromas of freshly sliced apples, mandarin orange and red cherries which made up a good part of the delicious taste profile; it had a frothy, feel good mousse, some body and weight and finished impressively checking all of the boxes. A trust buy recommendation that proved to be quite worthy.
2009 CHANIN WINE COMPANY BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD SANTA MARIA VALLEY PINOT NOIR- signed bottle by owner/ winemaker Gavin Chanin for the granddaughter who also lives in CDA who he met when she visited us in Santa Barbara; the wine seemed quite youthful and still growing into its identity; having had a lot of Pinots made from various blocks of the Bien Nacido Vineyard, I was expecting some spice and pepper laden raspberry and cherry, but this was more earthy red plum, red apple and black raspberry with an accent of clove.
2015 TOIL OREGON [FIGGENS FAMILY WINE ESTATES} WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR- this was purchased about 7 years ago after tasting it at the winery’s tasting room in Walla Walla when they were promoting their new line of Toil Oregon wines; this bottle was ready and really good; the color was a youthful dark red purple and the nose included loads of ripe red cherry that was milder on the palate while being delivered in a soft, smooth textured medium all the way to the back end; it had nice balance, lots of charm along with some power, depth and complexity and enough acidity to ensure longevity. When I’d tasted this upon release, my guess was it had potential to evolve into something very good and now it’s confirmed.
1999 DOM PERIGNON- bought at the Boise Costco 5/17 for $114; with trepidation, I opened this after noticing the ullage was low neck and being still apprehensive about the effects of varied storage and handling not to mention the vintage not being all that great; without an ideal champagne glass, I poured it and was first happy to see the color was a primary light yellow, the nose included some mild citrus fruit notes and no hint of oxidation and I knew had had a viable bottle; on the palate, it gave mild flavors of grapefruit, lemon, lime and strawberry while possessing small bubble effervescence; the mousse was lightly frothy and it finished with enough flavor and texture to offer a pleasing experience; maybe the best part of this bottle was in sharing it with family members, 2 of whom had never had DP and always wanted to try it.
During this trip, other wines were consumed that were not from my cellar, but I made note to open a few when I next visit. That will include at least the 1998 or 1999 Jaboulet La Chapelle.
Cheers,
Blake