I learned of this wine recently (I’m late to the party, as usual). I understand only two vintages have been produced. I’m curious to read your experiences—assuming there is more to be said than what’s in CT.
More than two I think? I’ve tried at least two and think I prefer Celestins.
Both vintages tasted twice, one time HERE:
(scroll down to part two)
Certainly no wine for everybody and everyday, very powerful, and while it is almost dry, it has a certain port-like roasted character, but is really impressive - and you won´t get the opportunity to taste it often at all.
To my knowledge no further vintage produced …
For some reason all of these descriptions keep causing me to think this wine is a cousin of Quintarelli’s Alzero, both in richness of style and in the unique nature of the wine.
I have had the 1990 – as others say, it’s not for everyday, but it was an amazing, unique bottle of wine.
I’ve had Cuvee Speciale on three separate occasions. One bottle was off (the 90), and showing a ton of VA, which I don’t like. Another 1990 was very representative of what the wine should be, but to me, it was a high wire act over the Grand Canyon with no net or pole. One slip in either direction, and the whole act would come crashing down. Having said that, it stayed on the wire the whole time. The 1998 is obviously, still a baby (not like the 1990 was fully ready either), and the it was very much a sweet onslaught at the moment, kind of like someone shouting in to a megaphone, lots of static and feedback, with no clear definition coming out of it.
Provenance is king with buying this wine. Don’t settle for a good deal. Due to the extreme style in which it’s made, less than stellar storage could set this wine in the wrong direction. BTW, all 3 bottles were perfectly stored since release.
Yes, as to provenance I saw that there is a '90 on the monthly Acker web auction right now. Seems like a decent price. But I did not consider bidding.