As the crow flies, it looks like Tenuta di Sesta [Giovanni Ciacci] is not all that far from Castello di Argiano [Giuseppe Sesti], but apparently you have to drive all the way back into town to get from the one to the other, which makes the trip about 16 miles.
I like Texier a lot, but my bigger problem will be when Fu starts to get really into the Loire and the Jura. And based on his current palate trajectory, I think we are still about two years away from that. Plenty of time to stock up at reasonable prices.
Mid-90s Chave Blanc was about $45-55 on release in my experience. As was the red. My last bottle of ‘94, which I effectively offered to save for Jim if he visits NY, has a $49.95 sticker on it still. That was a lot of money to splurge for Rhône white in 1998, when I bought it.
I think I have about 8 cases of guibertau and a couple cases of Rougeard I’ve been buying on release the last 4-5 years :p. Actually been buying a lot of chenin Blanc lately. Big fan of courault guinechiens.
Michael brought both the 1999 Blanc and Rouge. For some reason the Blanc was not in my notes - I thought it adequate but too oaky. But of course, it’s me saying that.
An embarrassment of riches weekend, but someone has to do it.
Best, Jim
Martin,
I appreciate the kindness.
And I should say that I do not have either the cellar or the money to taste these wines - the vast majority are due to the extraordinary generosity of wonderful friends.
And that too, is a kindness I appreciate.
Best, Jim