Scholium

WINE TALK
1

'Went to the open house yesterday at the winery and tried 10 barrel samples, one finished wine in bottle and two varieties of must.

For those who know the label, I think it is fair to say that these beverages, some of which qualify as wine, are unique. There are a few folks around with an occasional lean in this direction but no one whose entire line-up tastes like this. Or is made like this.
That, of course, makes them controversial - one needs to approach these bottles with no preconceptions and with a willingness to taste ‘outside the box.’ Abe Shoener, 48, is Winemaker, Graeme Macdonald, Assistant Winemaker, and Johanna Jensen, Director of Operations. Graeme was not around, but Abe and Johanna poured and talked about the wines.
All of these have very individual names based on philosophical or mythological figures and none are cheap. The whites, I think, would probably be more palatable to the majority of tasters.

Abe believes in getting wines “accustomed” to oxygen and his regimens specifically include minimal SO2 and considerable exposure to oxygen during aging. Some to the point that flor is formed.
Lots of skin contact ferments, whole-cluster ferments, and, depending on the lot, very different pump-over/punch down routines.

Some barrels evidence VA, some a sherried quality, some too much SO2 (when he tries to stop the wine from oxidizing too much) but all exhibit unusual flavors and aromas that are seldom found in most table wines.

My favorite beverage of the tasting was a 17+% skin fermented, aged 4 years in half barrel, pinot grigio. I would not call it wine, rather it referenced certain digestifs I have tried. But the taste is unforgettable and, used as an after dinner or with cheese accompaniment, I think it will shine. (Diane hated it.)

I don’t advocate buying these wines unless you have disposable income, an open mind and a penchant for the unusual. For those in that category, this is an E ticket ride.
Best, Jim

2

Abe’s willingness to let people taste first and buy second this year is beyond just admirable. Those with limited disposable income can taste first and stick to the mainline whites. Those who can afford to risk a few dollars and who have a penchant for the weird (notice my hand going up) can go for the full line. I was not a big fan of the oxidized pinot grigio, but I bought a bottle just for fun. On the other hand, the Babylon is great and the Sauvignon Blanc is wonderful.

3

So you gave thumbs up to Rocky Hill Vineyard San Floriano Del Collio Riserva but your wife said yeeech?

4

Indeed.
On the drive home she chided me for spending the money to buy a few bottles - such was her distain. And it is a rare moment when she is critical of me buying wine.
But, while I am not unsympathetic to her cause, I think I have a bit of Abe’s eccentricity in me. And the beverage was utterly unique.
I should also say that usually, when Diane doesn’t like something, I would give it a bit more thought before purchasing. But since there are only 144 bottles . . .
Best, Jim

5

We are trying to find the strength to visit today Jim but after fasting yesterday a girl scout could kick my ass this morning!

I agree with Jay, we should all applaud Abe’s willingness to get his wines out there for tasting prior to purchase time. Couple this with the fact that he dialed the price of some wines back a considerable amount and it’s just nice to support a winemaker who isn’t doing an ostrich impersonation in these difficult economic times.

6

If you go, wear sunscreen. You’re outside most of the time.
FWIW, I am glad I went.
Best, Jim

7

Heading over this afternoon. Tasting these wines is always an adventure and something I really look forward to.

8

Jim,

Can you tell us retail prices.

Thanks.

9

Missing a Scholium tasting? Now that’s what I call atonement!!!

Unfortunately, due to family obligations I cannot make it; fellow Scholium acolytes please liberally post on these wines so I know how to allocate my dollars!

10

They range between $28 and $75 per bottle with the reds being the priciest.
Best, Jim

11

Note this thread: The true cult wine - a gathering of the acolytes with cult-leader Abe Schoener - WINE TALK - WineBerserkers.

And by the way, Abe linked to that thread when he finally posted the release notes.

12

As a customer, I go back and forth with Abe - simultaneously annoyed at his somewhat indulgent “mad scientist” approach while I marvel and admire his unique vision.

13

After some debate we eschewed the NY Giants game, thank goodness, to attend the Sunday festivities. Was a pleasure to meet Hardy, come on over after harvest and we’ll take you around to some Foothills spots man.

2009 LSB is just great again, though I’d love Abe to try an all/mostly stainless version of this Sav Blanc one of these vintages. 09 Marcher Sur La Lune was Mel’s favorite wine yesterday. We ended the day with the 2010, picked just 2 weeks ago it looked like wheat beer. I trust it will be lovely Verdelho one day!

I can not improve upon Jim’s description of Rocky Hill Vineyard San Floriano Del Collio Riserva. I really liked it too while Mel had a hard time getting her arms around this Rose-colored Pinot Grigio. I asked aloud for a food pairing and just got the full spectrum of answers from the crowd! I hope I get some as we did not have time after the tasting to hang around and drive home with a bottle or two.

08 Androkteinos was powdery dry yesterday with tannins galore. My guess is 10 years from now it will be perhaps less powerful than 07 but substantially more elegant. Only time will tell as for me the wine is years from being ready.

08 Babylon was the best red yesterday, and by far the best young Babylon I have tasted! Really was far ahead of other vintages I have tasted and I know Abe has written about how this ripe fruit was treated differently b/c of a variety of complications. Very, very good PS and while expensive I will buy a few.

14

Glenn,
FWIW, this has not been bottled yet (we were tasting barrels samples that had been placed in bottles).
You may want to give them a call if you really want some - there are only a handful of bottles not yet sold.
Best, Jim

15

Glenn- Great meeting you and Mel. I’ll take you up on the offer post-harvest!

What a killer event. The Pinot Gris seemed to be loved by many, reminding me of Lopez d H. rose just a bit.

Tasting these wines is always exciting.

A few shots—
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16

“There are a few folks around with an occasional lean in this direction but no one whose entire line-up tastes like this.”

Go to Italy (Friuli and Sicilia in particular) and you’ll find LOTS of folks like that. And the full skin contact / rosé to orange colored style of Pinot Grigio is pretty mainstream (even large co-ops make versions) albiet at more “normal” alcohol levels.

I love Abe’s vision too but he is not the only guy like that by a long ways. Frank Cornelissen is Sun Ra to Abe’s John Coltrane…

17

I’ve really wanted to try these wines and finally took the plunge. Went for the Rare wines package, which includes 1 each of the:
'08 Androkteinos Hudson Syrah (99cs)
'06 SFDC Riserva PG (12cs )
'07 Sylphs Chard (39 cs)
'08 Babylon PS (49 cs)
'09 Glos SB (19cs)

Also bought an '05 Tenbrink Babylon at $40 from the library to round out a half case.

The two packages (Introductory and Rare) offer a nice discount and for me it was like buying four bottles and getting the Androkteinos for free.

Looking forward to trying both the reds and whites to see if I am acolyte material.

Cheers, [cheers.gif]

Steve

18

I’d peek @ that 08 Androkteinos ~ 2015, maybe.

19

That is a great group of super rare wines and a wonderful introduction to Scholium. I agree with Glenn the Adrokteinos needs lots of time but if you do open it give it a several hour decant, the same for the Babylon. I think the Sylphs might also benefit from a short decant.

I need to check in on the 02 Hudson, a year ago it was stunning and I think that it came from a less desirable area in the vineyard thant the Adrokteinos.

20

The 08 Babylon is just so good already, crazy forward of previous vintages and delicious now via barrel sample!