ANOTHER WINE GATHERING AT RJ’S - Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina (4/4/2024-4/7/2024)
Five of us traveled from DC and Chicago to Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, to visit RJ. Most of us have known each other for over twenty years. We have shared a lot of great wines, and more importantly, built lifelong friendships. There wasn't a wine theme but we all brought great wines to share. RJ generously opened up his cellar.
Dead Solidiers
4/4/2024 - Dinner
RJ grilled a copious amount of proteins. The fillet was incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfectly executed. The chicken thighs were so good that all of us enjoyed them as much as the fillets.
- 2002 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut - France, Champagne (4/4/2024)
Beautifully mature nose displaying sweet yellow fruit, peach, baked apple, brioche, honey, creme brulee, white pepper, sweet spices and mineral. Excellent concentration, nicely layered generous sweet yellow fruit, rich yet harmonious, fine medium generous mousse, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a long sweet yellow fruit driven finish with caramel at the end. Consistent with the last year’s bottle, drinking beautifully. (96 points) - 2018 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru (4/4/2024)
Initially Justin and I worry that this might be too ripe. The color is still pale. Rich expressive nose displaying sweet rich yellow fruit with a hint of white, pineapple, lemon crud, guava, honey, a hint of vanilla/oak, sweet spices and crushed rocks. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated yellow fruit, rich, warm and opulent but also showing excellent precision and focus due to bright acidity and strong mineral. The finish is quite long and displays strong mineral. Although showing the 18 ripeness, it retains nice balance and precision. Drinking well. Given a choice, I would rather buy and drink the 19. (94 points) - 1996 Château Lafleur - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol (4/4/2024)
Corked, unfortunately. (NR/flawed) - 2004 Sine Qua Non Syrah Ode to E - USA, California, Central Coast (4/4/2024)
Served blind, the fruit is dark and super concentrated. Jim guesses Syrah but I am thinking that this is a mature Maybach. Explosive nose displaying concentrated sweet black fruit, blackberry liqueur, licorice, baked blackberry, fig, ink, mocha, vanilla/oak, caramel, liquid smoke, black pepper, dark spices and earth. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of super concentrated rich black fruit, rich and opulent, round, sweet and warm, medium acidity, not much mineral, no noticeable tannins and a long opulent concentrated black fruit driven finish. I noticed a hint of heat. The oak expression is still strong. This is a big scale SQN. With air, the Syrah expression of pepper and grilled meat is more evident. Although I enjoy the wine, the others love the wine even more. I actually prefer the Atlantis for the red fruit expression and strong acidity. If you are a fan of SQN EBA, you may find this wine to be perfect. (95 points) - 2005 Sine Qua Non Grenache Atlantis Fe2O3~2a, b & c - USA, California (4/4/2024)
Expressive nose displaying concentrated sweet red fruit, chocolate dipped cherry, strawberry jam, a hint of blackberry liqueur, light caramel, licorice, beef blood, sweet spices and earth. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of opulent red fruit, rich yet silky and fluid, bright acidity, medium mineral, and a long concentrated red fruit driven finish. Although super concentrated, this seems light compare to the Ode to E. (95 points) - 2017 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (4/4/2024)
Expressive nose displaying ripe red and black fruit, red currant, strawberry jelly, crème de cassis, lead pencil, vanilla/oak and mineral. The oak expression is super strong which is surprising. Very good concentration, layers upon layers of generous red and black fruit, warm, and round but also silky and polished, medium acidity, medium mineral, a hint of sweet tannins, and a medium to long sweet red and black fruit driven oaky finish. The fruit expresses a lot of red fruit. Although concentrated, this is rounder than typical cult cabs. Hopefully, the oak expression will lessen with further cellaring. (95 points) - 1994 Graham Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/4/2024)
Nice mature nose displaying dry sweet blue and black fruit, blueberry liqueur, black cherry, dry fig, cigar, leather , milk chocolate, baking spices and earth. Very good concentration, nicely layered generous blue and black fruit, warm, soft and round, medium acidity, earthy mineral, and a medium to long ripe blue and black fruit driven finish. This is drinking nicely. (93 points) - 1940 Justino's Madeira Sercial - Portugal, Madeira (4/4/2024)
Beautifully nutty nose displaying dry yellow and red fruit, dry fig, dry peach, candied orange peel, light caramel, toffee, marzipan and earth. Fully integrated palate, generous sweet dry yellow fruit, rich yet very fluid, super strong acidity, earthy mineral, and a long generous slightly dry sweet yellow fruit driven finish with toffee at the end. This displays strong acidity. Drinking beautifully. (95 points) - 2013 Domaine Armand Rousseau Père et Fils Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru (4/4/2024)
Served blind to Justin and I. I declare Burgundy but RJ is trying to trick us. I smell again and my conclusion is the same. The fruit expression is not ripe enough to be a domestic Pinot. It is apparently a Burgundy. Justin and I guess Vosne as it is very spicy. Than we guesses Morey, then Gevrey. If it is Gevrey, the spicy note tells us that it has to be Rousseau. We both guess the 05 but apparently 13 which doesn’t surprise me. The vintages like ’08 and ’13 seem to mature faster. Beautiful spicy nose displaying perfectly ripe red fruit, raspberry, pomegranate, Vosne spice, white pepper, a hint of sous bois, grilled cep, spicy spices, stem and mineral. Medium concentration, finely layered red fruit, silky and delicate, bright acidity, fine mineral and a medium to long perfectly ripe red fruit driven spicy finish. It slightly lacks the mid palate and material. Nevertheless, it is drinking beautifully. (95 points)
4/5/2024 - Before Dinner
This was the perfect wine to enjoy on a perfect sunny day overlooking the May River.
- 2021 Château de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Le Clos Peyrassol - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence (4/5/2024)
Delicious nose, perfectly ripe yellow peach dominates, red currant, apricot, sweet spices and limestone. Nice friendly palate, medium acidity, strong mineral which is surprising, and a medium long finish. This is a delicious mineral driven rose. (93 points)
4/5/2024 - Dinner at River House
We had a blast last year at the River House, the restaurant operated by Montage at Palmetto Bluff. We were situated in a spacious private room. All the dishes were very good but my appetizer, hot duck, was the best dish I had this year. The confit duck leg is lightly battered with very spicy and bold seasonings and perfectly fried, like a haute cuisine version of Popeye fried chicken.
PJ, the Sommelier and Montage beverage manager, joined us. He joined us last year and it was super fun. He once again shared his passion and love for wine.
The River House staff and management took great care of us. This was a great evening.
- 2004 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut - France, Champagne (4/5/2024)
Beautiful mature nose displaying ripe yellow fruit, baked apple, tarte tartin, burnt sugar, brioche, lanoline, sweet spices and limestone. Very good concentration, generous mature yellow fruit, fine but medium to shy mousse, decadent and sweet, bright acidity, fine mineral, and a medium to long ripe yellow fruit driven finish with smoke at the end. This is a fully mature example. The mousse is surprisingly shy. (94 points) - 2013 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chevalier-Montrachet - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru (4/5/2024)
Very PYCM nose displaying concentrated ripe yellow fruit, apple pie, lemon curd, butter scotch, vanilla/oak, sweet spices and limestone mineral. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated sweet yellow fruit, dense, rich and deeply toned but also very precise and focused, bright acidity, strong mineral, and a long rich yellow fruit driven finish with a hint of matchstick at the end. This strongly expresses the PYCM style, i.e. generous fruit and very reductive. Although drinking incredibly well, I doubt this will benefit from further cellaring. (95 points) - 2017 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Coup de Coeur - USA, California, Sonoma County (4/5/2024)
Expressive nose displaying ripe yellow tropical fruit, pineapple, peach, kumquat, caramel, butterscotch, sweet spices and mineral. Very good concentration, generous sweet yellow fruit, warm and round, medium acidity and mineral, and a medium to long ripe yellow fruit driven finish with butterscotch at the end. This is very round. (94 points) - 1967 Luigi Calissano Barolo Riserva Speciale - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (4/5/2024)
Fully mature complex nose displaying generous ripe red fruit, cherry liqueur, maraschino cherry, leather, sweet spices, a hint of sous bois and earth. There is a hint of wet sox in the beginning but blows off. Excellent concentration, nicely layered generous sweet red fruit, rich and generous, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a long sweet red fruit driven finish with leather at the end. It is pretty consistent with the 2017 bottle. It is showing really well. (94 points) - 1955 Inglenook Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Classic Claret - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/5/2024)
Mid shoulder fill with remarkably dark color, almost black. Initially a bit of damp cellar but blows off with air. Expressive nose displaying black and blue fruit, dry blackberry, crème de cassis, licorice, eucalyptus, lead pencil, leather, petrol and iron. Excellent concentration, still showing ample black fruit, unctuous, rich and deeply toned, bright acidity, iron mineral, still noticeable soft tannins, and a long ripe black fruit driven finish with iron at the end. The fruit expression is unique, a bit like a pre phylloxera Bordeaux. Perhaps around 93pts but adding a couple more points for the uniqueness and age. (95 points) - 1993 Domaine G. Roumier / Christophe Roumier Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Clos de La Bussière - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Morey St. Denis 1er Cru (4/5/2024)
Excellent provenance, cellared a bonded warehouse in London. Dark color. Expressive nose displaying sweet slightly dry black fruit, blackberry, black cherry, mint, rose, licorice, grilled cep, a hint of sous bois, dark spices and earth. Excellent concentration, generous black fruit, a bit rustic and rich, bright acidity, earthy mineral, a hint of tannins, and a medium to long ripe black fruit driven earthy finish. (93 points) - 1999 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St. Jacques Vieille Vigne - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru (4/5/2024)
En Magnum. Beautifully mature nose displaying sweet red fruit, raspberry, strawberry, rose, a hint of sous bois, grilled fat and mineral. Fully integrated palate, finely layered sweet red fruit, elegant and fluid, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a long sweet red fruit driven floral finish. I had a magnum from the same batch in 2017 and thought the bottle was not quite ready. This is drinking beautifully. (96 points) - 2014 Marcel Juge Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (4/5/2024)
PJ mentions that Juge picked the earliest and always shows a hint of green/pyrazine and he is spot on. Expressive nose displaying generous black fruit, blackberry, licorice, black cherry, white pepper, tapenade, petrol, garrigue and mineral. The green/pyrazine note is quite evident as the front note. Very good concentration, generous black fruit, rich and oily yet also beautifully detailed, bright acidity, strong mineral, and a long ripe black fruit driven finish with tapenade at the end. Justin mentions the green note is like Clos Rougeard and I agree. This is a fascinating wine that combines the unripe expression of Loire Cab France and the full-bodied ripe expression of Cornas. (95 points) - 1860 Cossart Gordon & Co. Madeira Sercial Solera - Portugal, Madeira (4/5/2024)
Bright amber with a tint of red. Expressive nose displaying intense dry yellow fruit, dry fig, dry apricot, raisin, orange rind, caramel, toffee, cinnamon, clove and limestone. Excellent concentration, layers upon layers of dry yellow fruit, oily and deeply toned but also very precise, mouth puckering acidity, fine limestone mineral, and a long concentrated dry yellow fruit driven spicy finish. Drinking incredibly well. (96 points) - 2014 The Third Twin Graciano The Third Twin Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (4/5/2024)
Medium expressive nose displaying super ripe dry red fruit, dry cherry, cherry liqueur, sweet spices and earth. There is pretty noticeable heat at the end. Very good concentration, slightly coiled concentrated red fruit, medium acidity and mineral, and a medium long alcoholic finish. There is not enough blue or black fruit to mask alcohol. Based on this wine, there is a good reason why we don't find too many domestic Gracianos. (92 points)
4/6/2024 - Lunch at Toomers Seafood House
RJ arranged a boat ride from Palmetto Bluff to Old Town Bluffton. Captain Boo was a super cool guy with vast knowledge of the area. We were a bit early, and he suggested visiting Bluffton Oyster Co., which operates the last shrimp fishing fleets in the area. Since it was softshell crab season in SC, he showed us the tanks where they were molting. Touching the newly molted crabs was really interesting. It turned out that Captain Boo's father was a partner of the operation and he wanted Captain Boo to take over. He was a very well known surfer and the idea didn't suit him well. The business was sold to a local fishing company.
Captain Boo told us that the company operates a restaurant in Old Town Bluffton. Our original plan for Tex-Mex was quickly changed, and we headed to Toomer's Seafood House.
We ordered a bunch of local seafood. The simply steamed shrimp were so plump and sweet. The softshell crabs were simply to die for. They paired perfectly with the Chablis.
- 2011 Vincent Dauvissat (René & Vincent) Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Very focus nose displaying strong lemon and lemon curd, cool mountain stream water, saline, iron and crushed rocks. There is a hint of pyrazine which is not too bothersome. Very good concentration, concentrated lemon curd and lemon oil, razor like focus and precision, mouth puckering acidity, strong crushed rock mineral, and a long lemon curd driven mineral finish with a hint of pyrazine at the end. A classic mineral Chablis. (94 points) - 2014 François Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Expressive nose displaying generous yellow and white fruit, lemon curd, lemon, Granny Smith, honeysuckle, flint, smoke, oyster shell, oyster jus and crushed rocks. Excellent concentration, opulent lemon curd fruit, oily but perfectly precise, bright acidity and super mineral, and a long concentrated lemon fruit driven finish with oyster shell at the end. A great classic Raveneau Chablis. - 2007 Dominio Pingus Ribera del Duero Amelia - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (4/6/2024)
Expressive nose displaying rich concentrated black and red fruit, blackberry liqueur, maraschino cherries, beef blood, strong oak, cinnamon, clove, tree bark and mineral. Excellent concentration, rich concentrated black and red fruit, rich and silky, bright acidity, earth mineral, and a long ripe black and red fruit driven spice finish. The oak note is super strong. (93 points)
4/6/2024 - Before Dinner
When I came down from a quick power nap, RJ served me a wine blind. It was a bit tired.
- 1998 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Richebourg Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Served blind. Slightly rustic color. Fully mature Burgundian nose displaying shy mature red fruit, a hint of cherry and strawberry, sweet spices and earth. There is a hint of oxidative note. Medium concentration, shy red fruit, lean and cool, bright acidity, earth mineral and a medium long finish with oxidative end. It is not terribly complex. My guess is a 1er cru mid tier burgundy from the late 80s. (92 points)
4/26/2024 - Dinner at Canoe Club
The dinner was at Canoe Club, another excellent restaurant at Palmetto Bluff. We were situated at a nice corner table overlooking the freshwater lagoons, thanks to the GM, Robin Whitaker, and her capable team. We were joined by a guest of RJ, Gene Castellino, who is the beverage manager for all of the facilities at the Palmetto Bluff Club. He is a member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Charleston, SC. Gene was a super nice guy who clearly expressed passion and knowledge relating to everything wine.
- 2002 Billecart-Salmon Champagne Cuvée Nicolas François - France, Champagne (4/6/2024)
Beautiful mature nose displaying decadent sweet yellow fruit, baked apple, lemon curd, strong brioche, oyster shell, light caramel and fine limestone mineral. Perfectly integrated palate, finely layered sweet yellow fruit, delicate and airy, incredibly fine medium generous mousse, bright acidity, fine limestone mineral, and a seamless long yellow fruit driven finish with strong brioche at the end. Super fine mousse is really attractive. This is exceptional fined wine that is drinking beautifully. (96 points) - 2010 Louis Latour Bâtard-Montrachet - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Beautiful perfectly mature nose displaying delicious yellow fruit, peach, pineapple, banana, crème brûlée, vanilla, spicy spices and limestone. Perfectly integrated palate, delicate yet generous yellow fruit, elegant and airy, perfect amount of acidity and mineral and a long ripe yellow fruit driven elegant finish. This is a super pleasant surprise. Drinks more like Chevalier. (95 points) - 2009 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Réserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (4/6/2024)
Brilliant golden color. Beautiful nose displaying very ripe yellow fruit, pear, peach, peach marmalade, caramel apple, strong beeswax and limestone. Excelled concentration, layers upon layers of ripe yellow fruit, rich and deeply toned but also showing a nice balance, bright acidity, fine mineral, and a long ripe yellow fruit driven finish with beeswax at the end. This is a unique mineral driven wine. (95 points) - 2006 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Richebourg Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
En magnum. Exquisitely perfumed nose displaying perfectly ripe black and red fruit, blackberry, raspberry, Vosne spice, classic DRC stem, a hint of sous bois, rose petal, licorice, spicy spices and mineral. Excellent concentration, incredibly layered opulent yet pure black fruit, rich yet perfectly harmonious, beautifully detailed and weightless, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a long pure black fruit driven finish with stem and rose petal at the end. This is drinking perfectly. This can easily improve for a couple more decades. (99 points) - 2005 Emmanuel Rouget Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru (4/6/2024)
Expressive nose displaying concentrated rich black fruit, blackberry, blackberry tart, licorice, dark spices and earth. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of concentrated black fruit, rich and deeply toned, bright acidity, earthy mineral, and a long concentrated black fruit driven finish. This is a big scale wine that needs more time. With air, the fruit becomes purer and more expressive. (97 points) - 2001 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (4/6/2024)
Medium expressive nose displaying ripe red fruit, dry cherry, black cherry, fruitcake, tobacco, garrigue, dark spices and mineral. Excellent concentration, generous sweet ripe black fruit, rich and deeply toned, bright acidity, earth mineral and a long ripe black fruit driven finish with licorice at the end. Justin is a bit disappointed for not finding "white pepper" and I agree. This is a bit riper and more black fruit driven than ususal. (94 points) - 1945 Château Latour Grand Vin - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (4/6/2024)
The color remains opaque which surprises us. Perfect textbook old claret nose displaying intense concentrated red fruit with a hint of black, cherry pie, crème de cassis, leather, lead pencil, truffle, strong cedar, sous bois, a hint of VA, sweet spices and earthy mineral. Unbelievable concentration, still showing so much fruit, incredibly rich, round and dense, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and the finish that never ends. There is so much fruit and structure that a couple guys comment that it can be mistaken for a thirty year old wine. There is incredibly sweet red fruit which I only find in fifty plus year old wines. About one seventh of the bottle is sediment. With air, the fruit gets even sweeter. This is incredibly rich and complex. This is more concentrated than the monumental 59 and 61. Since I am passionate about great old wines, this is perfect for me. (100 points) - 2000 Château La Clusière - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Initially, I notice TCA. Others think clean. I also think it is clean. Tasted later, corked. Others disagree. A bit of controversial showing. (NR/flawed) - 2000 Château Cheval Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Unlike La Clusiere, no controversy here. Corked! (NR/flawed)
4/6/2024 - After Dinner
RJ served one last bottle blind.
- 2005 Gros Frère et Sœur Richebourg - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Richebourg Grand Cru (4/6/2024)
Served blind. Intense dark color. Expressive nose displaying ripe concentrated black fruit, blackberry concentrate, licorice, cedar, ink, coffee, dark spices and earth. Excellent concentration, generous ripe black fruit, rich and slightly rustic, bright acidity, earthy mineral, noticeable tannins and a medium to long concentrated ripe black fruit driven finish with latte at the end. This is a big scale wine that needs another decade or two. (95 points)
My sincere gratitude to RJ for being the perfect host. We all stayed at his and Kathleen's house. As usual, he went above and beyond to make sure that we had everything we needed. This was another great chapter of sharing great wines with great friends.
Posted from CellarTracker
