Read Holland Deep End Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2021: wanted something to stand up to my Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, this did the trick. Deep End in AV can mean different things to different producers (would love to see the AVA get regulated officially, it’s time). But this showcases exactly what I want from AV. Ripe fruit cut through the broth and spice of the ramen, acidity and depth paired great with the fat of the pork belly.
Drinking some excellent domestic wines this July 4th weekend…
Kelley Fox Pinot Noir Weber Vineyard 2019
Cranberries, orange peel, quite mineral. On the leaner side and fleshed out a bit with air, showing powdery tannins. Very good with upside from here.
Kobayashi Syrah 2022
When I first poured this after a short decant, it was deep dark inky, pencil lead, floral notes, then dark fruit. But really this is all about the delicate floral notes. It’s remarkable for such a full bodied wine. There’s some bitterness for interest, and enough acidity to keep things honest. Oak is restrained and adds a little baking spice to the background. Great texture. This is a beautiful wine.
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I have found the ‘19 Weber profits by an extended airation.
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How was the 18’ Trapet Chambertin?
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I don’t chase Brunello but the Altesino riserva bottling and this vintage is a favorite- an entree to Italy!
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Even at this stage, I thought it was impressive. I did not find it blocky or lacking freshness as @Jozef.P noted on some 2018s - albeit those were Chambolle wines, so a bit different. That said, there is plenty of structure and I can certainly see this developing well with time. Having no basis of comparison for this wine, I can’t say what it is like compared to other vintages, but it was very nice. I do not understand some of the CT takes as they make it sound like it might be more ready than it is - it did start to close up a bit after dinner. I will probably not open another one for 8-10 years at least.
Edit: I bumped into a friend at dinner and poured him a glass and he found it impressive. He tried to order a bottle at the restaurant haha.
This had 2-3 hours slow ox before we arrived at the restaurant if that is helpful.
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Lots of wines this weekend, very little time for formal notes. All were bangers, except for the rose but that was to be expected.
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I think even the 17 Trapet Chambertin isn’t all that ready, but I found the 18 drinking somewhat better, but both wines did improve after air time despite 2-3 hour slow ox, although I thought 18 was drinking better.
2017 Trapet Chambertin
Initially a bit sweeter on the nose than the RT, this took the longest of the wines to really hit its stride, which it didn’t really do until the after party having been open for 5+ hours. That said, even initially there was a bit more density and scale of fruits, with a bit more elegance on the palate and length.
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Yeah, there was a point at dinner where everything sort of came together after more air time and it was like “this is really darn good.” I did feel like it kept moving around on me though and that it was starting to clam up a bit after dinner.
How was the Hyde Chardonnay?
how was the LB23 La Closerie?
It was my first experience with the producer and it was an impressive bottle. Nose was explosive and the wine was open and giving right from the get go. The natural comparison would be to Ramey’s Hyde vineyard if you’ve ever had it, and that would be fair. The Hyde character is fairly unmistakeable and this was another solid rendition of it.
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Both bottles absolutely singing. Gave the Fonsalette the Reynaud treatment (24hr slow ox) and it did wonders. Most beautiful marriage between Burgundy and Grenache in 2014 - worked perfect with grilled ribeye at lunch.
First time trying the Keller. Served it blind for a friend who immediately guessed Guffens Le Chavigne. I found that a pretty good comparison - which speaks volume of what Keller has been able to achieve with this young-vine Chardonnay. Happy to have a few more btls
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We just had some of Guiraud’s dry white at the Wine Corner in Bordeaux (shout out to Bert, the owner). Outstanding!
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Picked up from @ehrlichdy. This was awesome, although the CT notes a bit misleading. This will cruise for some time. Very nice showing though
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