Better on day two but still dark and ripe but better balance.
4 Likes
I tried this because it was the first time Iâve seen a wine from the new MĂ©doc Blanc appellation:
ChĂąteau Labadie - CuvĂ©e de lâAlouette - MĂ©doc Blanc 2025
Made from 25% each of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle and SĂ©millon, 12% ABV.
Interesting nose - lemon and buttery notes, but also some sandalwood and almonds (I imagine the sandalwood is in fact oak, but it didnât smell like oak). Much the same sensations on the palate, especially when it warmed up a bit - I made the mistake of serving direct from the fridge. At first it tasted a bit light and bland, but blossomed as the temperature rose, producing nuances of walnuts and subtle nutmeg streaks amid the light citrus flavours. Very different from the heavily oaked Pessac-LĂ©ognan whites or the standard, grassy Entre Deux Mers Iâm used to.
Not a great white by any means, but at 7.50⏠definitely worth another try. 89 pts
5 Likes
2007 Henri Gouges Pruliers. On the lean side, in keeping with the vintage, but by no means emaciated. Enough fruit to carry the acid and veer the wine away from Austerity Cliff. An excellent choice at dinner, but rounded enough for the last glass to manage affairs by itself away from the table. Good wine. (BTW, my bride, who has an excellent palate but is totally uninterested in the whos or whats of the hobby, loved it, so maybe my reaction is on the understated end of the scale)
2 Likes
I also tried a mixed case of the St. Theodoric CDPs including the Grand Pin and had more or less the same take. Mine were from some less ripe vintages but still didnât scratch any Rayas itch.
The other âneighborâ estate Iâve had more recently that I thought was better was Font de Courtedune. I still wouldnât call it Rayas-like but itâs closer. That was a 2022 so itâs hard to know what it might be like at an age where Rayas would be released.
Tailgating at the USC vs. Washington game.
Brought some wines to enjoy with the bros even though itâs 100 degrees. Cheers everyone!
2023 Domaine Coquard-Loison-Fleurot Chambolle-Musigny
2024 Dusty Nabor âRadian Vineyardâ Pinot Noir
1 Like
First time with Domaine Lagille. The La Garenne cuvĂ©e is 100% Meunier. Disgorged 2024. Beautiful tension and depth. Definitely a producer Iâll be following.
1 Like
New producer for me:
Domaine Corinne et Jean-Paul.Grossot Chablis 1er Cru Vaucoupin 2023
Very expressive nose with ripe citrus and sea breeze. The palate is showing good balance with plenty of texture. Thereâs a whole lotta fruit in this bottle. Wanting to knitpick, it might be missing a little salinity on the finish. But overall and for the price, good Chablis 1er Cru.
My oldest and his best buddy made, well, rolled, makis tonight. I handled the prep and dishes, they rolled, cut and ate. It was a great time.
5 Likes
someone turned 50?
1 Like
How was it Mack? 
I just saw these in a shop the other day!
Guilty - it was a fun evening
Ripe but well balanced with decent weight and good acidity. Vegetal (that always comes off as green grass to me) on the finish. Clearly well made but not my favorite.
Congrats 
I am a 1976 myself - what was the best wines?
Guessing Yquem is one
1 Like
2022 Sandlands Lodi Zinfandel
Crazy nose on this, opened up beautifully, and paired well with St. Louis Pork Steaks. Iâm no Cubs fan, but St. Louis has always been a Chicago punching bag. However, this is a seriously underrated barbeque cut to which I was not acquainted, and I tip my Sox cap to the Gateway City.
2 Likes
You can use this wine as the vermouth component in a Manhattan
1 Like
Drinking a cask strength Talisker right now that could be lower alcohol! 
1 Like