Haven’t had the HdR bottling…but have had the reg 99 recently.
1999 Alban Vineyards Grenache Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (3/4/2024)
Decanted for sediment, 14.2 abv(yay!) This wine has always been an acid bomb, not really drinkable, and last had a bottle 12yrs ago…it was brilliant! This bottle is the last in the cellar…showing a gorgeous cloudy cran cherry with slight orange rim color…nose of classic Alban tar reduction, crushed cherries/plums, dusty white pepper, menthol tobacco leaves, leather and old cellar. Captivating and inviting nose! SUPER alive and tart with that cranberry acidity…but well integrated with the meaty, sweet and liqueured cherry/raspberry/cranberry fruit…really red berried laser focused. Age has brought on some finesse…complexities like on the nose…love the menthol and leather…tart pucker of cherry sour tarts…and the nuanced integration of the earthy Alban tar…beautiful florals and smoky wood spice…but MAN…that tartness is wild! I dig this! (94 points)
Occidental 2023 Pinots (Bodega Ridge, Running Fence, and occidental station) & Aubert 2024 Chardonnay (CIX, Eastside, and UV-SL) both being delivered in the spring, never tried either producer before, but have heard good reviews. I can never decide how many bottles to buy when I’m buying something I haven’t had before, I normally like going at least 2 bottles so if I like it I can have it again, and if I don’t like it I can give the remaining bottle to a family member, what purchasing strategy do y’all go with?
I threw in 3 bids at an auction 3 hours before closing. Won all 3.
2b 2021 Ramonet Caillerets
4b 2000 La Conseillante
1mag 1987 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill
If you can wait 5 and preferably seven years on the Aubert Chardonnays you’ll be rewarded. I drink them almost every Friday with a friend who’s been buying over 30 years and that’s his benchmark
