Monday, October 29, 2007
Nice Week...
So, I finally get around to it...
The 1996 Salon "Le Mesnil" Blanc de Blancs is stunning - without question one of the great champagnes this house has ever produced (and that's saying a lot). Still so tightly wound, this baby is full of stony minerals, green apples, citrus rind and a long, long elegant, piercing finish. Bravo! The 1999 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was good, nothing special - the nose a but richer showing some yeasty lees. The 1996 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs en Magnum was rich, toasty, and elegant... beautiful. The 1990 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was very far advanced. Almost past it's peak (!?!?!?). An almost oxidized nose (consistant among 2 bottles) with bruised apples... By contrast, the 1985 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was youthful and vibrant. Nutty with brioche and lemon rind... lots of life. The Delamotte Rose NV was beautiful. Strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb shows the Pinot Noir charachter... this wine needs time. The 2002 Domaine Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin was mediocre... green stemmy tannins and tons of wood bogged this one down from the start. I didn't get a lot of fruit and think this one might not ever come around (or, I'd be suprised if the fruit was ever able to get out from under the wood and green). The 1993 Domaine Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin was mature - barnyardy, earthy, wild strawberries... unfortunately, it wasn't overly exciting...
On Tuesday night I had dinner with Steve Smith MW, Managing Director of Craggy Range Winery from New Zealand (southern part of North Island). Craggy is one of the top producers in New Zealand, with some 30-odd single vineyard wines (most of which never make it to the US). I had not tasted his reds before, and I was blown away. But first, we started with some whites. The 2007 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, Te Muna Road Vineyard is classic - grapefruit, gooseberry, a bit of a green herbal quality.. lovely and refreshing (one of my favorites to drink at home, really). The 2006 Craggy Range Chardonnay was beautiful - all natural yeasts and barrel fermentation, this wine is stony and ripe, with elegance... awesome. The reds - 2004 Craggy Range "Le Sol" Syrah, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand is otherworldy... quicky became one of my favorite New World Syrahs (outside of the big boys from Penfold's, Henshke, Mitolo, Clarendon Hills, Pax, Araujo). Smoked meat, bacon, black olive, black pepper, black cherries, blueberries, black raspberry - not over done. A bit dusty and earthy - the wine is powerful, but not in a negative way. Beautiful stuff right here... The 2004 Craggy Range "Sophia", Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand is their take on right-bank Bordeaux - 92% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine is cedary, with graphite, black earth, black berries, black cherries and a long, powerful finish. A baby... I loved these wines. Also at dinner - the 1997 Joly Clos de Coulee de Serrant, Savenierres was over the hill, yes he makes an oxidized style of wine, but this one was too far. Makes you question the winemaking... The 2001 Col d'Orcia "Nearco" Super-Tuscan, from the Pian di Vitino Vineyard near Montalcino was earthy, somewhat ripe, but clearly Italian. Pretty, but towards the end of the evening... The 2004 Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville in Napa Valley was overdone... too ripe, too rich, too much alcohol. Really ripe, silky fruit...
Did have the 2004 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon the other night... this is not my favorite vintage of this wine at all...
The 1996 Salon "Le Mesnil" Blanc de Blancs is stunning - without question one of the great champagnes this house has ever produced (and that's saying a lot). Still so tightly wound, this baby is full of stony minerals, green apples, citrus rind and a long, long elegant, piercing finish. Bravo! The 1999 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was good, nothing special - the nose a but richer showing some yeasty lees. The 1996 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs en Magnum was rich, toasty, and elegant... beautiful. The 1990 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was very far advanced. Almost past it's peak (!?!?!?). An almost oxidized nose (consistant among 2 bottles) with bruised apples... By contrast, the 1985 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was youthful and vibrant. Nutty with brioche and lemon rind... lots of life. The Delamotte Rose NV was beautiful. Strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb shows the Pinot Noir charachter... this wine needs time. The 2002 Domaine Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin was mediocre... green stemmy tannins and tons of wood bogged this one down from the start. I didn't get a lot of fruit and think this one might not ever come around (or, I'd be suprised if the fruit was ever able to get out from under the wood and green). The 1993 Domaine Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin was mature - barnyardy, earthy, wild strawberries... unfortunately, it wasn't overly exciting...
On Tuesday night I had dinner with Steve Smith MW, Managing Director of Craggy Range Winery from New Zealand (southern part of North Island). Craggy is one of the top producers in New Zealand, with some 30-odd single vineyard wines (most of which never make it to the US). I had not tasted his reds before, and I was blown away. But first, we started with some whites. The 2007 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, Te Muna Road Vineyard is classic - grapefruit, gooseberry, a bit of a green herbal quality.. lovely and refreshing (one of my favorites to drink at home, really). The 2006 Craggy Range Chardonnay was beautiful - all natural yeasts and barrel fermentation, this wine is stony and ripe, with elegance... awesome. The reds - 2004 Craggy Range "Le Sol" Syrah, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand is otherworldy... quicky became one of my favorite New World Syrahs (outside of the big boys from Penfold's, Henshke, Mitolo, Clarendon Hills, Pax, Araujo). Smoked meat, bacon, black olive, black pepper, black cherries, blueberries, black raspberry - not over done. A bit dusty and earthy - the wine is powerful, but not in a negative way. Beautiful stuff right here... The 2004 Craggy Range "Sophia", Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand is their take on right-bank Bordeaux - 92% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine is cedary, with graphite, black earth, black berries, black cherries and a long, powerful finish. A baby... I loved these wines. Also at dinner - the 1997 Joly Clos de Coulee de Serrant, Savenierres was over the hill, yes he makes an oxidized style of wine, but this one was too far. Makes you question the winemaking... The 2001 Col d'Orcia "Nearco" Super-Tuscan, from the Pian di Vitino Vineyard near Montalcino was earthy, somewhat ripe, but clearly Italian. Pretty, but towards the end of the evening... The 2004 Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville in Napa Valley was overdone... too ripe, too rich, too much alcohol. Really ripe, silky fruit...
Did have the 2004 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon the other night... this is not my favorite vintage of this wine at all...
Friday, October 26, 2007
I'll Get Around To It...
This week... (so far..)
1996 Salon 1999 Delamotte BDB 1996 Delamotte BDB (magnum) 1990 Delamotte BDB 1985 Delamotte BDB Delamotte Rose 2002 Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin, 1993 Faiveley L-C 2007 Craggy Range SB 2006 Craggy Range Chard 2004 Le Sol Syrah 2004 Sophia 1997 Joly CdCoulee de Serrant 2001 Col d'Orcia Nearco Super Tuscan 2004 Hoopes CS 2004 Plumpjack Cab
1996 Salon 1999 Delamotte BDB 1996 Delamotte BDB (magnum) 1990 Delamotte BDB 1985 Delamotte BDB Delamotte Rose 2002 Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin, 1993 Faiveley L-C 2007 Craggy Range SB 2006 Craggy Range Chard 2004 Le Sol Syrah 2004 Sophia 1997 Joly CdCoulee de Serrant 2001 Col d'Orcia Nearco Super Tuscan 2004 Hoopes CS 2004 Plumpjack Cab
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Ohhhhhh Baby
Two great ones last night... the 1995 Chateau Latour has a concentrated nose of roasted coffee, graphite, cigar box (finally showing some secondary aromas - it's coming out of it's shell, albeit very, very slowly....), and black earth with a perfect balance of the powerful (but round) tannins, acidity, and layers of fruit. In all honestly, I wouldn't drink this for another 10 years or so. The 2003 Harlan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was showing fabulously last night... certainly the best bottle of this I've tried to date (of this vintage... this wine is still not the 2001 or 2002). A thick nose of dusty earth, anise, black cherries, eucalyptus and black currents... the palate is all concentrated anise at this point. The alcohol shows a bit more of this wine than in previous years. Great stuff, I think I underrated it the last time I tried it, as it seems to have blown off some of the baby fat.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Running...
So little time, so much to do... Tried another bottle of the 1990 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne the other night, and this bottle was in perfect condition... simply stunning wine with hazelnuts, honeysuckle, tons of minerals and an intense, beautiful, finish... what LL CC should be... the 1900 Irmes & Borges Colheita (bottled in 1947) is awesome... a great old port that was much like my previous reviews offer...
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Last Night
Finally back to the floor... and some really nice stuff. I'll go through some from the last few weeks as well.
2005 Errazuriz Carmenere Don Maximiano Estate, Aconcagua, Chile - really killer Carmenere. Could be the best I've ever had from Chile. Lovely green herbaceousness with dark extracted black berrier, black pepper and mint. Awesome. The 2005 Alex Gambal Chassagne-Montrachet is butter cookies, hazelnuts and exotic tropical fruits. Really ripe, but also beautifully balanced. The 2001 Marcarini Barolo "Brunate" is a gorgeous example of this cru from the village of La Morra. La Morra tends to be more finesse than pure power (if you want power, look for a single vineyard from Serralunga d'Alba) and this wine is pure dried red fruits with baking spice, roses, violets and a long, long, dusty finish. Awesome stuff... I could drink this every night. The 2004 Domaine Henri Darnat Puligny-Montrachet is good, but not great. A glass full of pebbles and tart green apples... So stony.
Last night was the 1997 TFXT Arachon, Burgenland, Austria - one of the greatest of all Austrian vintages from the greatest red-wine producing region of Austria (50% Lemberger, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Zweigelt, 10% Merlot). This is pure dried cranberry and cloves stuffed in a cigar box and wrapped with wet tobacco leaves... Perfect maturity. Only to be topped by the 1990 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne. It's been a while since I've had this. This bottle didn't have as much fruit as the last, but the minerality and power of this 18 year old white wine is stunning... brings a tear to my eye.
2005 Errazuriz Carmenere Don Maximiano Estate, Aconcagua, Chile - really killer Carmenere. Could be the best I've ever had from Chile. Lovely green herbaceousness with dark extracted black berrier, black pepper and mint. Awesome. The 2005 Alex Gambal Chassagne-Montrachet is butter cookies, hazelnuts and exotic tropical fruits. Really ripe, but also beautifully balanced. The 2001 Marcarini Barolo "Brunate" is a gorgeous example of this cru from the village of La Morra. La Morra tends to be more finesse than pure power (if you want power, look for a single vineyard from Serralunga d'Alba) and this wine is pure dried red fruits with baking spice, roses, violets and a long, long, dusty finish. Awesome stuff... I could drink this every night. The 2004 Domaine Henri Darnat Puligny-Montrachet is good, but not great. A glass full of pebbles and tart green apples... So stony.
Last night was the 1997 TFXT Arachon, Burgenland, Austria - one of the greatest of all Austrian vintages from the greatest red-wine producing region of Austria (50% Lemberger, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Zweigelt, 10% Merlot). This is pure dried cranberry and cloves stuffed in a cigar box and wrapped with wet tobacco leaves... Perfect maturity. Only to be topped by the 1990 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne. It's been a while since I've had this. This bottle didn't have as much fruit as the last, but the minerality and power of this 18 year old white wine is stunning... brings a tear to my eye.
California... The Good, The Bad, and The Really Good
Ok, for those of you who don't want to look through the list below, here are my highlites...
Best Bottles
2004 Sea Smoke "Southing" Pinot Noir - More structured and complete than the 2005 at this point, this wine was simply beautiful. Reminding me of a young La Tache from a great vintage, ripe seductive fruit with a healthy, but perfectly balanced, use of oak. The wine was all finesse - wrapped around a powerful, irresistable core. It was like drinking liquid silk. I could have smelled this wine all night and this was the wine of the trip for most of us.
2000 Gaja Conteisa (Barolo) - very young, but very beautiful. Very Gaja...
1995 Pahlmeyer Red Wine (Magnum) - still such a baby... so young and beautiful.
1991 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (Magnum) - mature and beautiful... fabulous stuff right here.
2005 Blackbird - not everyone liked this wine, but to me it was the closest thing to garagiste Pomerol I've ever tried from a California producer. Coffee, Graphite, leather, cocoa and black berries... could be one of the longest lived-wines in California produced right now, if I had to make a guess... needs 5-7 years at a minimum, then I have a feeling these will blossom...
1994 Beringer Private Reserve (Magnum) - this wine has always been great... still is. Young.
2003 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon - a bit lighter in style than the last 2 years, this wine is still the best 03 I've had. Young and primary, but don't give it too much time....
As for the bad and the really good, I'll let you figure it out for yourselves... there was very little bad...
Best Bottles
2004 Sea Smoke "Southing" Pinot Noir - More structured and complete than the 2005 at this point, this wine was simply beautiful. Reminding me of a young La Tache from a great vintage, ripe seductive fruit with a healthy, but perfectly balanced, use of oak. The wine was all finesse - wrapped around a powerful, irresistable core. It was like drinking liquid silk. I could have smelled this wine all night and this was the wine of the trip for most of us.
2000 Gaja Conteisa (Barolo) - very young, but very beautiful. Very Gaja...
1995 Pahlmeyer Red Wine (Magnum) - still such a baby... so young and beautiful.
1991 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (Magnum) - mature and beautiful... fabulous stuff right here.
2005 Blackbird - not everyone liked this wine, but to me it was the closest thing to garagiste Pomerol I've ever tried from a California producer. Coffee, Graphite, leather, cocoa and black berries... could be one of the longest lived-wines in California produced right now, if I had to make a guess... needs 5-7 years at a minimum, then I have a feeling these will blossom...
1994 Beringer Private Reserve (Magnum) - this wine has always been great... still is. Young.
2003 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon - a bit lighter in style than the last 2 years, this wine is still the best 03 I've had. Young and primary, but don't give it too much time....
As for the bad and the really good, I'll let you figure it out for yourselves... there was very little bad...
California
Friday, September 21st, 2007 (5)
At the Airport…
2003 Mitolo G.A.M., McLaren Vale, Australia
Roadies…
2001 Numanthia, Toro, Spain
2003 Brancaia "Il Blue" IGT, Tuscany, Italy
At Dinner (Portofino)
2005 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, California
2004 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon,
Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 (34)
Roadies…
2005 Franz Hirtzberger Gruner Veltliner "Rotes Tor" Federspiel, Wachau, Austria
2005 Vincent Girardin Rully Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy, France
2004 Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver Oak Alexander
2003 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California
2002 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California
2003 Twomey Merlot Napa Valley, California
Rochioli
2006 Rochioli Chardonnay, RRV, CA
2005 Rochioli Zinfandel, RRV, CA
Porter Creek
2005 Chardonnay
2004 Fiona Hill Pinot Noir
2004 Reserve Pinot Noir
2003 Timbervine Ranch Syrah
2004 Timbervine Ranch Syrah
2005 Old Vine Zinfandel
Moshin Vineyards
2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
2005 Lot 4 Pinot Noir
2005 Family Reserve Pinot Noir
2005 Merlot
2005 Bowman Vineyard Zinfandel
2005 Syrah, Santa Clara County
Walter Hansel
2005 Cahill Lane Chardonnay
2005 North Slope Chardonnay
2005 South Slope Pinot Noir
2005 Cahill Lane Pinot Noir
Pre-dinner & Dinner (Cena Luna)
2002? Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah (Sam only…)
1997 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
2005 Roessler "La Briga" Pinot Noir
1985 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
2002 Switchback Ridge Merlot
2000 Gaja Conteisa, Langhe (Barolo)
1997 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Magnum
2004 Pedestal Merlot, Walla Walla, Washington
2003 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend
2005 Londer Pinot Noir
1970 Graham's Port
Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 (59)
Roadies (8:39AM)
2005 Lewis Cellars Sonoma Chardonnay
1997 Arrowood Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Williams Selym Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2004 Porter Creek Timbervine Ranch Syrah
2005 Molly Dooker "Enchanted Path" Shiraz
2002 Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Syrah
2002 Arrowood Le Beau Melange Syrah
2005 Anderson Oaks Pinot Noir
2004 Lost Canyon Syrah (Corked)
2004 Betz "Pere de Famille" Cabernet Sauvignon
Kenwood (all Jack London)
2004 Merlot
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Zinfandel
2003 Syrah
Arrowood (Chris Conway, host)
2005 Saralee's Vineyard Viognier
2004 Reserve Chardonnay
2002 Saralee's Syrah
2002 Le Beau Melange Syrah
2002 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Monte Rosse Cabernet Sauvignon
2002 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2001 Late Harvest Riesling
2005 Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Blanc
Sbragia Family Wines
2006 Home Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, DCV
2005 Home Ranch Chardonnay, DCV
2005 Gamble Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley
2004 Home Ranch Merlot, DVC
2005 Gino Zinfandel, DVC
2004 Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, DCV
2002 Monte Rosse Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley
2004 Rancho del Oso Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2004 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2004 Wall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
Holdredge Cellars
2006 Pinot Noir, RRV
2006 Wren Hop Pinot Noir, RRV
2006 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, RRV
2006 "Mazie Rose" Pinot Noir, RRV
2005 Wren Hop Pinot Noir
2005 Alexander Valley Zinfandel
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
2005 Syrah RRV
2005 Lover's Lane Syrah
2006 Grace's Cuvee Late Harvest Pinot Gris
2006 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer
Huntington Cellars
2005 Petite Sirah
2004 Nevins & Nevins Vineyard Merlot
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
2005 Syrah, Alexander Valley
Pre-Dinner & Dinner (Zin)
2003 Mitolo G.A.M.
2001 Pride Cabernet Franc
2002 Pride Merlot
2004 Tor "Rock" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1992 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
1991 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
1997 Saintsbury Brown Ranch Pinot Noir Magnum
1998 Opus One
2002 Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Schloss Vollrads Riesling Spatlese
Monday, September 24th, 2007 (45)
Roadies (8:15AM)…
2005 Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Viognier
2005 Bjornstad Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
2002 Keenan Mernet Reserve
1997 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Corley Reserve
Pride Mountain Vineyards
2006 Viognier
2005 Cabernet Franc
2005 Merlot
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Rock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2006 Canyon Ranch East Block Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2006 Syrah (Medium Toast, Troncais) (B)
2006 Petite Verdot (B)
2006 Rock Arch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2005 Reserve Claret (B)
Blackbird
2004 Blackbird
2005 Paramour
2005 Blackbird
Shafer
2005 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay
2005 Merlot
2004 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Relentless
2003 Hillside Select
1996 Merlot
Cliff Lede
2006 Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Claret
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
Monticello
2005 Syrah
2004 Jefferson Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Tietjer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Corley Reserve
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Pre-dinner and Dinner (Cena Luna)
2003 HdV Chardonnay
1997 BV Georges de Latour
2004 Cheval des Andes
1994 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Toffanelli Charbono
2004 Mitolo Savitar
2002 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
2002 Monticello Reserve Cabernet
2005 Vincent Girardin Rully Vieilles Vignes
2002 Switchback Ridge Merlot
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 (32)
Roadies…
2005 Vincent Girardin Rully Vieilles Vignes
2005 Londer Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
2005 Brewer-Clifton Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir
2002 Keenan Mernet Reserve
2002 Roda I Rioja
Martinelli
2005 Tessa Lee Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Chardonnay RRV
2005 Bella Vigna Chardonnay
2005 Bella Vigna Pinot Noir
2004 Terra Felice Syrah
2005 Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel
Hartford Court
2005 Four Hearts Chardonnay
2005 Stone Cote Chardonnay
2005 Lands Edge Pinot Noir
2005 Sevens Bench Pinot Noir
2004 Syrah
2005 Zinfandel RRV
2005 Hartford Vineyard Zinfandel
Emeritus (Brice Jones & Don Blackburn)
2005 Pinot Noir
2005 William Wesley Pinot Noir
2007 William Wesley Pinot Noir (B)
Seghesio
2006 Pinot Grigio
2005 Home Ranch Zinfandel
1997 Turley Dogtown Zinfandel Magnum
2004 Ramey Patriarch Cabernet Sauvignon
Pre-Dinner & Dinner (John Ash & Co.)
Krug Grand Cuvee
2005 Pierrot Corton-Charlemagne
2004 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir
1995 Pahlmeyer Red Blend Magnum
1994 Caymus Special Selection Magnum
1994 Beringer Private Reserve Magnum
2001 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes
2004 Schloss Vollrads Riesling Spatlese
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 (39)
Roadies…
2006 Seghesio Pinot Grigio
2005 Dutton-Goldfield Rued Chardonnay
Tandem (Greg LaFollette)
2003 Porter-Bass Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
2005 Sangiacamo Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
2005 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, RRV
2005 Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay
2005 Sangiacamo Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Van der Kamp Pinot Noir
2005 Peleton Merlot
2004 Talmage Bench/ Don Aldine Vineyard Zinfandel, Medocino
2004 Gabrielle Vineyard Sangiovese, Redwood Valley, Mendocino
John Joseph (lunch, John Joseph & Scott Peterson)
2006 Leo Steen Chenin Blanc (2 bottles)
2004 SP Drummer
2005 John Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 John Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 SP Drummer
2002 SP Drummer
2001 SP Drummer
2003 John Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
Dutton-Goldfield (w/ Dan Goldfield)
2005 Pinot Blanc
2005 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay
2005 Sanchetti Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Freestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Morelli Lane Zinfandel
2004 Cherry Ridge Syrah
2007 McDougal Vineyard Pinot Noir (Tank)
2007 Silvia Vineyard Pinot Noir (Tank)
2007 Morelli Lane Vineyard Chardonnay (B)
2007 Chardonnay (B)
2006 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay (B - Torensaud)
Pre, Post and Dinner (Sante)
1997 Freemark Abbey Bosche Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Rochioli Zinfandel
2004 Clio, Jumilla, Spain
1999 Pride Merlot Magnum
1999 Pride Reserve Claret Magnum
2002 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
Thursday, September 27th, 2007 (11) - Back To San Franciso
Roadies…
2005 Rochioli Zinfandel
2005 Dutton Goldfield Rued Vineyard Chardonnay
2006 Ferrari Carano Fume-Blanc
Lunch @ Boulevard
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose
2005 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir (2 bottles)
Dinner @ Perbacco
2004 Anderson Oaks Pinot Noir
2002 Neal Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Pechennino Siri d'Jermu Dolcello di Dogliani
2001 Gaja Dagromis Barolo
On The Roof…
2005 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend
2001 Gaja Dagromis Barolo
Friday, September 28th, 2007 (2) - Home
In The Limo…
2005 Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 375ml (2 bottles)
2005 Gambal Bourgogne "Cuvee les Deux Papis"
227 Total Wines
At the Airport…
2003 Mitolo G.A.M., McLaren Vale, Australia
Roadies…
2001 Numanthia, Toro, Spain
2003 Brancaia "Il Blue" IGT, Tuscany, Italy
At Dinner (Portofino)
2005 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, California
2004 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon,
Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 (34)
Roadies…
2005 Franz Hirtzberger Gruner Veltliner "Rotes Tor" Federspiel, Wachau, Austria
2005 Vincent Girardin Rully Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy, France
2004 Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver Oak Alexander
2003 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California
2002 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California
2003 Twomey Merlot Napa Valley, California
Rochioli
2006 Rochioli Chardonnay, RRV, CA
2005 Rochioli Zinfandel, RRV, CA
Porter Creek
2005 Chardonnay
2004 Fiona Hill Pinot Noir
2004 Reserve Pinot Noir
2003 Timbervine Ranch Syrah
2004 Timbervine Ranch Syrah
2005 Old Vine Zinfandel
Moshin Vineyards
2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
2005 Lot 4 Pinot Noir
2005 Family Reserve Pinot Noir
2005 Merlot
2005 Bowman Vineyard Zinfandel
2005 Syrah, Santa Clara County
Walter Hansel
2005 Cahill Lane Chardonnay
2005 North Slope Chardonnay
2005 South Slope Pinot Noir
2005 Cahill Lane Pinot Noir
Pre-dinner & Dinner (Cena Luna)
2002? Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah (Sam only…)
1997 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
2005 Roessler "La Briga" Pinot Noir
1985 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
2002 Switchback Ridge Merlot
2000 Gaja Conteisa, Langhe (Barolo)
1997 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Magnum
2004 Pedestal Merlot, Walla Walla, Washington
2003 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend
2005 Londer Pinot Noir
1970 Graham's Port
Sunday, September 23rd, 2007 (59)
Roadies (8:39AM)
2005 Lewis Cellars Sonoma Chardonnay
1997 Arrowood Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Williams Selym Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2004 Porter Creek Timbervine Ranch Syrah
2005 Molly Dooker "Enchanted Path" Shiraz
2002 Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Syrah
2002 Arrowood Le Beau Melange Syrah
2005 Anderson Oaks Pinot Noir
2004 Lost Canyon Syrah (Corked)
2004 Betz "Pere de Famille" Cabernet Sauvignon
Kenwood (all Jack London)
2004 Merlot
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Zinfandel
2003 Syrah
Arrowood (Chris Conway, host)
2005 Saralee's Vineyard Viognier
2004 Reserve Chardonnay
2002 Saralee's Syrah
2002 Le Beau Melange Syrah
2002 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Monte Rosse Cabernet Sauvignon
2002 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2001 Late Harvest Riesling
2005 Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Blanc
Sbragia Family Wines
2006 Home Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, DCV
2005 Home Ranch Chardonnay, DCV
2005 Gamble Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley
2004 Home Ranch Merlot, DVC
2005 Gino Zinfandel, DVC
2004 Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, DCV
2002 Monte Rosse Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley
2004 Rancho del Oso Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2004 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2004 Wall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
Holdredge Cellars
2006 Pinot Noir, RRV
2006 Wren Hop Pinot Noir, RRV
2006 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, RRV
2006 "Mazie Rose" Pinot Noir, RRV
2005 Wren Hop Pinot Noir
2005 Alexander Valley Zinfandel
2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
2005 Syrah RRV
2005 Lover's Lane Syrah
2006 Grace's Cuvee Late Harvest Pinot Gris
2006 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer
Huntington Cellars
2005 Petite Sirah
2004 Nevins & Nevins Vineyard Merlot
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
2005 Syrah, Alexander Valley
Pre-Dinner & Dinner (Zin)
2003 Mitolo G.A.M.
2001 Pride Cabernet Franc
2002 Pride Merlot
2004 Tor "Rock" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1992 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
1991 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
1997 Saintsbury Brown Ranch Pinot Noir Magnum
1998 Opus One
2002 Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Schloss Vollrads Riesling Spatlese
Monday, September 24th, 2007 (45)
Roadies (8:15AM)…
2005 Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Viognier
2005 Bjornstad Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
2002 Keenan Mernet Reserve
1997 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Corley Reserve
Pride Mountain Vineyards
2006 Viognier
2005 Cabernet Franc
2005 Merlot
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Rock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2006 Canyon Ranch East Block Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2006 Syrah (Medium Toast, Troncais) (B)
2006 Petite Verdot (B)
2006 Rock Arch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (B)
2005 Reserve Claret (B)
Blackbird
2004 Blackbird
2005 Paramour
2005 Blackbird
Shafer
2005 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay
2005 Merlot
2004 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Relentless
2003 Hillside Select
1996 Merlot
Cliff Lede
2006 Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Claret
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
Monticello
2005 Syrah
2004 Jefferson Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Tietjer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Corley Reserve
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Pre-dinner and Dinner (Cena Luna)
2003 HdV Chardonnay
1997 BV Georges de Latour
2004 Cheval des Andes
1994 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Toffanelli Charbono
2004 Mitolo Savitar
2002 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
2002 Monticello Reserve Cabernet
2005 Vincent Girardin Rully Vieilles Vignes
2002 Switchback Ridge Merlot
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 (32)
Roadies…
2005 Vincent Girardin Rully Vieilles Vignes
2005 Londer Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
2005 Brewer-Clifton Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir
2002 Keenan Mernet Reserve
2002 Roda I Rioja
Martinelli
2005 Tessa Lee Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Chardonnay RRV
2005 Bella Vigna Chardonnay
2005 Bella Vigna Pinot Noir
2004 Terra Felice Syrah
2005 Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel
Hartford Court
2005 Four Hearts Chardonnay
2005 Stone Cote Chardonnay
2005 Lands Edge Pinot Noir
2005 Sevens Bench Pinot Noir
2004 Syrah
2005 Zinfandel RRV
2005 Hartford Vineyard Zinfandel
Emeritus (Brice Jones & Don Blackburn)
2005 Pinot Noir
2005 William Wesley Pinot Noir
2007 William Wesley Pinot Noir (B)
Seghesio
2006 Pinot Grigio
2005 Home Ranch Zinfandel
1997 Turley Dogtown Zinfandel Magnum
2004 Ramey Patriarch Cabernet Sauvignon
Pre-Dinner & Dinner (John Ash & Co.)
Krug Grand Cuvee
2005 Pierrot Corton-Charlemagne
2004 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir
1995 Pahlmeyer Red Blend Magnum
1994 Caymus Special Selection Magnum
1994 Beringer Private Reserve Magnum
2001 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes
2004 Schloss Vollrads Riesling Spatlese
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 (39)
Roadies…
2006 Seghesio Pinot Grigio
2005 Dutton-Goldfield Rued Chardonnay
Tandem (Greg LaFollette)
2003 Porter-Bass Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
2005 Sangiacamo Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
2005 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, RRV
2005 Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay
2005 Sangiacamo Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Van der Kamp Pinot Noir
2005 Peleton Merlot
2004 Talmage Bench/ Don Aldine Vineyard Zinfandel, Medocino
2004 Gabrielle Vineyard Sangiovese, Redwood Valley, Mendocino
John Joseph (lunch, John Joseph & Scott Peterson)
2006 Leo Steen Chenin Blanc (2 bottles)
2004 SP Drummer
2005 John Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 John Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 SP Drummer
2002 SP Drummer
2001 SP Drummer
2003 John Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
Dutton-Goldfield (w/ Dan Goldfield)
2005 Pinot Blanc
2005 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay
2005 Sanchetti Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Freestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
2005 Morelli Lane Zinfandel
2004 Cherry Ridge Syrah
2007 McDougal Vineyard Pinot Noir (Tank)
2007 Silvia Vineyard Pinot Noir (Tank)
2007 Morelli Lane Vineyard Chardonnay (B)
2007 Chardonnay (B)
2006 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay (B - Torensaud)
Pre, Post and Dinner (Sante)
1997 Freemark Abbey Bosche Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Rochioli Zinfandel
2004 Clio, Jumilla, Spain
1999 Pride Merlot Magnum
1999 Pride Reserve Claret Magnum
2002 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
Thursday, September 27th, 2007 (11) - Back To San Franciso
Roadies…
2005 Rochioli Zinfandel
2005 Dutton Goldfield Rued Vineyard Chardonnay
2006 Ferrari Carano Fume-Blanc
Lunch @ Boulevard
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose
2005 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir (2 bottles)
Dinner @ Perbacco
2004 Anderson Oaks Pinot Noir
2002 Neal Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Pechennino Siri d'Jermu Dolcello di Dogliani
2001 Gaja Dagromis Barolo
On The Roof…
2005 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend
2001 Gaja Dagromis Barolo
Friday, September 28th, 2007 (2) - Home
In The Limo…
2005 Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 375ml (2 bottles)
2005 Gambal Bourgogne "Cuvee les Deux Papis"
227 Total Wines
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Castello Banfi
The 2001 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino is drinking so pure right now... such a baby, but beautiful. Firm tannins, stewed tomatoes, dried earthy cherries. The 1997 Banfi SummuS (Cab, Sangiovese and Syrah) is a powerhouse... full of sotto bosco (see posts from Italy trip), dried leaves, but powerful tannins and a firm backbone. Awesome now, but still needs time. The 1997 Banfi Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino rocks... an elegant, sikly-smooth Sangiovese... Only one word to describe it - pure.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Transition
Not sure what happened, but after a very lackluster week at the restaurant, I come home to this... The 1999 Gaja Barbaresco is still such a baby... lovely notes of rose petals, dried cranberries, dried black earth and huge tannins. Very good - very Gaja. The 2004 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon was over-extracted and too big... the wine was not well balanced with the anise and extraction overpowing any sense of elegance. Not my style. The 2003 Domaine de Paillieres Gigondas is awesome... A slightly browning rim and deep spicy-garrigue/earth notes dominate the dried strawberries and raspberries. Very nice, especially for a 2003 - some of which are disjointed and overly alcoholic. The 1975 Bertani Amarone was stunning... a beautiful example of an incredible wine. Smokey-raisins and stewed prunes and cedary-dried leaves. A beautiful, long complex finish. Awesome, awesome stuff.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
I'm Baaaack...
Wow... what a great trip. I'll post all of the wines and a few tasting notes, dining reviews, etc. in the coming days... off to work tonight though...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Well, Well, Well... you can never tell
Ahhh... the 1988 Chateau Lafleur... should be one of the greats from this vintage... but last night, two bottles were decidely not. The first showed signs of burnt toast, and a bitter astringent finish. The second was not much better... though without the burnt toast. Lesson? Be careful where your bottles come from... Also had a corked bottle of 1995 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild... not my night. Two other bottles revealed the wine has slowly started to emerge from its cocoon into a great Mouton... cassis, graphite, dried leaves and rich black cherries come from the glass. Beautiful. The 2003 Lewis Cellars Reserve is as it's been... a wonderful wine that's drinking well now. The 1992 BV Georges de Latour was a huge suprise!!! A beautiful nose of cedar, mint, eucalyptus, dill and sweet vanilla with beautiful black currants. A lovely, long finish. A knockout. The 2003 Smith Haut-Lafitte Blanc was a bit hot, lush, and ripe... but still a beautiful wine wine years ahead of it. Cheese, spiced grapefruit, lemon rind and orange peel really came screaming from the glass. Nice!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
"There are two categories of cliff divers...
Grand Champion... and stuff on a rock." - unknown
The 2000 Chateau Lagrange (3rd Growth, St. Julien) is beautiful... Most of the time the hype doesn't match up to the reality. Not with the 2000 Bordeaux. These wines are incredibly concentrated - but exceptionally well-balanced. Still just babies. This was a half-bottle, decanted for 3 -4 hours. Coffee, graphite, cigar box, wet tobacco leaves, sweet black currants, ripe black cherries and plums. Beautiful mouthfeel - great balance and structure. Tannins nice and ripe, but still very prodigeous. Wonderful wine... give it another 5 years in 1/2 bottle (!)... 10 in full. The 2001 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux continues to be one of my favorite wines. It's starting to loose some of its weight, but what it's loosing in power, it's gaining in elegance and finesse - two somewhat uncommon traits for a "lowly" Echezeaux. Sweet wild strawberries, clove, cinnamon, all-spice, black turned earth, dried leaves... just a beauty. The nose is amazing... continues my belief in the terroir-driven style of the 2001 vintage. The 1996 Gaja Sperss (Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo) continues to be one of my favorite wines... pure Barolo with its rose-petaled sweet red plums, dried earth and powerful tannins. Again... one of the most impressive Sperss i've ever tasted. I was literally without words last night when I tried it. That says it.
The 2000 Chateau Lagrange (3rd Growth, St. Julien) is beautiful... Most of the time the hype doesn't match up to the reality. Not with the 2000 Bordeaux. These wines are incredibly concentrated - but exceptionally well-balanced. Still just babies. This was a half-bottle, decanted for 3 -4 hours. Coffee, graphite, cigar box, wet tobacco leaves, sweet black currants, ripe black cherries and plums. Beautiful mouthfeel - great balance and structure. Tannins nice and ripe, but still very prodigeous. Wonderful wine... give it another 5 years in 1/2 bottle (!)... 10 in full. The 2001 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux continues to be one of my favorite wines. It's starting to loose some of its weight, but what it's loosing in power, it's gaining in elegance and finesse - two somewhat uncommon traits for a "lowly" Echezeaux. Sweet wild strawberries, clove, cinnamon, all-spice, black turned earth, dried leaves... just a beauty. The nose is amazing... continues my belief in the terroir-driven style of the 2001 vintage. The 1996 Gaja Sperss (Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo) continues to be one of my favorite wines... pure Barolo with its rose-petaled sweet red plums, dried earth and powerful tannins. Again... one of the most impressive Sperss i've ever tasted. I was literally without words last night when I tried it. That says it.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Love It
Clos de Tart may be the single most under-rated Grand Cru Burgundy there is... A monopole, owned entirely by Mommessin, and in turn by Boisset doesn't make flashy, powerful wine. The Grand Cru is instead elgance and finesse - now I'm not claiming it's a Le Musigny, but I'd give it a run against Romanee-St.-Vivant... the 2005 is spectacular, the 2001 is fabulous... a great wine. I love the 2001s... keep your eyes out for Sylvain Pitiot and his Clos de Tart...
Monday, September 10, 2007
Wines from the week...
Enough about beer and fake bottles... how 'bout some real ones? The 1995 Chateau Leoville Las-Cases is starting to open and is a beautiful bottle... lots of cocoa, mocha, black tar, graphite, bacon, black fruit, cedar - still a baby, but a blossoming, tannic, powerful baby... the 1985 Chateau Haut-Brion is as it's been - very nice, with lovely gravel, bacon fat, and smoke on the nose. Not the best HB, but still very good... Three bottles of the 1997 Paul Jaboulet Aine Cornas "les Terrasses"... very smokey with black olives, meat, dried tar, and smoke with a peppery, powerful finish. Beautiful wine. One was not as good as the other two.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Joy of Cooking
I love to cook... to me, it's a relaxing and creative activity... and it's always better with a glass of wine. We got a beautiful, thick piece of Black Grouper (extremely fresh - I would bet it was caught that morning). Very basic sautee. We had a bottle of the 2004 Vincent Girardin Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes... too young? Perhaps, but it was pretty with lovely underipe green apples and tons of minerals. A nice, if not great, bottle of wine to enjoy my time in the kitchen...
Monday, September 03, 2007
Beer, the other sparkling beverage
Ok, so aside from an unnatural love for all things grape (other than popsicles... can't stand grape popsicles for some reason)... I also have a love for all things barley. And hops. I love beer. I love the smells, I love the flavors, I love the complexity some of them can have. I love it. I certainly have my favorites, but there is one that I put on a pedestal far above any other beer on this planet... Alaskan Brewing Company's Alaskan Amber. Hoppy, rich, beautiful. The perfect beer. Better than my beloved Anchor Steam. Better than Chimay. If only I could find a few bottles!!!! It's been 8 years since I've had a bottle of this wonderful beer.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Counterfiet Wine
There's a lot of media attention being given to the dispute legendary collectors Bill Koch and Hardy Rodenstock are having amongst, well, themselves. Koch bought several bottles that Hardy had put up at auction that were supposed to be from Thomas Jefferson's collection (Jefferson was one of the great collectors of wine)... Are they? Who knows? Is there evidence that they are not? Yes. Is there evidence that they are? Sort of. Anyone know the answer? Can anyone know the answer? Doubtful. We are unfortunately in a time where the investment in rare bottles of wine is becoming a sport. What the bottle says and what the chemical composition is of the liquid in the bottle has become more important than the beauty and magic of wine itself. Can money be made by collecting then selling increasingly rare bottles? Absolutely. To me, that's not the important question. The real question is, why does money taste better than wine? For me, it's obviously all about the wine. I don't have 1 bottle in my cellar that I wouldn't drink because the memories are much more important than possessing a great bottle or bottles. Enjoying a legendary bottle with friends is more important than bragging rights... after all, isn't being able to say you enjoyed a bottle of 1921 Petrus better than saying I have a bottle, but I'll never open it? I'm not opposed to people selling wine because their tastes changed, but if you buy wines for the simple idea of selling them later, well, what's the fun in that? Have I had bottles that weren't what they said they were - I absolutely have my suspicions about a few. It is an increasing problem as the value of collecting wine grows more important than the value of enjoying wine... we'll see where all of this goes.
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