Over the course of per week, I style a bunch of wine, normally with buddies, and virtually all the time with my spouse. Listed below are among the wines we tasted over the previous few weeks. These are wines that had been not despatched as samples—usually, I really paid for these wines (though a couple of have been given as presents).
2013 La Follette Chardonnay Sangiacomo Winery, Sonoma Coast, CA: Retail $38. Accountable Bottle (580g; 20.4oz). Below cork. It has been over 4 years (!) since I final tasted this wine and there appears to have been some adjustments. First, the wine is actually darker than I keep in mind; it has moved previous “yellow” and onto “golden” with loads of ripe pear, lemon curd, and important oak on the nostril. The palate is wealthy, even actually wealthy, with indicators of oxidation. A nuttiness is available in on the mid-palate, which lasts via the end. Yeah, that is an old-school Cali Chard at this level and whereas I just like the style, my spouse was not a fan (however nonetheless needed extra; clarify that to me?). So tips on how to charge? I might drink any of those you may need rapidly (if not sooner) however I nonetheless discover it Glorious. 91 Factors.
1999 Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux, Loire Valley, France: Retail $100? Accountable Bottle (566g; 19.9oz). Below cork. 100% Chenin Blanc. I purchased this again in 2009 from the PLCB for a scant $23. On the time, I used to be extra into candy and off-dry wines, so it appeared like a sensible transfer. However, quickly after, my love of candy wines waned, and this wine was all however forgotten on the rack. Then, some millennials came visiting for dinner and one thought it might be enjoyable to strive her start yr wine. Certain. No matter. Whoa. Darkish, even actually darkish; extra of an orange wine kinda vibe with oodles of baked apple a go-go. The palate is great with a near-bracing acidity, a bruised apple cider vibe, and a caramel part that unifies. That is candy, however removed from overly so, and it actually works with all of that acidity. As I stated, I’ve moved away from sweet-ish wines, however this can be a basic and it’s stellar. Whoa. Excellent. 94 Factors.
2017 McIntyre Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA: Retail $40. Heavy Bottle (650g; 22.9oz). Below agglomerated cork. I acquired a pair bottles of this wine in 2019 and I popped a bottle shortly thereafter. I appreciated it then, even so much (91 Factors) however that was then and this isn’t then. However, alas, I nonetheless actually like this wine. Darker than I keep in mind it and in addition intensely fruity, that is darkish, wealthy, and voluptuous. Yeah, not essentially what I consider in terms of “Pinot Noir” however that is wealthy (have I discussed that but?), fruity, and a really pleasant wine. Is it my model of Pinot? Nope. However this model wants love as effectively, and I’m right here to supply it. Glorious. 91 Factors.
2001 Château Marbuzet, St. Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Retail $50. Accountable Bottle (549g; 19.4oz). Below cork. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. I purchased these some time in the past (2007) and the one different bottle I popped was again in 2020 and I beloved it then (92 Factors). Properly, not a lot has modified, that is nonetheless doing very effectively, thanks very a lot. Medium to darkish coloration with loads of black and purple fruit on the nostril. There are additionally bits of earth and a few dried violet with only a trace of black pepper. Refined fruit with an exquisite tartness that dominates from begin to end, nice size, and loads of intrigue. I’m going to claim that this will have improved since 2020. Whoa. Excellent. 93 Factors.
2019 J. Moreau & Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaucoupin, Burgundy, France: Retail $50. Costco: $30. Accountable Bottle (560g; 19.7oz). Below cork. I used to be choosing up some Kirkland Prosecco for the night time’s Kir Royals and I noticed this 1er Cru Chablis. I’ve some familiarity with each the producer and the winery so I assumed it was a comparatively protected guess at thirty bucks. It was. After which some. Nice tartness off the bat with the identical lemon rind and recent peach that was on the nostril additionally discovered on the palate. There was additionally a touch of oak (15% in 1 to 2-year-old barrels) and loads of creaminess (prolonged contact with the lees). The size is spectacular, as is the complexity and depth. Yeah, I’m going again for extra. Excellent. 93 Factors.
NV Joseph Perrier Champagne Brut, France: Retail $45. Costo: $34. Extraordinarily Heavy Bottle (866g; 30.5oz). 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, together with 20% reserve wines. I used to be strolling via the racks of wine at Costco and I noticed this non-vintage Brut. Near golden in coloration with a nutty pear vibe occurring, sturdy. The palate is tart, even actually tart with tons of citrus notes in addition to a strong pear side. For simply over thirty bucks? This can be a strong choice. Actually strong, the truth is, if that’s, certainly, a factor. Glorious. 90 Factors.
2018 Silver Ghost Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA: Retail $45. Heavy Bottle (617g; 21.7oz). Below cork. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been a minute since I met with Weston Eidson, Silver Ghost proprietor, and tasted his wines. He’s a Houston native who spends about half his time in Napa. I’ve beloved every iteration of this wine that I’ve tried, together with this one. Black fruit (and a little bit of purple) dominate the nostril of this practically ink-colored wine. There’s additionally a little bit of black pepper and only a trace of candy basil. The palate is basic Napa Cab with fruit, certain, however intense spice, mocha, and that refined natural side. The end has a bit of warmth, however that is stellar. Excellent. 93 Factors.
WINE OF THE WEEK: After I opened the bottle of 1999 Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin, I knew it was going to be the Wine of the Week. How may it not? I imply, there are usually not a ton of wines left from the earlier millennium and only a handful in my cellar. So opening it was a giant deal, at the least for me. However stated millennial for whom I opened the bottle cut up up together with her boyfriend, a co-worker (of kinds) of mine, and I’ll seemingly by no means see her once more. I’m fairly certain there’s a ethical someplace in that story, I’m simply not fairly certain what it’s.
What was your Wine of the Week?
