Over the course of every week, I style a bunch of wine, normally with associates, and virtually all the time with my spouse. Listed here are a number of the wines we tasted over the previous few weeks. These are wines that had been not despatched as samples—typically, I truly paid for these wines (though just a few have been given as presents).
2013 La Follette Chardonnay Sangiacomo Winery, Sonoma Coast, CA: Retail $38. Accountable Bottle (580g; 20.4oz). Underneath cork. It has been over 4 years (!) since I final tasted this wine and there appears to have been some modifications. First, the wine is definitely darker than I keep in mind; it has moved previous “yellow” and onto “golden” with loads of ripe pear, lemon curd, and vital 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 by way of 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 how one can charge? I might drink any of those you might need shortly (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). Underneath 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 smart transfer. However, quickly after, my love of candy wines waned, and this wine was all however forgotten on the rack. Then, some millennials came to visit for dinner and one thought it might be enjoyable to strive her delivery 12 months 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 element that unifies. That is candy, however removed from overly so, and it definitely works with all of that acidity. As I stated, I’ve moved away from sweet-ish wines, however this can be a traditional and it’s stellar. Whoa. Excellent. 94 Factors.
2017 McIntyre Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA: Retail $40. Heavy Bottle (650g; 22.9oz). Underneath agglomerated cork. I obtained 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 on the subject 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 properly, and I’m right here to offer it. Glorious. 91 Factors.
2001 Château Marbuzet, St. Estèphe, Bordeaux, France: Retail $50. Accountable Bottle (549g; 19.4oz). Underneath 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 liked it then (92 Factors). Effectively, not a lot has modified, that is nonetheless doing very properly, thanks very a lot. Medium to darkish shade with loads of black and pink 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 may occasionally 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). Underneath cork. I used to be choosing up some Kirkland Prosecco for the evening’s Kir Royals and I noticed this 1er Cru Chablis. I’ve some familiarity with each the producer and the winery so I believed 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 contemporary 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 by way of the racks of wine at Costco and I noticed this non-vintage Brut. Near golden in shade with a nutty pear vibe happening, robust. The palate is tart, even actually tart with tons of citrus notes in addition to a strong pear side. For simply over thirty bucks? It is a strong possibility. Actually strong, in truth, 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). Underneath 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 liked every iteration of this wine that I’ve tried, together with this one. Black fruit (and a little bit of pink) dominate the nostril of this almost ink-colored wine. There may be additionally a little bit of black pepper and only a trace of candy basil. The palate is traditional Napa Cab with fruit, positive, 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 should not a ton of wines left from the earlier millennium and only a handful in my cellar. So opening it was a giant deal, not less than for me. However stated millennial for whom I opened the bottle break up up along with her boyfriend, a co-worker (of types) of mine, and I’ll possible by no means see her once more. I’m fairly positive there’s a ethical someplace in that story, I’m simply not fairly positive what it’s.
What was your Wine of the Week?
