Double Post - NYE and January 2024

Went to a small gathering on New Years Eve (NYE) and had a few great wines. The remainder is the January line up I tasted.

New Years eve

Thanks to Chris and Ryan for the invite and special wines. We also had some caviar, stuffed mushrooms and more food. Ryan wrote the detailed tasting notes - it is really fun tasting with an Astronomy professor!

Bourgmont Winery, Sparkling Wine, Kansas NV

Seyval Blanc. Light straw yellow / gold. Very fine, persistent bubbles. Very nice nose of ripe pineapple, green apple, a bit of fresh apricot, orange rind, and some steely mineral. On the palate, a bit of orange / lime upfront, pineapple, red apple / pear, a touch of apricot / nectarine, something tropical like papaya / passion fruit / mango, and then honey toward a finish of steely mineral and some nice toasty yeastiness. Full bodied with a rich, fleshy / savory texture and lively acidity; what great balance. This is delightful, satisfying, and remarkably complex. A shocking 15.5% all but doesn’t taste like it at all. What an impressive achievement for Kansas. Buy and serve with confidence when you need a high quality sparkler. 3.5 Stars [12/31/23]

This was a surprise – an enjoyable Kansas wine! Surprised by the alcohol level, but it wasn’t revealed in the taste. Priced around $35 (?), I think.

Balfour, 1503, Hush Heath Estate, Classic Cuvee, Kent NV

Pinot Noir, Pinot Menuer, and Chardonnay. Light straw-gold with rosy reflections. Subtle but rich and deep nose of red apple, a hint of cherry, blood orange, lemon curd, and loads of toasty, yeasty depth, exceptional, rather wonderful nose. On the palate, loads of blood orange, a lovely bit of meaty black cherry, pineapple, apricot, and then loads of sweet raspberry and citrus-infused honey toward of a long, long finish of toasted almond and pound cake, yeast, and chalky stone (with perhaps the oyster shell of Chablis), and lingering red berry and crystalized honey. On the light side of full bodied with a rich, fleshy, honeyed texture, vibrant acidity, and savory minerality. Wonderful, wonderful depth and complexity. Wow. A solid 10 years ahead, and 15 us not out of the question. 4 Stars [12/31/23]

While its flagship vintage rosé has secured Balfour a firm place among England’s top wine producers, the estate introduced a second tier of traditional method sparkling wine. This pair of non-vintage wines, a rosé and a classic brut, appear under the ‘1503’ label, reference the date when the estate’s historic manor house was built. Made from the property’s estate vineyards and with a fresher, aperitif style in mind, this offers a very approachable yet still refined English fizz experience. This bottling saw the introduction of 10% Pinot Meunier, rounding out the fruit profile. This ‘Classic Cuvée’ is arguably England’s best value traditional method sparkling wine.

The fruit was harvested throughout October and the grapes were destemmed then whole-berry pressed to stainless steel tanks. Fermentation was inoculated with a house-specific strain and fermented at a cool temperature, preserving the vibrant fruit notes. Malolactic fermentation occurred simultaneously with primary fermentation. The wine was bottled and hit with the liqueur de tirage to the optimum potential pressure as dictated by Victoria, the winemaker. Following a minimum of 12 months on lees the wine was disgorged in November 2022. It was given a 10 gram dosage, which enhances the vibrant fruit notes. The wine is bottled to order for freshness.

I had this earlier in December and just had to bring it. English sparkling wine has come a long way and this is a great example. This runs around $40, so not a cheapie, but well priced for a good bottle of bubbly.

Louis Roederer, Cristal, Champagne 2002

 

My first Cristal. Nice color, gold with a touch an orange, but also some green reflections. Fantastic, fascinating nose, combining ripe, rich apricot / plum, raspberry, black currant, blood orange marmalade, ginger, yellow passion fruit, loads of chalky-stoney depth, all overlaid with mature Champagne notes of sour bread dough, and fresh fruitcake; phenomenal complexity. On the palate, loads of fresh orange marmalade upfront, with subtle notes of meaty cherry and currant/plum, lovely pineapple / mango / passion fruit, then guava and lime curd before a finish of black cherry, a touch of fresh honey, and a long, long finish chalky but smokey stone, yeast / sour bread dough. Full bodied and fleshy, rich and sweet but with serious poise and a study in elegant balance, fantastic complexity and depth; a study in the juxtaposition of rich, vibrant fruit with mature Champagne funky yeastiness. Absolutely captivating, the combination of rich texture with serious complexity are eye-opening. 20 years ahead easily. 5 Stars [12/31/23]

Cristal 2002 by Louis Roederer comprises a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.

Nose  Intense, delicate and precise, the nose harmoniously blends fragrances of sweet flowers, cocoa, finely toasted hazelnuts and candied citrus fruit.

Palate  The palate is seduced by this champagne’s silky texture, its concentration and its explosion of aromas of ripe fruit, red fruit and white chocolate mixed with flavoursome notes of caramel and pastry, which are characteristic features of this wine. Throughout the tasting experience, this champagne increasingly reveals its powerful and refined expression and leads to a finish marked by a beautiful freshness and a bitterness, offering the pleasant ‘’crunchy’’ sensation.

My first time having  a “classic” Champagne (read that as really expensive). Beautiful body, fine bubbles with citrus and yeasty stone edges –  incredible Champagne.  No doubt one of the best I’ve had. Interesting note – the bottom has no punt, like most sparkling wine – it is flat, but pretty thick. Originally packed in crystal (clear) there was no punt and it continues that way. No clue to the price.

 

Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sauternes 1998

Gorgeous orange-gold with a hint of green, no mature bronzing showing, impressively youthful for its age. Phenomenal, d’Yquem level Sauternes nose; amazingly rich/ripe pear with raspberry and apricot, crystalized ginger, honey / barley sugar / gorgeous floral nectar, loads of vanilla, then lime, loads of botrytis mace / nutmeg, white peach / yellow melon, and incredible steely mineral depth; such elegance and power and depth; as it opens, mature fruitcake, burnt sugar, and butterscotch. The palate is just as incredible; loads and loads of honeyed ripe/rich poached pear, candied ginger, and endless, luscious array of honey and orange blossom / white flower nectar, laden with botrytis mace and nutmeg, hazelnut, and then creamy butterscotch / vanilla before a finish of chalky mineral and a endless finish of honey / flower nectar, a firm touch of vanilla / oak, white peach, and a hint of raspberry. Full bodied, rich and honeyed and very sweet, with fleshy texture, candied citrus acidity, incredibly elegant but powerful balance like a high end Meursault (white Burgundy). This is so close to the ’98 d’Yquem. Phenomenal. A long life ahead of it still, 20 - 30 years. 5 Stars [12/31/23]

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Lovely sweet apricotty nose with spicy, fruity complexity. There's a rather unusual lanolin-like edge to the palate, which is honeyed and syrupy. Attractive, but a bit simple overall? Very good+

This is an incredible bottle of dessert wine. Had an apple ginger tart with it and the match was heavenly. Sad part – the wine and tart were so richI couldn’t finish both. The mouthfeel of this wine is intense – floral, pear and spices that just fill the senses. Nice acidity to match the sweetness, a balance that is divine. Hard to say much more – you just drink in the pure luxury and are wrapped in a sugar cocoon.

January 20204 wines

 2021 Bodegas Manzanos 111 Red Blend, Navarro, Spain

Aromas of Mission fig, black currant and mocha waft from the glass. Vibrant acidity and plush tannins play backup to black cherry, blackberry, butterscotch, star anise and dried sage flavors that dissolve into a pomegranate-splashed finish.                       WE 93 points

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha, this red is full in feel, with nice grip and strength to the palate showing flavors of dark berry and plum that finish dark and spicy. Ripeness and fruit are paramount on this Navarran red.

This is a very fruit forward style of wine. Very enjoyable with enough acid and body to match with food. Priced around $14, worth buying several to enjoy, though only not something to put away for more than a year.

2020 Country Heritage Vignoble, Laotto Indiana

Semi dry white wine. Estate Grown Fruit.

Bright and crisp semi-dry white wine. Sweet fruitiness with tart citrus flavors.

Alcohol 11.50%

Gift and I can not say I really liked it. Too sweet, used it mostly for cooking.

2020 Las Gundinas La Vizcaina, Bierzo, Spain

WA 95  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2022

(95+ points) The 2020 La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas has a new plot, a west-facing vineyard that is steeper and cooler. Pérez likes Gundiñas and Rapolao in warmer years like this. In 2020, 50% of the wine matured in 2,000-liter oak foudre and the other half in used 500-liter barrels. It was harvested much earlier, and the wine shows more freshness even if it shows more tannin today. He likes long macerations (40 to 45 days) and works toward having tannins and weight in his wines. Some 6,000 bottles were filled in August 2021.- LG

La Vizcaina Las Gundinas shows very fresh aromas of black fruit with certain notes of graphite and a background of thyme. In mouth it is fleshy, ample, with a tannin of grape very marked and certain earthy aftertaste.

Mostly Mencia, this is a tasty wine with nice black fruits and body with fine grained tannins as the backbone. Could cellar for several years, but drinking fine now. Priced around $40, I got a better deal from Matt.

 

2018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza, Rioja, Spain

This wine has aromas of dark plums, clove and cocoa powder. Flavors of black currant, blackberry, milk chocolate, clove and orange zest are set into polished tannins that gently fade into an orange-zest finish. — Mike DeSimone                                90 WE

100% Tempranillo picked by hand aged for 15 months in American and French oak barrels after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Thereafter the wine is transferred back to the tanks for 5 months of natural fining and settling before filtering and bottling.

93  James Suckling

Blackberry, tar and violet aromas. Wet earth, too. Medium to full body with firm, racy tannins and a solid finish. A structured and very classic Rioja. Drink or hold.

Classic Tempranillo from the Rioja, old style. Very enjoyable with black fruits and spice elements. Nice body without many tannins. Priced around $30, a very good wine to enjoy with friends.

 

2019 Guidalberto Tenuta san Guido Toscano, Italy

95           Wine Enthusiast

This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It’s nicely balanced by fresh acidity. Drink 2022–2029. Editors’ Choice.

94           Decanter

Guidalberto is still considered the 'second vin' of Sassicaia but this is a terrible mistake - first of all, its blend is completely different, as is the selection of the grapes. Secondly, the quality of the tannins today is excellent. In good - if not great - vintages such as 2019, Guidalberto shines for its classic style of sleek bramble fruit, astonishing elegance of the tannins, and the signature freshness of the estate. The suppleness of Merlot helps this wine to become more approachable sooner, yet no less ageworthy.

93           James Suckling

Plum, currant and fresh-herb aromas follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, linear finish. It’s clear and already delicious, but another year or two will improve it.

I made a mistake and opened this wine. It is still very tight and needs some bottle time to allow it to open up. The second time I tasted it (the day after I opened it), the fruits had become apparent with a mix of red and black fruit and overtones of herbs and spices. Went well with a steak, but keep this puppy for a few years and enjoy. Got it for $50 at Auburn spirits, heck of a great deal.

Another month, a little more wine. Hope everyone is well - keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of December 2023

Another year has passed, the Holidays are past. Hope Santa was good to you...

Lets talk about some wines.

2020 Uggiano Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Firenze, Italy

Very pleasant and persistent, with hints of violets and cherries, complemented by clear vanilla hints

Harmonious, dry, with a pleasant tannicity. Very clean finish with a persistent aftertaste.

It pairs well with typical Tuscan pasta dishes, such as pappardelle with wild boar sauce, pici with meat sauce. It also pairs well with Tuscan liver pâté, grilled meat, stewed meat, and medium-aged cheeses.

This is one of thiose tasty Chiantis, with good fruit and nice acidity. Red fruits dominate with some hints of vanilla – very good for a $12 bottle of Italian Chianti.

2016 Estampa Reserva Carmenere Malbec, Colchagua, Chile

Color: Intense purplish-red.

Aromas: Spicy and fruity. Sweet red fruits and spices.

Flavors: Smooth and round at the start. Soft tannins and a sweet finish.

94 pts  Decanter World Wine Awards

(Silver Medal Winner) Opulent and inviting on the nose with pristine, pure fruit, then the lush palate has heat, spice and a delicious pepper edge.

Still holding up well, the Malbec cuts some of the tartness of the Carmenere. Tannins are mostly gone, but a nice mouthfeel of red fruits and hints of baking spices. Moderate finish, enough acidity to go with meat and umami items. I think it was around $20, well worth that price.

2019 Chateau Bellevue Bordeaux Superieur, France

With its deep red color and nose of red fruits including blackberry and blackcurrant, this wine is round in the mouth and full and fleshy. Château Bellevue is slightly spicy with nice length and pleasant tannins. Pairs nicely with grilled meats such as duck, roasted beef, and leg of lamb. The slight spice to wine makes it a great accompaniment for pastas with red sauce and barbeque foods such as chicken, sliders, and ribs. The velvety finish to the wine complements a variety of cheeses.

A youthful Bordeuax with mostly red fruits and a touch of spices. Lightly tannic, with a modest finish, not a wine expected to age years, but a tasty little wine. Priced around $18 – 20, worth getting.

2010 Chateau Duplessis Moulis en Medoc, France

Marie-Laure Lurton’s carefully tended vineyard – a shining example of sustainable viticulture – produces a generously flavoured, balanced and fresh tasting claret which is both excellent value and a delight to drink, especially in this magnificent Bordeaux vintage.

A gift from my brother – a forgotten bottle from the excellent 2010 vintage. Mostly red fruit with a bit of herbs, the flavor was still alive and kicking. Considering this was about $17 at purchase, the wine (and this vintage) has shown resilience and is drinking well. In a great vintage, winemakers can make great long lasting wines. In a bad vintage, the best winemakers still make good wines – others not so much.

2018 Provenance Deadeye Red blend, Napa Valley, CA

Expressive aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate invite the senses, complemented by subtle notes of clove and spice. The palate showcases structured tannins rounded out by exuberant red berry fruits and vanilla bean flavors. The wine is deliciously chewy, round and plush.

92  James Suckling

Ripe-blackcurrant, stewed-blackberry, mint-chocolate, charred-bark and mocha aromas. It’s full-bodied with round, sleek tannins. Intense bitter-chocolate and dark-berry notes on the finish.

This was a jammy wine with a serious nose and flavors of black fruit with some integrated tannins. Nuances of baking spices and a moderate finish that was an echo of the flavors. Enough backbone for a heavy meal, yet not overpowering on its own.  I got it for about $30, on close out – good price for a great bottle.

2019 Domaine Galevan Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, South Rhone, France

(CASKS) Matt-Hued Dark Red Colour; the bouquet is broad, leads on oak and varnish, pine, the cellar. There is a sweet bundle of cooked plums, red stone fruits within. The oaking dominates the attack, is central to the wine, so it's true ID is masked by that. The result is a tight, dry close, the spiced content suppressed by the non-vineyard element of the equation. The oak stands out on its own on the aftertaste, which is cool, not overdone. From 2024-25, and hope the oak backs off. 14.5°. 90% Gren, 10% Mourv. 100% oak raised, used to be part vat, part oak.

The nose is red fruits and hints of floral and oak. Mostly red fruits with a hint of some stewed fruits, with a hint of spices and oakiness. The tannins are noticeable, but not overpowering – held up to a heavy meal. Nice bottle, better in 3 – 5 years to tame the oak. Priced around $40, a nice example of CdP.

2021 Vina Robles Creston Valley  Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California

This is a rich and thoroughly satisfying Cab, starting with aromas of roasted boysenberry, cocoa, violet and toasty oak on the nose. The palate is cohesive and neatly woven, with rich black fruit, mocha and espresso flavors that are wrapped in firm but balanced tannins. — Matt Kettmann WE

The nose is a little closed, but hinted at red fruits, chocolate and oak.  Palate was darker – black fruit, cocoa, and fine grained tannins, yet it had some brightness to it. Feels young at this point – tannins and oak on the finish. Needs about 3 -5 years in the bottle to loosen the tannins and meld the flavors. Priced around $50, this was a store pick at Auburn Spirits.

2016 Skyharp ‘Pettirosso’, Napa Valley, California

Pettirosso (French for the bird Robin) is a wine inspired by proprietor Robin Smith. The goal was to utilize fruit that was typically made for blending and examine the world of natural fermentation. The natural process allows for a slower fermentation which in turn brings out stronger varietal notes.

The dark color characteristics of the Petit Verdot extract out plum and floral notes. Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are the focus grapes, the Malbec is blended to enhance the wine with sweet tobacco and leather notes.

Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec   ABV % 14.40              AVA Napa    DISTINCTIONS Sustainable

One of those wines that showed up out of the blue – this Pettirosso is a tasty, ready to drink blend of grapes from Napa that would not be featured, just blending items. That said, this was a good bottle where the red fruits stand out on the nose and on the palate. Nice body structure and a moderate finish. Of course, with its heritage (Napa Valley) it ain’t cheap – around $40. A fun bottle.

Another year, times fun while you’re having flies. Stay warm and keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.