WTN: ESJ Pinot Gris, '97 Ferrer Royal Cuvée, Viña Ardanza

2006 Edmunds St. John Pinot Gris Witters Vineyard (El Dorado County) Rich, full-bodied and extremely tasty. Asian pears, nutmeg, some smokiness with plenty of acidity to balance the touch of sweetness of the fruit. Very good and a steal at the price ($15). Screwcap.

1997 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée (Carneros) 7 ½ years on yeast. This is a full-bodied and zingy bubbly with a rich lemon zest and toasted whole grain bread nose, sweet lemon cream and red fruit flavors, and enough lemon acidity to go with the barely off-dry finish. This wine is carrying much more heft than the current release (2000). I like it.

1996 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva (Rioja) This is one of those wines that smells so good you don’t want to rush tasting it. It’s bursting with mature Rioja scents of dried citrus peel, dried lilac, chamomile, and cherries. This bottle isn’t as tasty compared to the last one I had 6months ago though. The fruit is pretty well faded but even still there is silkiness to the wine that is very attractive. A good smack of sour cherry acidity finishes it off making it a very good match with pork tacos, rice and beans although it's too acidic for my liking without the food.

2006 Edmunds St. John Pinot Gris Witters Vineyard (El Dorado County) Rich, full-bodied and extremely tasty. Asian pears, nutmeg, some smokiness with plenty of acidity to balance the touch of sweetness of the fruit. Very good and a steal at the price ($15). Screwcap.

Not yet got my '06 yet, but all the previous ones have been absolutely first-rate. It's one of the best PinotGis/Grigio in the world.
And they actually age quite well, thank you.
You should be ashamed of yourself, Bill...paying that little for such a good wine!!
Tom

Not yet got my '06 yet, but all the previous ones have been absolutely first-rate. It's one of the best PinotGis/Grigio in the world.
And they actually age quite well, thank you.
You should be ashamed of yourself, Bill...paying that little for such a good wine!!
Tom

I'm so ashamed, I'm going to have to buy more. That's good to hear about the aging, Tom but unless I buy a boatload it will be tough keeping my mitts off of them.

[David M. Bueker]

I've only opened one of my three '06 ESJ PGs so far, but it didn't taste all that much like PG to me. Thor nailed it when he said Viognier. Not a bad trade though.

I've only opened one of my three '06 ESJ PGs so far, but it didn't taste all that much like PG to me. Thor nailed it when he said Viognier. Not a bad trade though.

David; The Viognier comparison just doesn't register in my nervous system; if you try it alongside a Viognier, I'd love to hear if your reaction is the same.
cheers
Steve

[David M. Bueker]

I've only opened one of my three '06 ESJ PGs so far, but it didn't taste all that much like PG to me. Thor nailed it when he said Viognier. Not a bad trade though.

David; The Viognier comparison just doesn't register in my nervous system; if you try it alongside a Viognier, I'd love to hear if your reaction is the same.
cheers
Steve

I would, but your PG is the only Viognier I own.

Seriously though, I like the wine a lot (but not near as much as the killer bottle of your '01 California Syrah I've been drinking the last two days - are you ever going to do a Cali Syrah blend again? Please!!!).

1996 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva (Rioja) This is one of those wines that smells so good you don’t want to rush tasting it. It’s bursting with mature Rioja scents of dried citrus peel, dried lilac, chamomile, and cherries. This bottle isn’t as tasty compared to the last one I had 6months ago though. The fruit is pretty well faded but even still there is silkiness to the wine that is very attractive. A good smack of sour cherry acidity finishes it off making it a very good match with pork tacos, rice and beans although it's too acidic for my liking without the food.

Hi Bill, thanks for the great notes. I have two bottles of this, but have not yet tested the waters. Are you saying to drink up soon, or do you think there was just some bottle variation between this bottle and the one you had 6 months back? Thanks!

-Michael

thanks for notes. Haven't had the '96, but the LRA Ardanza is often a bargain.
Not a big PG fan, but the ESJ sounds nice (except for Viognier comparisons)

[David M. Bueker]

I'll put another bottle of the ESJ PG in the queue.

Of course there's so many wines in the queue that I need to have an offline at the house.

are you ever going to do a Cali Syrah blend again? Please!!!).

I think it's called The Shadow.

[Robin Garr]

2006 Edmunds St. John Pinot Gris Witters Vineyard (El Dorado County) Rich, full-bodied and extremely tasty. Asian pears, nutmeg, some smokiness with plenty of acidity to balance the touch of sweetness of the fruit. Very good and a steal at the price ($15). Screwcap.

Sounds dee-lish! I've never seen it around here, though, which seems odd since we usually have excellent availability of ESJ. I'll have to nag some retailers.

Hi Bill, thanks for the great notes. I have two bottles of this, but have not yet tested the waters. Are you saying to drink up soon, or do you think there was just some bottle variation between this bottle and the one you had 6 months back? Thanks!
-Michael

Definitely some variation, Michael. After drinking the last one, I thought that it was reaching maturity and not only had a long life remaining but still had stuffing left for improvement. This one wasn't as coherent but the nose was killer. Give one a shot.

Not a big PG fan, but the ESJ sounds nice (except for Viognier comparisons)

I havent had alot of PG or viognier, Dale but I know I like this wine.

Sounds dee-lish! I've never seen it around here, though, which seems odd since we usually have excellent availability of ESJ. I'll have to nag some retailers.

Nag away! (or order directly)

Of course there's so many wines in the queue that I need to have an offline at the house.

Then you'll have more room for fresh purchases.

Thanks for the notes, dood!

Amy adores Gloria Ferrer. Actually, if you remember the hot tub photo of 2006, that was Royal Cuvee

I'm thinking of odering a case direct. The offer 20% off all orders (once you become a club member, which is free).

Of course, shipping to Ma is $30 more than anywhere else in the free world.

Best,
Joe

Of course, shipping to Ma is $30 more than anywhere else in the free world.

Those of us who live in states where shipping is illegal envy those of you who only complain about the cost.

Amy adores Gloria Ferrer. Actually, if you remember the hot tub photo of 2006, that was Royal Cuvee

Hmm, I don't recall that photo. Maybe you'll have to post it again.

Thanks for the guidance on the '97.