WTN: Brezeme, Pian del Ciampolo, von Schubert

Ya, ya, another post on 2005 Éric Texier Côtes du Rhône Brézème (N. Rhône) Really nice fruity flavors with a hint of black licorice, barely perceptible tannins, excellent acidity but not a lot of structure here. On day 2, it’s pretty simple, tasty but simple. It’s a very good every day bistro syrah with enough lift to be refreshing. Fake cork.

And yes, another post on 2005 Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo (Tuscany) Light garnet coloring with nuanced tart cherry tones, wonderful acidity, light on the palate but with an exceedingly persistent finish. There is elegance that I rarely find in Tuscany these days. Love it.

2002 Von Schubert Maximin Grünhauser Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett (MSR) Wonderfully acidic, sharp biting, apple with slate. The wine is in an cranky stage right now. There is a bit of creaminess starting to develop but the acidity is a bit shrill on the finish and the flavors are angular. It really needs more time.

2005 Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo (Tuscany)...been trying to track this one down here Bill. So many good reports!

It's a beauty, Bob.

Great notes on three of my favorites. I think the PdC is lovely in a fulsome sort of way in 2005. I think there are still a few left in NYC.

Edited to add: Oops, getting them to Alberta would surely be a chore.

Best,
Cliff

Great notes on three of my favorites. I think the PdC is lovely in a fulsome sort of way in 2005. I think there are still a few left in NYC.

When Bill, Bob and Cliff all take the same position on a wine, I am somewhat trepid to disagree - but only somewhat . . .
I really didn't care for the 2005 PdC; Cliff's comment about fulsome is closest - I thought it lacked acidity and was sort of muddy - especially compared to other vintages. Tried six times, all bottles from the same source (in NYC).
That's what makes horse races.
Best, Jim

I'm with Cliff and Bill on the '05 PdC. Someone brought to a holiday party at my house, easily WOTN. Bought some before night was out. It is bigger and a bit lower acid than say the '02, but in line with the '99 I thought. But if we all agree on every wine this would be boring.

especially compared to other vintages.

I haven't had the chance to try earlier vintages, Jim, but from your and Dale's comments it sounds like I should.

In any context, the 2002 PdC was a beautiful wine: haunting aromatics, delicate, with no weight. The 1999 was closer, as I recall, to 2005, without being quite as full in the middle.

Edited to add: I've never been able to keep my hands of them for more than a couple of years, so I have no idea how they'll evolve. I'm not convinced they have the concentration to last too, too long. (BTW-2002 was a lousy vintage overall)

That's what makes horse races.
Best, Jim

Told ya it would be a crowd pleaser. I'm going into handicapping.

Kevin

Say, Jim, have you tried the 2004? That, for me, was a strange year; the first couple were blocky, tending towards black fruits but not giving much. Then, a more recent bottle was much more open, more in a black olive and crushed earth vein than I associate with the PdC but nice nonetheless.