2002 Radikon, Oslavje:
Orange and somewhat cloudy; smells of apricots, mangos, mineral water and an aroma very much like a winery when grapes are fermenting; tastes like that same winery, some citrus/grapefruit flavors, notes of herbs and stones, and, has the texture of burlap. Given several hours of air time, this becomes much more integrated, smooth and round but it is, at the least, unusual. Not for everybody. 13% alcohol, 1,000 ml bottle.
I loved this wine.
2006 Bevan Cellars, Syrah Hanna’s Cuvee:
This is the first bottling from the Westerhold Vineyard, before Westerhold had its own label; huge wine with the texture of worsted wool, structured, concentrated and actually, pretty interesting. Too much wood for me but the fruit is really strong and layered, and, the references to earth and mineral are evident. Needs wild boar or some such to accompany.
2008 Cowan Cellars, Syrah Dry Stack Vineyard:
Finally, turning a corner and becoming more open, complete and accessible. The nose is slightly lifted but the wine is integrating and becoming a pretty true expression of the vineyard. A bigger wine than our 2009 version (that will be bottled in December) but no new wood and 13.9% alcohol. Needs about an hour open to show its best. A syrah with acid, and definitely best with food.
Pork loin, crusty bread and roasted root vegetables were perfect.
2008 Frostwatch, Chardonnay:
It smells and tastes like chardonnay, has structure, good acidity (3.3 pH) and is integrated into a nicely harmonious package. No butter, no barrel, no spoof. About $30 and the first CA chardonnay I have bought (and will buy more of) in the last three years.
Excellent.
2000 Huet, Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec:
Thin, watery, barely sweet and without substance. Air didn’t help. A disappointment.
2007 Brocard, Chablis Les Clos:
Good Chablis but not worthy of the grand cru designation. I wonder why I just don’t have much love for Brocard - there’s no wood, they like acid and they have fine vineyards. But they have yet to impress me.
1990 Leoville-Barton (magnum):
A touch of brett does not detract but this is just OK - I expected more.
1995 Chat. Lafite:
Showing well and with dimension but it leaves me with the sort of vague “old Bordeaux” descriptor hanging over anything I can say. Didn’t wow me.
1995 Chave, Hermitage (rouge):
Young, brett free and without question, Hermitage. It will be much more later but it wasn’t bad now.
2007 Hibou, Gewürztraminer:
Bone dry and beautiful; flavors of lychee, stone, brown spices and pepper; structured, bright, very clean and long. Yummy!
Best, Jim
