From my immediate family's Christmas on the 27th. Wonderful little lineup, the last one being a revelation.
Cedrus, Le Blanc, Cotes de Gascogne 2012
60% Colombard, 40% Ugni Blanc. Sparkly yellow. Low key but aromatic and rich nose. On the palate, a touch of pear (D’Anjou?) upfront, then rich, exuberant pineapple, guava, white peach, and apricot, with abundant lemon and orange, a suggestion of floral nectar, and some herbal overtones, all with generous, citrusy, slightly steely acidity, and touch of fine mineral. Full bodied, rich and penetrating in texture, and very fresh. Love it! 3 to 5 years more (under screw cap). 3.5 Stars [12/27/16]
Vigneti del Vulture, Pipoli, Aglianico del Vulture 2012
Dark ruby/garnet. Great nose: dried blackberry and black cherry, black currant, loads of cured leather, tobacco, dusty earth/cocoa powder, lots of tar, and tomato paste, all with nice density and high toned aromatics; wonderful. Identical notes on the palate, with abundant, savory tomato paste notes and orange rind acidity. Full bodied with rich, lush, but fresh and juicy fruit, and a fabulous, savory texture. Rustic, but with great polish and balance. Wonderful stuff, I love it!! 3 to maybe 5 more years. 3.5 Stars [12/27/16]
Here is the AFWE dream. It is so exquisitely understated. Devotees of big Napa Cabs would likely say there's not much to it, but for me, there is so much to it, you just have to pay attention. And if you do, you will be enthralled.
Carol Shelton, Old Vine Carignane, Oat Valley Vineyard, Alexander Valley 2013
Medium-light ruby. Gorgeous nose of sweet cranberry, pie cherry, and a hint of cassis, with a transparent expression of Alexander Valley: earth, cured tobacco leaf, suede, and evergreen; exquisite aromatics; awesome nose. Similar on the palate, with beautiful fruit: sweet cranberry/red cherry, black raspberry, and a hint of meaty currants, all so sweet, juicy and graceful, with exquisitely subtle earthy mineral, leather/tobacco, abundant spice, and lots of very fine tannin. Lovely overtones of blueberry/acai set in on the mid-palate and linger on the long, penetrating, mineral-laden finish; the spice, tannins, and mineral are all so exquisitely intertwined. Medium-full bodied, with fantastic density and succulent, slightly savory texture; driven by generous, juicy acid. Such precise and elegant balance, with fantastic tension between the acid and the succulent texture. This screams Alexander Valley. One of the most compellingly unique wines I’ve had; stunning, I am smitten! 5 solid years ahead, perhaps up to 10, depending on your preferences. Somehow manages to completely hide it’s 14.8% alcohol. 4.5 Stars [12/27/16]