Rumblings on wine Part 19A

[David M. Bueker]

Rumblings, part 19A

Meg Maker of Terroir Review did a short film (a few minutes) on Vermont craft cider. It’s a wonderful piece, that looks like it could have been done by the Somm folks. Very high production value, and an even more interesting story. I had to buy some Vermont cider after I watched it. See it here: https://terroirreview.com/2020/05/08/ve ... t-in-time/

The Zoom tastings continue, with another Champagne event today. This time it’s grower-producer Margaine. Looking forward to hearing about a new generation taking over an already excellent producer.

Did some digging in the cellar to unearth a box of 2001-2008 Selbach-Oster wines. June is going to be a fun month. There’s some real gems in the box that deserve their time to be appreciated.

I really want a fantastic bottle of Burgundy, but I am not making anything that is appropriate for it. Chickpea Masala is not exactly Echezeaux fare.

The orioles are eating more oranges than I am. That said, it’s nice to have them around.

Out in the real world the trees and vines are flowering. Fruit is coming. Nature continues its cycle.

[Robin Garr]

Nice. And yes, spring sprung despite the world's troubles. After an early start, we had a glum period of clouds and cool drizzle. But summer is finally here. And our town reopened restaurants last night, with proper social distancing of course. I'm not in any hurry.

Meg Maker does some good work; always enjoy it. Meanwhile, in CA some re-opening is beginning. At this point it seems to be Stage 2 of 4. Stage 2 in progress. Beaches, parks, retail stores, restaurants, others. Stores and restaurants have capacity limitations, masks, soc distancing, etc.

I've read in the mainstream media that many restaurants need 80% capacity to break even. My reading it does not make it true, but I wonder how many will do so and when. Given filing a safety plan and probably capacity limits well below 80%.

We will stick with essential stuff and takeout for now. That's good enough.

Given that it's Memorial Day Weekend and forecast to be warm, I think beaches will be crowded. Prior to now, parking was very restricted. And even now, no sunbathing or sitting. Swimming, surfing, staying active basically allowed. Don't get comfortable, though. We will, of course, avoid and just watch the reports of the crowding.

Stay safe out there.

[David M. Bueker]

Meg Maker does some good work; always enjoy it. Meanwhile, in CA some re-opening is beginning. At this point it seems to be Stage 2 of 4. Stage 2 in progress. Beaches, parks, retail stores, restaurants, others. Stores and restaurants have capacity limitations, masks, soc distancing, etc.

There seems to be some grumbling/arguing/uncertainty about what is or is not allowed in regards to winery tasting rooms. The Santa Barbara rules sound downright confusing.

Mainstream media, but here it is. Agree it's confusing ...and wonder how many wineries that can reopen will do so quickly vs. taking a wait and see. Think it was on Berserkers that tasting rooms in other states where it's allowed are not doing so just yet.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/articl ... 287337.php

In any event, we're not going this year. All travel on hold for foreseeable future.

I love Margaine!

[Jenise]

Mainstream media, but here it is.

I find the San Fran Chronicle a very fine newspaper.

[David M. Bueker]

Mainstream media, but here it is. Agree it's confusing ...and wonder how many wineries that can reopen will do so quickly vs. taking a wait and see. Think it was on Berserkers that tasting rooms in other states where it's allowed are not doing so just yet.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/articl ... 287337.php

In any event, we're not going this year. All travel on hold for foreseeable future.

If it was not for mainstream media we would not know what was actually going on...anywhere.

[Robin Garr]

Not jumping on Pat but getting in on the digression, I was a mainstream news media guy for at least 20 years before I went off to save the world in the nonprofit sector. We took the work of covering the news accurately and fairly as a public service very seriously. I never wrote a lie and was never asked to lie by my editors or publisher. I'm proud to be part of the MSM and did my best to do it right.

End of speech! Back to wine!

[David M. Bueker]

Brief added rumble. I spent an hour digging in the cellar today. I unearthed a number of older wines that will grace the table over the next few weeks. I did not do the full archeological dig, so did not unearth everything I wanted to (sorry, no 2002 LLC Jenise), but there are some really nice bottles with age that are coming up soon.

[Jenise]

And Robin, IIRC, you won a Pulitzer for your work!

David, remind me what the of our Focus theme for next month is? Cellar Treasures? Open that bottle month?

My apologies to anyone that I offended with my comment on mainstream media. Oops?

[David M. Bueker]

And Robin, IIRC, you won a Pulitzer for your work!

David, remind me what the of our Focus theme for next month is? Cellar Treasures? Open that bottle month?

“Open that Bottle Month”

We’re in a pandemic. Might as well open the good stuff.

[Robin Garr]

My apologies to anyone that I offended with my comment on mainstream media. Oops?

No worries, Pat! Here's to ya. <clink>

well if David can dig out Selbach-Osters, maybe I should too!
thanks for rumblings

[Jenise]

Can't wait! I'm in the mood for the good stuff!

[David M. Bueker]

well if David can dig out Selbach-Osters, maybe I should too!
thanks for rumblings

Also Lafarge (which I got from you), Raveneau, and a few other trinkets.

As a frugal soul, I have just a few possibilities to finish out the month.

Chalone Estate, Grenache, Chalone, 2012
Quinta da Pedra Alta, Red Blend, 2010, Douro, (Touriga Nacional dominant)
Patricia Green Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, 2015, Marine Sedimentary

I had ordered the 2014 Green Berserkers Cuvee so was offered the 2015 as a bit of a reward/upgrade.

Also considering opening one of my CV19 wine purchases. A buy made to support a small vintner.

Scherrer Dry Rose' of Syrah, Sonoma County, 2017. (Very attractive price)

Any thoughts?

[David M. Bueker]

I would open the Rosé of Syrah if I were you.

I did open the Rose' of Syrah last night. My husband and I smelled completely different aromas. But we both like the wine. Not past prime. More assessment forthcoming.

[Jenise]

I love syrah roses. Usually a bit rounder with rich undertones. In fact, we had one last night from Chateau Ste Michelle of all things. Not a fan of the winery except as a producer of very durable wines for the common man, and as a winery who honors all former employees (even those who just worked as pourers in the summer months) with 50% discounts for life!, but I really like their dry syrah rose. And if one buys them on release and holds them an additional year or two before imbibing, all the better.

[David M. Bueker]

In general I have no issue with holding Rosé for 2-3 years post-vintage.

Tempier can go much longer, but it's a notable exception, along with LdH.

[Jenise]

David, I don't either. And the ones I favor tend to be the ones that can go the distance, like Navarro's Mendocino roses of pinot noir, and right now ESJ's '17 Bone Jolly. I've had some great one-offs, too, from producers I don't remember, but which I picked up off-season at half price.

[David M. Bueker]

Yeah, the '17 Bone-Jolly is really good right now. The '19 needs a little time in bottle IMO.