Hello my friends, hope everyone around here is well! I kinda got out of the habit of checking in on WLDG, but popped back in today and realized what I've been missing. So here are some of my notes from this past summer, enjoy!
Tostorreddu, Isola dei Nuraghi 2018
From Sardegna. 40% Carignano, 30% Cannanou (aka Grenache), 30% Bovale (aka Graciano. Great color, dark ruby with an almost opaque core. Exceptional nose of pungent, meaty cherry and plum, herbs (sage?), rustic, leathery earth/gravel, black pepper, and lots of mineral, all rich and dense and savory. On the palate, loads of sour, fleshy black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with citrus (orange rind), a touch of unsweetened chocolate, some exotic apricot notes, some herbs/tobacco leaf, and lots of rustic, barnyardish earth, with sweet red fruit, peppercorn, and lots of spicy tannin lingering on a long finish. Full bodied, rich, and dense, but kept juicy and fleshy by generous acidity. This is impressive, and compares very favorably with good Languedoc reds, but with unmistakably Italian acidity and warm fruit. So much rustic charm, wonderful. Drink now or in the next 3 - 5 years. 3.5 Stars [5/23/21]
Domaine Paul Cherrier, Sancerre 2017
Wonderfully earthy nose, with rose bush, herbs, wonderful black cherry and black raspberry, succulent and savory and deep. On the palate, some black cherry, currant/pomegranite, violets, lemon, succulent herbs, white pepper, and stone; long lovely finish of red fruit, mineral, and spice. Medium-full bodied, savory, succulent, and spicy, with wonderful earthy depth. Love it. 3.5 Stars [5/23/21]
Luna Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2016
Magnificent, fragrant, deep nose of fire ember, roses/violets, succulent herbs / tea leaf, and basalm, with endless earthy mineral and stoney depth. On the palate, loads of sour cherry and currant, magnificently succulent, with black tea, Bergamont, and green peppercorn, then a wonderful finish. Medium-full in body, acid driven and fresh, with a gorgeous, magnificently succulent texture, and so much depth. Love it!!! 5 to 10 years ahead, maybe 15. 4.5 Stars [5/23/21]
Hawk Crest, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County 2009
Great color, medium-dark garnet with hints of orange, salmon then clear at the rim. Wonderful nose of mature roses, forest floor, loads of gravel and fire ember, black currant, black cherry, cured leather, tobacco, peppercorn, and earth. On the palate, lush but dense blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry upfront, followed by damson, roses/violets, sweet, succulent tobacco leaf, unsweetened chocolate, loads of drying, dusty tannin, with lovely red fruit on the long finish. Full bodied, juicy, and succulent, with loads of puckery, drying tanning; showing lots of mature Barolo-like notes; given its great structure and acid balance, this can go another 5 to 10 years. 3.5 Stars [5/23/21]
Chateau Belle Assise Coureau, St. Emilion 2014
Grand Cru. Medium ruby heading toward garnet. Lovely nose of rich black fruits, herbs, earth, leather/cured tobacco, cassis, gravel/slightly, and slightly chocolatey earth; love it! On the palate, blackberry, currant, dried cherry, plum (heading toward prune), roses/violets, herbs / tobacco leaf, loads of wonderful, earthy spice, mineral, and chalky tannin. Full bodied, rich and very savory; lush fruit, but with classical acid balance and lively structure. 5 - 10 more years ahead. 4 Stars [5/30/21]
Bailey Family, Chardonnary, Willamette Valley 2017
Excellent nose, opulent and deep, with stone fruit, tropical fruit, white flowers, orange rind, oak, and loads of mineral; wonderful. Similar notes on the palate; peach nectar, tropical fruits, white flowers, orange, white pepper, loads of mineral, spice, and oak. Medium-full bodied, with rich, sweet fruit, spicy, with substantial but integrated oak. 5 - 10 years ahead, possible 15. 3.5 Stars [5/30/21]
Duval Leroy, Finesse Absolue, 1er Cru, Champagne NV
Bright medium-light yellow. Excellent nose, great depth, with apricot/plum, white flowers, blood orange marmalade, nutmeg/ginger, nectar, yeast / a hint of bread dough. On the palate, passion fruit, plum, blood orange, pineapple, pear, nectar, yeast / fresh bread dough, loads of stone / mineral and lingering raspberry and stone fruit; such depth lingers on the finish! Medium-full bodied, sweet and creamy with fleshy fruit, pure and elegant but lush; this is a different style of Champagne, more modern, but elegant and classy. 4 Stars [5/30/21]
Markham Vineyards, Merlot, Yountville 2018
Great color, medium-deep and just barely translucent ruby. On the nose, sweet, rich, dense black raspberry and currant, dusty, leathery, cocoa-powder-laden Napa earth, overtones of tobacco leaf, nice notes of oak and mocha, white pepper, and stone/mineral. On the palate, rich, almost liqueur-like black raspberry and cassis, plum, spice, rose bush / tobacco leaf, and toward the finish, cocoa-laden earth, with loads of pepper and mineral-laden tannin on the finish. Medium-full bodied, rich and lush, lowish acid but balanced and given good tone by the spice and tannin structure. Very nice, good polish and quality. Drink now. 4 Stars [5/31/21]
1792, Small Batch, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky NV
Very nice orangey-golden toward amber color. Lovely nose for a Bourbon, very pure, with sweet corn malt, a touch of apricot, a hint of orange peel, honey, and something almost floral. Identical character on the palate, pure and sweet, very fruity for a Bourbon, rather brandy-like, with a long, spicy finish, and a strong suggestion of stone/mineral. Huge body, rich and oh so smooth. Possibly my favorite sipping Bourbon that I’ve had. 4.5 Stars [5/29/21]
Mondavi, Private Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bourbon Barrel Aged, California 2019
Dark ruby. Nose of cassis, tobacco, oak/bourbon, smoke/ash, loads of mineral, and spice. On the palate, rich, liqueur-like blackberry, cassis, black cherry, plum, violets, spice, tobacco, charred oak, and Bourbon, with pepper spice and mineral on the finish. Full and rich, but with lively acid and structure; juicy and slightly fleshy. Impressive. Drink over the next 5 - 10 years. 3.5 Stars [5/30/21]
Domaine Santa Duc, Habemus Papam, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Decanted 2 hours. Excellent color, medium, pure, translucent ruby, magenta then pink then clear at the rim. Outstanding nose, exceptional density and depth, rich and almost opulent but meaty and well toned black cherry, dried blackberry, and currant, with herbs, a lovely touch of lavender, cured tobacco leaf, leather, cocoa, black olives, rich, fragrant, dusty black soil, has grip and tone, but hints at a gorgeous maturity down the road. On the palate, dense, meaty, black cherry, blackberry / dried blueberry, black currant / cassis, dried red plum, and citrus rind, then roses/lavender/violets, fresh herbs, slightly minty cured tobacco leaf, bittersweet chocolate, sweet olives, loads and loads of peppercorns, rich, dark, slightly rustic earth, and lingering peppery, slightly chalky tannin and fleshy dark berries on a long finish. Hits you immediately with formidable power and tannic grip combined with impressive density and richness, and fantastic, rather elegant acid balance; fleshy but also very savory in tone. This is an incredibly impressive CdP, a study in the marriage of power, richness, and elegance. Approachable now (consider decanting for 2 hours), but will be better in 5 years, and last for 15 - 20 from now, possibly 25. 4.5 Stars, 5 Star potential. [6/8/21]
Columbia Crest, Grand Estates, Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2017
Very nice color, medium, lustrous straw yellow. Excellent nose, rich, fleshy, and reasonably fresh with generous tropical fruits, stone fruits, flowers, prominent oak, stone, and a touch of butterscotch; like a ripe Burgundy. On the palate, pineapple, guava, peach/nectarine, pear, citrus, white flowers, stone, and lots of clean, fresh milled oak. Full bodied, ripe, fleshy, but with good purity and balance, and generous acidity. Impressive for its price point. A strong 3 Stars [6/13/21]
Dellara, Cava NV
Nice color, lustrous, medium-light platinum yellow. Rather lovely nose of stone fruit, tropicals, flowers, and honey, with yeasty/toasty notes and good stone/mineral depth. On the palate, pineapple, peach, raspberry, guava, orange, flowers (violets?), and lots of citrus, mineral, and yeast/toast lingering on the medium finish. Light side of full bodied, rich and ripe, slightly creamy in texture, with excellent depth, balanced by excellent acidity, and persistent, fine bubbles. A very, very nice Cava, with a lot more substance and complexity than you expect for its under $10 price tag (from Aldi). A strong 2.5 Stars. [6/20/21]
Belle Glos, Pinot Noir, Clark & Telephone Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Country 2018
Good color, dark, translucent ruby with a hint of purple. Exceptional nose with lovely, fragrant, earthy depth; black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, loads of cloves / nutmeg, earl grey tea, a touch of minty, cured tobacco leaf, loads of stoney, smokey earth; loads of fragrant earl grey and cigar box, and such wonderful fragrant earthy depth; a touch of coriander too; and nice vanilla and toasted oak too; wonderful nose. On the palate, black cherry, black black berry, black currant, plum, all meaty and fleshy, with loads and loads of cloves, allspice, and peppercorn, lavender, earl grey tea, unsweetened chocolate, tobacco leaf, loads of earth and with smokey mineral, lingering plum/apricot, and sweet, chocolatey earth lingering on long finish, with loads fine mineral and tannin. Full bodied, rich and ripe but with lots of spice, good acidity, and earthy depth to support it. Has the earthy depth and gaminess of a Burgundy, but very ripe, almost like a California Cabernet. Not for Pinot Noir purists, but an exceptional wine in its own right. Drink now or in the next 5 to maybe 10 years. 4 Stars [6/20/21]
Weller, Antique 107, Strait Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky NV
Very nice color, orangey amber. Phenomenal nose, endless depth; caramel apples, peach, raspberry/cherry, wonderfully sweet wheat/corn malt, honey, earthy flowers, lots of wonderfully clean oak, and captivating, smokey/charred notes, all with mature notes of fruitcake. On the palate, ridiculous complexity and presence, almost hard to describe; burnt caramel / orange rind, apricot/peach, hints of cherry / raspberry, honey, lots of citrus, tones of spicy, wheat/corn malt, and lingering charred oak. So intense but so sweet and smooth and fragrant and smokey. Unlike any Bourbon I’ve had before, and probably the best Bourbon I’ve ever had. 5 Stars [6/23/21]
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Aligote, Limited Release, Upland Vineyards, Snipes Mountain 2019
Medium straw yellow. Lovely nose, tons of pear, white peach, white flowers, orange/grapefruit, herbs, and granite; very expressive. On the palate, loads of mineral-infused d’Anjou pear, white peach with a touch of meaty plum, lime/grapefruit, peppercorn, spicy herbs, loads of stone/mineral, and on the finish, lingering nectar and stone fruit. Medium-full bodied, with some potently spicy presence and prominent citrus acid balancing the rich, fleshy fruit. Just a hint of spritz. Excellent, and rather delightful, with some good substance; impressive mineral/stone depth. Very nice! A very strong 3 Stars [7/10/21]
Chateau Ormes de Pez, Saint Estephe 2016
Decanted six hours, with an additional two hours in the glass. Dark ruby leaning toward purple. Outstanding nose, with loads of fragrant, meaty, slightly smokey dried black cherry and black currant, with roses and fire embers, and loads of dusty, leathery St. Estephe earth, cocoa powder, cured tobacco leaf, savory tomato paste, beef, and loads of gravelly earth and mineral; very savory, dense and rich, even opulent fruit, supported by loads of fragrant, deep, slightly rustic earth; all of the quality of a classed growth; the nose was still going, in much the same state, from the empty decanter the next morning. On the palate, potent notes of black cherry and black currant, then juicy, somewhat tart blackberry and plum, then roses/violets, fire embers, tobacco leaf, leather, a touch of cocoa powder, gravel, and then loads of peppery tanning and mineral on a long finish of red fruit. Fully bodied, potent and rich, supported by prominent acidity, and very savory, this combines modern opulence with St. Estephe’s rustic elegance in an impressive way. The depth of quality here is very impressive, and it is the equal of some classed growth St. Estephes, comparing favorably with the likes of Calon Segur. At this stage, astringent even after many hours of breathing, I’d say give it at least another 10 years. 20 to 30, possibly 40 years ahead. Very impressive, I am expecting great things in the future for this. 4.5 Stars, partly for drinking now, partly for potential. [7/10/21]
Antoine Delaune, Rose, Beaujolais 2020
Lovely light coral / orangey pink. Rather lovely nose of fresh, fragrant strawberry with a hint of cherry, citrus, some floral perfume, a pleasant green note, and granite, with savory undertones. Same notes on the palate, with the addition of some meaty plum, some generous orange notes providing lively, fresh balance, and lingering spice. Medium bodied with good presence, this is an exceptional rose for its $7 price tag (from Aldi). Drink now. A strong 2.5 Stars [7/12/21]
Highland Vineyards and Winery, Summation, Kansas NV
A sweet rose; a blend of red and white wines, blend unknown. Very sweet on the nose, with loads of macerated strawberry, cherry, some slightly herbaceous/stemmy green notes, spice, and a bit of nice earthy depth (all with some bubblegum / fermentation funk, but those don’t really detract). Similar notes on the palate, with loads of macerated strawberry, dark cherry, plum, sweet green notes, orange, spice, and a bit of stone and earth. Medium bodied, very sweet (Auslese level, still in the table wine range, but barely), but remarkable well balance by very good acidity and nice depth. This isn’t the kind of wine I should like, but this is very enjoyable and well made. Drink now. A strong 2 Stars [7/12/21]
Delinquent Wine Company, Screaming Betty, Vermentino, Riverland 2017
Pale straw yellow. Excellent nose of fresh, rich fruit; pear, stone fruit, tropical fruit, loads of citrus rind, white flowers, a touch of dried herbs, almond, and loads of salty mineral and stone; very nice depth. On the palate, ripe pear, white peach, plum, lots of lemon / pink grapefruit, a hint of bitter herbs, raw almond, and toward the finish, a touch of nectar, white pepper, and loads of salty mineral and stone. Medium-full bodied, with, fleshy, sweet, fresh fruit, driven by generous citrusy, steely acidity; ever so slightly off-dry? Drinks a lot like a Riesling, but the herbs and almond reflect its Italian roots. This is delightful, I like it very much! A very strong 3 Stars [7/18/21]
Leon Desfieches et Fils, Le Pere Jules, Demi-Sec, Cidre de Normandie NV
Nice amber color with a hint of red. Very nice nose, fragrant and fresh, with floral notes and spice. On the nose and palate, personality of rich golden apple, peaches/nectarines citrus (Cara Cara orange?), honey, malt, flowers, herbs (almost like hops), yeast, mace, white and green peppercorn, and loads of stone mineral. Medium bodied, somewhat on the sweet side of the semi-dry line, rich, fleshy, deep and remarkably complex, the quality is excellent. Delightful. 3.5 Stars [7/24/21]
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cinsaut, Limited Release, Columbia Valley 2017
1029 cases produced. Good color, dark ruby/garnet. Excellent nose of rich, dark, slightly tarry fruits, fleshy plum/nectarine, a touch of savory tomato, herbs / lavender / hay, tobacco leaf / leather, green peppercorn, and dusty/smokey black earth, slightly barnyardish, with touch of dark chocolate; rustic but somewhat opulent, with excellent depth. On the palate, rich and dense but tart blackberry/blueberry, cherry, a touch of tomato, plum, citrus, lavender, minty tobacco leaf, maybe a hint of black olive, and then a finish of peppery tanning and mineral, and lingering earthy tones. Medium-full bodied, rich and somewhat opulent but dense and rustic, savory, driven by generous citrusy acidity, with good tannic structure. Good depth and excellent quality, with a sense of rustic polish; and somehow manages to mostly hide its 15.2% alcohol. Very similar to a Languedoc red. Drink now, but has the structure to hold for 3 - 5 years. 3.5 Stars [7/24/21]
Vento, Nero di Troia - Negroamaro, Puglia 2015
Nice color, coral heading toward orange. Understated but very good nose of fleshy orchard fruit, red berries, citrus, herbs, and earth; nice depth, and as it opens, increasingly fragrant, with a note of roses emerges. On the palate, sour cherry, strawberry, golden apple, nectarine, and generous tart orange, then a touch of Italian herbs (with a hint of minty tobacco leaf), and generous stone and earth, and a touch of lingering peppery spice. Medium bodied, fleshy and tart, with sweet but spicy, slightly savory fruit, with good length, and significant, peppery tannic grip for a rose. Needs some time breathing in the bottle for its fruit to freshen. Very nice, with good presence and depth. A bit past its best perhaps, drink now. A strong 2 Stars [8/1/21]
Gerd Anselmann, Riesling Spatlese, Pfalz 2018
Light golden yellow. Needs lots of air to express itself, better on day 2. Understated but excellent nose of rich pear, apricot, orange marmalade, generous herbs and petrol, peppercorn, and loads of slate and salty mineral; excellent depth. On the palate, Basque pear and golden apple, apricot leaning toward plum, grapefruit, bitter orange marmalade, green peppercorn, and loads of salty mineral and slate. Medium bodied, with some potent spice and mineral driven presence, on the light side of medium sweet, with generous, crisp acidity such that it drinks almost off-dry. What it lacks in expressiveness it makes up for in depth and its surprisingly lingering presence. 2.5 Stars [8/5/21]
Jean Boisselier, Vieilles Vignes, Coteaux Bourguignons 2018
Medium, translucent ruby with a hint of purple. Sweet, juicy, fragrant nose of dark berries, plum, sweet green notes, a touch of violets, and loads of smokey limestone and earth; nice depth, and rather lovely. On the palate, black cherry, tart raspberry, blood orange, plum, and sweet green notes, and toward the finish, ashy mineral and generous earth, with lingering tart red berries, herbal notes, and mineral on a nice finish, with good length. Medium-full bodied, with sweet, juicy fruit, succulent but also savory, with very prominent citrus acidity; very good depth and density (nice old vine character), with good presence. Its only shortcoming is that the acidity is a little too prominent for the fruit, but nonetheless, this is very satisfying. Definitely a wine for the table, that prominent acid makes this very food friendly. Drink now. 2.5 Stars [8/13/21]