A Casual Dual-Themed Tasting
Bear and Star, Los Olivos, CA
Tasted Wednesday, July 18, 2018 by JonnyG with 100 views
Introduction
For reasons no one can recall, we went with Viognier and South American reds. I brought both of the latter. The whites were served blind.
Kudos to the restaurant for another adeptly handled night. What a bargain!
Flight 1 - Viogniers (Blind) (3 Notes)
Flight 2 - A Pair of Malbecs (2 Notes)
Closing
I've never had two of the same in a blind flight, let alone have this happen unintentionally, too funny (and humbling indeed).
2015 E. Guigal Condrieu 92 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Two identical bottles served in a 4-bottle blind flight, coincidentally believe it or not! Identical noses: pit fruit and subtle floral notes. Bottle 1 was a bit astringent, marring its good typicity, with muted peach, honeysuckle and citrus flavors. Lean but a touch ungenerous. Bottle 2 was in better shape (for who knows what reason -- both were bought at the same retails tore!): richer tones, dense but vibrant, impressive intensity. Rating is for the better bottle.
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2014 Clos de la Bonnette Viognier Condrieu Les Roches D'Arbuel 91 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Served blind. A really delicate and well-done expression of Viognier, not the most concentrated or complex but a gentle beauty, with notes of stone fruit and a hint of smoke. Fine acidity. Long finish. Best served at cellar temp.
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2014 E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 94 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Served blind. I was a minority of one in adoring this wine, poured alongside what turned out to be two 2015 Guigal and a 2014 Clos de la Bonnette Condrieus (if that is the plural spelling?). My fellow tasters disliked the oak and felt this wine was 'trying too hard" with a simple varietal. I loved the concentration and intensity, producing an unctuous and lengthy wine that never felt cloying or out of balance. Bright yellow, with a powerful nose of summer fruit and some flowers. Honeyed in the mouth: pear ginger and citrus, alongside decent minerality. Good lift. Loved it.
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