New York Wine Experience 2018
New York Marriott Marquis
Tasted Friday, October 19, 2018 by Alexander Smith with 625 views
Introduction
The New York Wine Experience is one of the top Wine Events in the world. If you ever get the call as an owner of a winery this is THE event to go to. As an amateur wine lover, there is nothing better than this event. However with over 250 wines to try, if you are a first-timer like I was this year. There are certain lessons which I learned either through careful planning or learning the hard way, which I would like to share.
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1) The event is 2.5 hours for a normal price, or 3.5 for VIP. the VIP tickets tend to be around $100 more. I would recommend the VIP if you want to truly enjoy this experience
2) Arrive early, I am not talking about 15 minutes prior, arrive 30-45 minutes prior.
3) Coat check is not included in the price, It was $4.50 and you could only pay by cash
4) The wines are split over two floors, however you will loose 3-4 minutes to get from one floor to the next, so plan accordingly.
5) Have a plan, this is something I did very well. Do not try to exceed 50 wines, it probably will not happen. The good news is that whether you French, Spanish, Italian, New World etc. The best of the best is there, so finding 50 should be easy. However 50 gave us around 10 minutes to eat and was quite a race, so for those wanting it a little more relaxed try for 35-40.
6) The food...well the food is not that great. For the quality of the wine, you would think the food would be good. There was standard cheese, charcuterie, slides, and dim sum, yes dim sum! The deserts were all rather disappointing as well. I know you go for the wine but you do pay for the food, so I was expecting a little more.
7) It is quite crowded and we barely saw a difference between the VIP and the non VIP in terms of the amount of people on the two floors.
Hope that answers most questions you might have, let me know if you do have others questions. If you are a fan of wine this is a must!
Flight 1 (50 Notes)
Trying over 50 wines was tough, however even though I might not have made detailed notes like others on CT, I hope to have covered what I felt were my favorites and which I like less.
Closing
All of the wines we tried were excellent, and this was a once in a lifetime experience, however, I am sure we will be back in future years.
In terms of my favorite wines. There was a mixed bag, I can safely say I was not overly impressed by the first growths and the 'boutique Cabernets, like Harlan and Bond, I was expecting more. Chateau d'Yquem and Cos d'Estournel stood out from France, along with the Nebbiolo's and the Super Tuscans. I was impressed as well with Ridge and Phelps. Finally, I found Almaviva extremely impressive and one I have stocked my cellar with since.
2015 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva 98 Points
Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto
Wow! Lush plum, cherry a little chocolate and spice. This is really phenomenal in every sense, perfectly balanced, even at this age. Balance is perfect and the length lasts minutes, wow. Already bought some. 97-98
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2015 Alpha Omega Proprietary Red 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Bouquet of freshly picked blackberry, plum with a dash of cedar, allspice and an elegant long finish. This is drinking well now. Really well balanced
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2012 Château Angélus 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
Notes of dark espresso, blackcurrant, fig and a little tobacco, this is wonderfully layered and has a silky elegant finish. 95-96
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2015 Arista Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Fruit forward pinot with plum,cherry, not that delicate more fruit driven, not sure how this will age but the acidity might only give it a few years...
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2015 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard 92 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Lemon confit, nectarine, Asian pear, little nutmeg, the finish was a little toasty, round and well balanced. Classic Russian River Valley but not the price which you pay for it, way overpriced.
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2015 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Cherry, blackberry, cedar and a little cacao, there is deeply layered and velvety in texture, well-refined tannins and well balanced. This has the potential to age. 95-96. One for the cellar
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2012 BOND Vecina 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
This was PnP at the NYWE, this needs and must be decanted. Since I could only evaluate this on the condition I tasted, it tasted closed and even with sufficient air it still tasted closed, blackberry jam, spice, and firm tannins. However this wine is way too young to even start thinking about drinking, this needs another 5 years. Wish it would have been decanted.
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2012 Bouchard Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Vigne de L'Enfant Jesus 93 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
Tart black fruit on the nose with blackberry, violet and a little spice, the palate was very tart and acidity was not fully balanced, but you just know this is going to improve and in 5-10 years this will be as smooth as they come.
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2015 Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay 3-D 91 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Not seeing the excitement in this wine, yes it is good with green apple on the nose, layered citrus and a little oak on the palate, but missing that wow factor. Good, but I have already forgotten it.
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2015 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
pear, apple rich and round palate. Finish was smooth but not as elegant as what I was hoping for. This is an easy going chardonnay.
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2010 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The O.G. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
So you smell this wine and you think, here we go, blackberry jam, but then, no on the palate elegance takes over and you have a sophisticated, layered, well-balanced acidity with additional notes of black pepper, cedar, little black olives. However, the black fruit really comes through and complements the secondary notes, this wine is just class. 96+
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2012 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 96 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Wow, tart cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, and fresh herbs. This is sleek and elegant, with finely balanced tannins and well-balanced acidity. The temptation might be high, but put this away for 10 years. Big step up from the Tenuta Nuova and standard BdM
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2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata 93 Points
Argentina, Mendoza
65% Cabernet and 35% Malbec, this is one of the leading wines in Argentina, It is a wonderful blend between Cabernet and Malbec, the two grapes really shine and help shape this wine wonderfully, Age is not a question as it is really only entering into its drinking window now. Fruit forward, fine tannins, chocolate and spice. The finish is short but enjoyable.
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2015 Domaine Chanson Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Fèves 92 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
whole bunch fermentation adds a certain spicy texture to this wine along with light cherries, strawberries, violet, and a little black olive. This is still too young to be fully enjoyed and this should be kept for another 5 years before being ready to really enjoy
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2011 Château Cheval Blanc 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
This is a serious wine, 52% Cab France the rest Merlot. This is a big full concetrated wine with notes of blackberry, tobacco, smoke bittersweet chocolate and a very layered velvety finish. This is still so young however this is just going to get better and better. A real treat.
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2013 Clos Apalta 95 Points
Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley, Apalta
A note down from 6 months prior when we were at the Chateau. Clos Apalta is really a fantastic wine from Chile, showcasing Carmenere along with Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, and PV. This has notes of dark cherries, plum amazing acidity and a layered chocolate and a little spice for a finish. This is a little green as others have said, however, I found the balance excellent along with the acidity. Very enjoyable.
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2010 Château Cos d'Estournel 98 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
Wow! What a fabulous wine, barely entering it's drinking window and this is going to last for decades to come. How can I get some bottles? I wish I would have bought this En Primeur. Notes of blackberry, dark cherry, cedar and a little chocolate with a long fine finish which is making you itch to have another sip. I am also told that 2018 should be a good year...to be seen
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2015 Château Coutet Barsac 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Barsac
Tasting next to the Yquem, great comparison, this is really a fantastic Sauternais even if slightly less structured than Yquem, for the price it is a true superstar. Similar notes to 9 months prior.
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2009 Dominus Estate 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Vibrant with Cherry, herbs, spice, blackcurrant, firm tannins, however, felt closed and holding back potential.Good structure and elegant though
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2015 Marquis de Laguiche (Joseph Drouhin) Montrachet 94 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
Such potential, however not even close to being in the perfect window for drinking. An array of beautifully balanced citrus, tropical fruits, nutmeg, baking spice, and butter. This is a true Montrachet in its youth. I would love the chance to try this again in 15 years
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2015 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Cherry, chewy, cedar, spice and chocolate, way way too young. Don't touch this for 10 years.
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2015 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir La Source Seven Springs Vineyard 96 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Pinot of the night. So elegant with dark cherry, blackcurrant, velvety smooth finish. This blew all the wines from Burgundy out of the water tonight.
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2015 Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers 90 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru
Found this a little aggressive with high acidity, fruit was there, just tasted out of balance
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2013 Gaja Barolo Sperss 97 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
As I said to my wife, if you don't like this, you don't like Nebbiolo. As it happened, she loved this wine and rightly so. This is so wonderfully Nebbiolo and is enjoyable today. Rose, tar, violet, cherry nicely balanced with the oak. the finish is worth waiting for and is just the highlight. This is just excellent, and the best it will only get better :)
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2008 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Riserva Le Rocche Del Falletto 96 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
So elegant, with sweet cherries, spice, and violet. This is just wonderfully balanced, the tannins are fine and a little grainy, but this will wear off with time. Keep this though, don't pop the cork too early.
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2012 Harlan Estate 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Some have graded this 100 points, cannot see why. It was pretty closed when I tried it, yes it has wonderful blackberry, cedar and good minerality, the finish is well done and it is a joy to drink BUT. I do not see the excitement about this wine. Why would someone pay $1500? I understand the boutique winery and supply, demand argument. But really? Phelps, Dominus, Ridge etc. produce much better wine, at a price significantly less. Still a good wine but just not at the price tag.
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2014 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate Coombsville 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Coombsville
Wonderfully balanced with notes of blackberry, licorice and cedar with a fresh long finish.
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2014 Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot 90 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
light, elegant tart cherry, raspberry with a straight clean finish. Missing depth.
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2012 Kistler Chardonnay Stone Flat Vineyard 92 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Not my favorite single vineyard from Kistler, but showing very well at 6 years with plenty of life left. apple, citrus, nectarine great minerality, not overly oaky.
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2008 Château Lafite Rothschild 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Some wines you never forget, this is one of them. tobacco, cigar box, pencil lead, blackberry and plum as secondary. This is classic Lafite and even though this might not be the best years, is really a special wine to experience.
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2015 Louis Latour Corton-Grancey 91 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru
Very closed, tart cherry, firm tannins, was not decanted and so just struggled to open.
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2015 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series 92 Points
Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
Wanted to love this wine, Was smooth fresh with orange and citrus, well balanced and great acidity, however was just missing that wow.
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2015 Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St. Marc 95 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
Finally a good wine from Burgundy, Excellent minerality with peaches, nectarine and very well structured. Layered smooth finish.
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2008 Château Margaux 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
The nose was shy with tobacco, red plum, dark cherry, on the palate I found notes of tart black fruits, cedar, and a fine grainy finish. Was hoping to be impressed. Depth was not there.
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2009 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Masseto Toscana IGT 99 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
This was sublime, 99 seems high, but for me this is one of the best wines I have ever tried. Elegance, elegance and elegance. Cherry, plum, chocolate, spice with a delicate light smooth finish. The finish just kept going. The question is, can I justify the price tag? Maybe just one bottle
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2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion 97 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
This is so elegant and refined, with fine notes of coffee, cherry, vanilla, and a smooth refined finish. I preferred this to any of the first growths on show tonight.
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2008 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 91 Points
USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
Citrus, peach, oak, well balanced however fell a little flat....missing that acidity. Drink up
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2003 Château Mouton Rothschild 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Blend of 76% Cab, 8% Cab Franc, 14% Merlot, @ Petit Verdot. Finally, a first growth which shows it's cards. This has opened up beautifully and showed fresh fruit, cedar, forest floor, vanilla and a long elegant finish.
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2015 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 94 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore
Very tight and closed, however still showing good fruit notes, cedar a little smoke. Tannins are pretty lively, this needs to be put away for 5-8 years before even thinking about opening one up.
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2010 Château Pavie 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
Still very young and probably at least another 8 years away from when it really starts to stand up high. This was a big concentrated wine, with dark fruit, blackberry, dark cherry, however, I felt the tannins a little more dry than what I would have expected. I was hoping it would have been a bit more fresh. This one is for the cellar
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2015 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 97 Points
Australia, South Australia
Every so fresh and lively, this is already showing what a great vintage 2015 was in Australia. You can already taste the purity of fruit, with cherries, blackberries, some vanilla, bittersweet chocolate and coconut. The finish is fresh and velvety. This is already drinking well now, but should improve over the next 10-15 years.
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2015 Joseph Phelps Insignia 98 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
This is a true gem from California, they make over 12,000 cases and I am impressed every time by how little variation there is bottle to bottle. Fresh fruit with secondary notes of cedar, chocolate, a little espresso and spice. The tannins and acidity are well balanced and smooth. The finish is so wonderfully layered and it just felt like a rollercoaster that never ends. I would just like to understand how WA came up with 97-100 and WS came up with 91. My favourite California Cab of the evening!
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2011 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 91 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
Drinking very well now, with textbook cherry, tar, and violets. The tannins are well integrated and the finish smooth.
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2015 Château Quintus 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
76% Merlot and 24% Cab Franc, this is a property to watch in the coming years, it is also owned by the same family as HB. Beautiful dark color, with notes of dark cherry, cedar, chocolate and blueberry with a long elegant and layered finish. Well made!
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2008 Ridge Monte Bello 97 Points
USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
Remarkable! 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, this is fantastic, after 10 years this is just starting to shine and still tastes so fresh. Notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, espresso, a little chocolate with a fresh, clean and long finish. Tannins are beautifully integrated and this still has a long life ahead.
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2014 Rust en Vrede Estate Red Wine Stellenbosch 92 Points
South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
Only quickly tasted, very fruit driven, medium finish and nicely integrated oak.
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2014 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 95 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia
Really enjoyed this, compared to the Ornellaia, this already felt well balanced, with nicely integrated tannins, plummy, cedar, lavender, and blackcurrant, this was very elegant, refined with a wonderfully balanced finish.
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2015 Seña 92 Points
Chile, Aconcagua Valley
Compared to the Almaviva, the acidity felt a little unbalanced at this age, the fruit of blackcurrant, strawberries, cacao, and spice was well structured, the tannins were grippy, the length and finish was medium and still a little closed at this stage.
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2014 Château Smith Haut Lafitte 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Blackberry, graphite, lead, and cedar with polished tannins. This is clean wine with a long straight elegant finish, complexity is not as good as the 2015 but still thoroughly enjoyable.
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2015 Château d'Yquem 99 Points
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
This wine is stunning, just stunning. The balance is phenomenal. stewed pears, apricots, figs, pie crust, vanilla, coconut, honey, beeswax with a rich and full finish which then lingers and finishes with a soft and delicate final finish. There are no words to describe this wine. It is a 99-100 point. When I spoke to Pierre Lurton and asked if this would ever be better than the 2001, he looked at me and said yes. I asked how he knows, he smiled and just said, because I know.... now to pick up some bottles :)
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