P: MF body; RNDISH entry with NICE, almost swtish frt beautifully counterbalanced by an acidity which fairly seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, balanced finish with an enticing tangy/swtness. VERY nicely made for now &, I'm guessing, through '20. My EXC-/EXC, arguably the higher for the QPR of this vendor's (closeout?) $14.95, for which I could find no other source with which to compare. 90 pts WE @ $26.
Note: A more experienced colleague wasn't nearly as impressed as I.
Supposedly from 40 yr old vines in this lieu dit; 100 cs imported
N: Grass, poss grn olives SLIGHTLY atop minerals with almost a salinity?
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish apple tinged frt braced by an acidity which defines the wine as it morphs into a LONG, tangy/swt finish with HINTS of an *occasional* very, VERY slight bitterness. For now & into '21? 13% ABV; My EXC-. 94 pts WS & 90 WE @ $42. [This vendor's $24.95 is a STUNNING $10 < the lower of wine-searcher's 2 listings!]
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish OAK/frt off-set by an acidity which defines the wine as it evolves into a LONG, VERY slightly bitter finish. Hopefully still coming together? Otherwise, not much going for it, & my VG/VG+ might even be on the high side.
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
"All wines are barrel fermented in FR oak barrels & complete full malolactic fermentation with bi-monthly lees stirring."
N: Butter atop a melding of sandalwood & lemons
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish OAK/frt very nicely counterbalanced by an acidity which keeps things in check into & through the LONG, tangy/swt finish with the *barest* HINT of upcoming bitterness? For now & through '20, longer concerns me IF the (oaky?) bitterness is burgeoning. My VG+/EXC-. [Check with this vendor if interested in their pricing.]
N: VANILLA atop RIPE berries with undertones of spice?
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which only somewhat resolves by the LONG finish with a bitter/swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, then easily making its '10th. 14.0% ABV; My VG+/EXC-, which could well be a downrate... eventually. 93 pts Suckling & 89 Decanter. [This vendor's $27.95 is $4 < the lower of wine-searcher's current U.S. postings.]
N: VANILLA atop RIPE berries? Spice with swirling?
P: Med, poss LM, body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which, without losing contact with the initial frt, seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, ELEGANTLY balanced finish with an enticing tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '22, then drinking for _ yrs more? EXQUISITE! My EXC, more quite likely down the line! 93 pts Suckling, 91 WS, & 89 Vinous (Galloni). [This vendor's $34.95 is $5 < wine-searcher's next lowest.]
Addendum: Retasted on 2/9/2019, & comparing my descriptors here & there, I've **no** idea WHY I wrote, "NEEDS through '22." So, consider the 2/9 "timeline" to be the better. Sorry... :( , although on 2/23/2019 I was back to advocating MORE cellar time, a view corroborated by Jancis Robinson, who tasting this on 1/24/19, suggested a 2025 - 2039 window!
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Own-rooted, 32-year-old vines (Pommard and Wadenswil clones) grown in iron-rich, volcanic Jory soils; 2,600 cs made
N: Straws, red rasps, poss some darker frts atop toast?
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some astringent pucker which quite resolves by the LONG, very, VERY slightly tangy finish with a swtness & OCCASIONAL very, VERY slight bitterness to the minimal, dusty tannins. For now & through '20. My VG+, poss VG+/EXC-. 94 pts & "Highly Rec" WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their pricing.]
Note: I picked up on markedly more structure the 2x I tasted this on 3/9/19.
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
"Winds are lighter at Lone Oak than further S, & fog burns off later in the day. The gentle slopes face E, catching the early morning sun. The site’s ancient Chualar loam soils are rocky, assuring excellent drainage." Typically, "Once fermentation [open top fermenters] is complete, we rack the free-run juice into FR oak barrels (40% new) where the wine ages for 13 mos before bottling." 690 cs made
N: Smoke somewhat atop ripe berries with notes of spice
P: MF, poss Med, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by a bit of astringent pucker which somewhat resolves as it transitions into a LONG, tangy, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a potentially elegant burgeoning swtness to the dusty tannins. DESERVES through '19, then drinking for 3-4 yrs more. 14.5% ABV; My EXC-, poss EXC-/EXC. 93 pts Vinous (Raynolds) & 89 WS. [This vendor's $35.95 is $3 < the next lowest on wine-searcher.]
From the light schist & gneiss over a granite bedrock soils of the southern sector of the AOC (Mauves, Tournon, St Jeran-de-Muzols, & Vion); Typically, destemmed, & "The fermentation is traditionally in open topped concrete tanks, & is preceded by 2 days cold maceration. It is conducted at controlled temperatures of 82°F-86°F. Daily cap pushing down & pumping over are carried out for about 10 days. The total vatting time can last up to 20 days. Matured for between 10-14 mos in 1-3 yr old oak barrels. Part of the cuvée is aged in vats to preserve the freshness of the fruit."
N: Vanilla atop ripe berries with hints of incense (TY, budosyu)
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which stays within hailing distance of the frt as it fairly seamlessly transitions into a LONG, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a burgeoning tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. LOTS of stuffing, but still NEEDS through '21, I'm guessing, then making its '15th? My EXC-/EXC, & one can certainly argue the higher for the QPR of this vendor's (closeout?) $19.95, which has no U.S. comparison that I saw. 92 pts WS, 91-93 Vinous (Raynolds?), 15.5/20 Bettane et Desseauve, and 14.5/20 Gault & Millau.
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
N: FRAGRANT berries with notes of flowers, poss toast?
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some astringent pucker which QUITE resolves by the LONG finish with a tangy/swtness (35:65) to the minimal dusty tannins. For now & through '21. Both I & a fellow, more experienced taster were disappointed in the apparent swtness, which my relatively low (compared to the pros) VG+/EXC- reflects. 95 pts WS, 92-95 Jeb Dunnuck, & 91-93 WA (Kelley). [Check with this vendor if interested in their COMPETITIVE price.]
N: Vanilla atop ripe berries with pyrazines underneath? Intensity lurking?
P: Med, poss MF, body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some astringent pucker which evolves into a LONG, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a distinct swtness to the dusty tannins. Drinkable now, though deserves through '19, then lasting 3 more yrs? Reasonable for the "flirting with R.S." style, with a notable QPR for this AVA. 14.5 ABV; My VG+/EXC-. 90 pts Suckling. [Other than 1 source @ $26, this vendors $27.95 is VERY competitive.]
N: Closed, but seems ripe; Vanilla with swirling; Intensity lurking?
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which somewhat resolves by the LONG, balanced finish with a tangy/swtness to fairly inoffensive, dusty tannins. DESERVES/needs through '19, then drinking for 3-4 yrs more. 14.8% ABV; My EXC-, poss EXC-/EXC. 94+ WA & 92 Vinous (Galloni). [Check with this vendor if interested in their pricing.]
Oscar, THANK you for sharing your wine from an area rarely seen here!
Typically, "aged for a minimum period of 16 mos in FR oak barrels," then receiving a min of 6 mos bottle age before release.
N: Very slightly closed; Vanilla & smoke atop berries, poss pyrazines; Other aromas also, but unparsable; Intensity lurking
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with very NICE, almost swtish frt met by some slightly astringent pucker which evolves into a LONG finish with a bitter/swtness (60:40) to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, I'm guessing, though the bitterness troubles. My VG+, which could well be a VAST underrate down the line.
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Yet another GENEROUS act of sharing, Dr. Tom! :)
N: Definitely forest floor (poss barnyd, though that didn't linger) interlaced with smoke & berries
P: Med body; Very RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by a puckerish astringency which fairly seamlessly transitions into quite a LONG, BALANCED finish with slight bitterness to the dusty tannins. Potentially elegant, I'm guessing this NEEDS/deserves through '21, hopefully to lose the bitterness. Assuming it does, my EXC, poss even higher. 13.5% ABV. 95-97 pts Jeb Dunnuck
Note: Though our dates differ, I *suspect* this was from the same bottle as Vinnut's TN of 1/27.
2015 Dobbes Family Estate Viognier Sundown Vineyard
USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley
N: Slightly closed; Minerals (?) somewhat atop flowers
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with NICE, almost swtish frt beautifully counterbalanced by an acidity which fairly seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, balanced finish with an enticing tangy/swtness. VERY nicely made for now &, I'm guessing, through '20. My EXC-/EXC, arguably the higher for the QPR of this vendor's (closeout?) $14.95, for which I could find no other source with which to compare. 90 pts WE @ $26.
Note: A more experienced colleague wasn't nearly as impressed as I.
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2016 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Les Caillottes
France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre
Supposedly from 40 yr old vines in this lieu dit; 100 cs imported
N: Grass, poss grn olives SLIGHTLY atop minerals with almost a salinity?
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish apple tinged frt braced by an acidity which defines the wine as it morphs into a LONG, tangy/swt finish with HINTS of an *occasional* very, VERY slight bitterness. For now & into '21? 13% ABV; My EXC-. 94 pts WS & 90 WE @ $42. [This vendor's $24.95 is a STUNNING $10 < the lower of wine-searcher's 2 listings!]
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2017 Gilles Noblet Pouilly-Fuissé La Collonge
France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé
N: Butter with undertones of vanilla, POSS spice
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish OAK/frt off-set by an acidity which defines the wine as it evolves into a LONG, VERY slightly bitter finish. Hopefully still coming together? Otherwise, not much going for it, & my VG/VG+ might even be on the high side.
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2017 Hartford / Hartford Court Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyards
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
"All wines are barrel fermented in FR oak barrels & complete full malolactic fermentation with bi-monthly lees stirring."
N: Butter atop a melding of sandalwood & lemons
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish OAK/frt very nicely counterbalanced by an acidity which keeps things in check into & through the LONG, tangy/swt finish with the *barest* HINT of upcoming bitterness? For now & through '20, longer concerns me IF the (oaky?) bitterness is burgeoning. My VG+/EXC-. [Check with this vendor if interested in their pricing.]
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2015 Château La Garde
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Apparently 52% C.S., 45% Merlot, & 3% P.V.
N: VANILLA atop RIPE berries with undertones of spice?
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which only somewhat resolves by the LONG finish with a bitter/swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, then easily making its '10th. 14.0% ABV; My VG+/EXC-, which could well be a downrate... eventually. 93 pts Suckling & 89 Decanter. [This vendor's $27.95 is $4 < the lower of wine-searcher's current U.S. postings.]
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2015 Château Léoville Barton La Réserve de Léoville Barton
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
4,583 cases made
N: VANILLA atop RIPE berries? Spice with swirling?
P: Med, poss LM, body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which, without losing contact with the initial frt, seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, ELEGANTLY balanced finish with an enticing tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '22, then drinking for _ yrs more? EXQUISITE! My EXC, more quite likely down the line! 93 pts Suckling, 91 WS, & 89 Vinous (Galloni). [This vendor's $34.95 is $5 < wine-searcher's next lowest.]
Addendum: Retasted on 2/9/2019, & comparing my descriptors here & there, I've **no** idea WHY I wrote, "NEEDS through '22." So, consider the 2/9 "timeline" to be the better. Sorry... :( , although on 2/23/2019 I was back to advocating MORE cellar time, a view corroborated by Jancis Robinson, who tasting this on 1/24/19, suggested a 2025 - 2039 window!
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2016 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Own-rooted, 32-year-old vines (Pommard and Wadenswil clones) grown in iron-rich, volcanic Jory soils; 2,600 cs made
N: Straws, red rasps, poss some darker frts atop toast?
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some astringent pucker which quite resolves by the LONG, very, VERY slightly tangy finish with a swtness & OCCASIONAL very, VERY slight bitterness to the minimal, dusty tannins. For now & through '20. My VG+, poss VG+/EXC-. 94 pts & "Highly Rec" WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their pricing.]
Note: I picked up on markedly more structure the 2x I tasted this on 3/9/19.
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2016 Lucienne Pinot Noir Lone Oak Vineyard
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
"Winds are lighter at Lone Oak than further S, & fog burns off later in the day. The gentle slopes face E, catching the early morning sun. The site’s ancient Chualar loam soils are rocky, assuring excellent drainage." Typically, "Once fermentation [open top fermenters] is complete, we rack the free-run juice into FR oak barrels (40% new) where the wine ages for 13 mos before bottling." 690 cs made
N: Smoke somewhat atop ripe berries with notes of spice
P: MF, poss Med, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by a bit of astringent pucker which somewhat resolves as it transitions into a LONG, tangy, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a potentially elegant burgeoning swtness to the dusty tannins. DESERVES through '19, then drinking for 3-4 yrs more. 14.5% ABV; My EXC-, poss EXC-/EXC. 93 pts Vinous (Raynolds) & 89 WS. [This vendor's $35.95 is $3 < the next lowest on wine-searcher.]
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2012 Delas Frères St. Joseph Cuvée Francois de Tournon
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph
From the light schist & gneiss over a granite bedrock soils of the southern sector of the AOC (Mauves, Tournon, St Jeran-de-Muzols, & Vion); Typically, destemmed, & "The fermentation is traditionally in open topped concrete tanks, & is preceded by 2 days cold maceration. It is conducted at controlled temperatures of 82°F-86°F. Daily cap pushing down & pumping over are carried out for about 10 days. The total vatting time can last up to 20 days. Matured for between 10-14 mos in 1-3 yr old oak barrels. Part of the cuvée is aged in vats to preserve the freshness of the fruit."
N: Vanilla atop ripe berries with hints of incense (TY, budosyu)
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which stays within hailing distance of the frt as it fairly seamlessly transitions into a LONG, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a burgeoning tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. LOTS of stuffing, but still NEEDS through '21, I'm guessing, then making its '15th? My EXC-/EXC, & one can certainly argue the higher for the QPR of this vendor's (closeout?) $19.95, which has no U.S. comparison that I saw. 92 pts WS, 91-93 Vinous (Raynolds?), 15.5/20 Bettane et Desseauve, and 14.5/20 Gault & Millau.
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2017 Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
N: FRAGRANT berries with notes of flowers, poss toast?
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some astringent pucker which QUITE resolves by the LONG finish with a tangy/swtness (35:65) to the minimal dusty tannins. For now & through '21. Both I & a fellow, more experienced taster were disappointed in the apparent swtness, which my relatively low (compared to the pros) VG+/EXC- reflects. 95 pts WS, 92-95 Jeb Dunnuck, & 91-93 WA (Kelley). [Check with this vendor if interested in their COMPETITIVE price.]
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2015 Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
USA, California, Napa Valley
N: Vanilla atop ripe berries with pyrazines underneath? Intensity lurking?
P: Med, poss MF, body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some astringent pucker which evolves into a LONG, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a distinct swtness to the dusty tannins. Drinkable now, though deserves through '19, then lasting 3 more yrs? Reasonable for the "flirting with R.S." style, with a notable QPR for this AVA. 14.5 ABV; My VG+/EXC-. 90 pts Suckling. [Other than 1 source @ $26, this vendors $27.95 is VERY competitive.]
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2016 Leviathan
USA, California
N: Closed, but seems ripe; Vanilla with swirling; Intensity lurking?
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which somewhat resolves by the LONG, balanced finish with a tangy/swtness to fairly inoffensive, dusty tannins. DESERVES/needs through '19, then drinking for 3-4 yrs more. 14.8% ABV; My EXC-, poss EXC-/EXC. 94+ WA & 92 Vinous (Galloni). [Check with this vendor if interested in their pricing.]
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