Huh. Somehow never crossed paths with a bottle of this before. It's a good iteration of Dom -- better than the 2010 and 2013, but obviously nowhere as compelling as the 2008 and 2012. Initially, a bit taut and showing more minerality versus fruit, but this definitely tightened up and gained more balance and depth as it got more air. One that I think is in a bit of an awkward phase right now, probably better to open something like a 2006 instead.
Second time having this (and to be clear, not the 375eme bottling). This drinks more like a modern white label than a CFE -- it is minerally, taut, and lean, with a bit less breadth and instead more mineral concentration and intensity. High acid and for my palate, in a very, very good spot for mature, dry riesling.
Fantastic stuff -- I really like the modern Lafon incarnations. This shows the richness of both Meursault and the vintage, but without becoming overbearing either. Plenty of acidity too. So structurally, this is absolutely sound; it's just that I would have loved to see a little more fruit and concentration on the palate -- that's what separates this from the 1er crus.
Clocking in at a whole 12.5% alcohol, this really feels too light for such impressive terroir. Plenty of green cabernet notes, lots of acidity, and fruit that only starts to emerge with a few hours of air, this is nonetheless a high-acid and very light Napa cabernet. The plot is clearly capable of better wines -- can't help but think this was a bit of a whiff at Phelps (though this is still far better than what the winery pumps out these days). But for a low-alcohol, old-school Napa wine, this certainly fits the bill.
Honestly I was hoping for something a little fresher and lighter here. This has the fino texture, but not quite the seaside salinity and lightness I would expect. Indeed, it veers a little nuttier and more oxidative, yielding something more akin to a very light amontillado.
2009 Dom Pérignon Champagne 93 Points
France, Champagne
Huh. Somehow never crossed paths with a bottle of this before. It's a good iteration of Dom -- better than the 2010 and 2013, but obviously nowhere as compelling as the 2008 and 2012. Initially, a bit taut and showing more minerality versus fruit, but this definitely tightened up and gained more balance and depth as it got more air. One that I think is in a bit of an awkward phase right now, probably better to open something like a 2006 instead.
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2001 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 93 Points
France, Alsace
Second time having this (and to be clear, not the 375eme bottling). This drinks more like a modern white label than a CFE -- it is minerally, taut, and lean, with a bit less breadth and instead more mineral concentration and intensity. High acid and for my palate, in a very, very good spot for mature, dry riesling.
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2019 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Meursault Clos de la Baronne 93 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault
Fantastic stuff -- I really like the modern Lafon incarnations. This shows the richness of both Meursault and the vintage, but without becoming overbearing either. Plenty of acidity too. So structurally, this is absolutely sound; it's just that I would have loved to see a little more fruit and concentration on the palate -- that's what separates this from the 1er crus.
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1989 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Clocking in at a whole 12.5% alcohol, this really feels too light for such impressive terroir. Plenty of green cabernet notes, lots of acidity, and fruit that only starts to emerge with a few hours of air, this is nonetheless a high-acid and very light Napa cabernet. The plot is clearly capable of better wines -- can't help but think this was a bit of a whiff at Phelps (though this is still far better than what the winery pumps out these days). But for a low-alcohol, old-school Napa wine, this certainly fits the bill.
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NV Equipo Navazos La Bota de Fino 91 “Macharnudo Alto” 90 Points
Spain, Andalucía, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
Honestly I was hoping for something a little fresher and lighter here. This has the fino texture, but not quite the seaside salinity and lightness I would expect. Indeed, it veers a little nuttier and more oxidative, yielding something more akin to a very light amontillado.
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