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2015 Montes Purple Angel
4/25/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasting Note 19 of #50in2024
My first introduction to this wine was approximately 12 years ago. I recall it being opened by a friend and I was taken in by the instant aromas from the bottle, not yet poured into my glass...
Not much has changed! This wine pours with a deep, luxurious dark red color and the aromas are instant. It is classic dark fruit but with all the lovely aromas imparted by 18 months in new french oak..cedar, vanilla and even bay leaf type spices. But that color! Petit Verdot just adds a deepness that makes it more velvety all around.
Upon initial taste, the acid level is medium...really secondary to the flavors of dark berries and a real gentle spiciness - herbal perhaps. The tannins are medium and the alcohol feels a bit high.
As the wine has some time in the glass, it it settling in even more. Coming into true drinking temperature and benefiting from some air. The nose becomes more prominent with the fruit tast so nicely integrated with the herbal spiceness. The tannins seem to be lasting a bit longer now with each taste, and its very welcome.
My only criticism might be "is this what Carmenere is supposed to taste like? " I mean I could easily mistake this for a Napa Cab blend or even a Merlot. I mean it really stands up to be heard.
As for pairing, its currently accompanied by Charcuterie of various salami and cheese. Perfecto. I would not hesitate in the least to serve this with a steak from the grill.
This is a bigger wine than I expected, and much better than when I had just a couple years ago (same vintage). I think this is the time to drink this vintage. Good thing because its my last one...
Im going with a solid 91 -- nah, 92. Better hit save now before I drink more...
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2019 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard
4/22/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasting Note 18 of #50in2024
Most wines I drink (and write about) are from wineries I have visited/toured, tasted, held etc. This is an exception. Bought on reputation alone and curiosity for Pinot Noirs in different parts of Sonoma Coast, This Gary Farrell Single Vineyard wine did NOT disappoint.
On the pour the color is a beautiful strawberry color, hint of raspberry red to deepen it. It is really pretty in the glass. just a bit opaque in the swirl it is most definitely inviting.
The nose is supportive of its looks, red fruit but perhaps just a bit deeper like cranberries. The wine is pulling me in.
Wooa! I did not expect that taste. It is beautifully fruit-forward -- bright, tart red fruit is undeniable. Acid is high, low tannin. I cannot discern earthy or spicy notes of any kind but there is something grounding this wine given the initial tart, high acid profile. by the end, there is a silkiness to the expression. It's really excellent. The brightness lingers between sips but I find myself wanting another sip. And another.
This is a fresh, bright expression of pinot noir which I am really enjoying. Given its light-medium body, it is easy to drink, and endlessly pairable with food. I want to pair this with Thai Red Curry Chicken. I think this would appeal to a myriad of wine drinkers anywhere in their journey and would compliment BBQ, Asian food and much, much more.
I am very excited to taste other Gary Farrell wines from other vineyards that I have in the cellar.
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2021 Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé
4/15/2024 - Roman Empire Likes this wine: 87 Points
Tasting Note 17 of #50in2024
This week's tasting is a side by side of two very different Rosé wines. The 2021 Olema Côtes de Provence Rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 26% Cinsault, 12% Syrah, and 12% Carignan grapes.
2022 Lynmar Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir. I will post a tasting note for each of the wines individually.
Removed each Rose from 55 degree storage and placed in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
The Olema Rosé looks a bit orange in the glass (compared to the Lynmar Rosé). The smell, its a little funky - maybe wet stone smelling. Earthy in a Rosé? I get very little if any fruit in the nose, maybe some watermelon It is not overly welcoming on the nose.
The initial taste is blast of acid, nice tartness but again not accompanied by discernible fruit. The after taste lingers a bit heavier than I like in a Rosé. It leans on mineral tones and is just ok for me.
Is this the common difference in a traditional Provencal Rosé blend and more targets RRV Pinot Noir Rosé?
I just re-read my previous tasting notes of the Olema Rosé I did in 2023...it wasn't all that favorable. This time, I am likeling a bit more but still which it had a little more fruit forwardness or maybe even a touch of sweetness against the high acid. Perhaps the Olema Rosé is a bit more refined of a Rosé...as such I think it would appeal to a more discerning Rosé drinker.
In the end, I prefer the RRV Pinot Noir Rosé over the Olema Provencial Rosé Blend. However, I am increasing my rating from the last tasting.
I will be serving both Rosé wines with Chicken Caesar Salad at dinner tonight, on the patio on a beautiful 80 degree in Charlotte, NC.
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