RhoneWho
Member #520,887 signed up 3/26/2017
Friends(5)
1 to 3 of 5
-
d'Artagnan
8,256 Tasting Notes
-
Radboy
1,501 Tasting Notes
-
srh
7,379 Tasting Notes
Profile
Member since March 2017
This member's profile is not public.
No votes recorded.
2014 Peter Michael Chardonnay Point Rouge
2/10/2024 - RhoneWho wrote: 100 Points
I have been following 2014 PM Point Rouge for the last 5 years. I was disappointed by the lack of magic moment when I tasted in 2019 and 2021 especially i think it's still the most expensive chardonnay (even for mailing list members). But today there is some special sparks to write home about! I'm completely flabbergasted by how well this wine has evolved and turn 180 degree and reached another dimension that I won't have thought it's possible. I guess finally this justified back in 2015 i had to beg for an allocation. Hats off to RP for calling out this wine! (but RP mis-judged its longevity ... i think it definitely can remain primary for 15+ years)
In 2021, we had a side by side tasting with 2016 Morlet Coup de Coeur (see my separate notes). The Morlet was more dynamics and enjoyable than PM Point Rouge which is still in closed phase. Today it has the finest characteristics of 2016 Morlet Coup de Coeur I wrote in CT; but PM Point Rouge has pushed the envelop further out in the realm of Chave Hermitage blanc (structure) and flavor profile of Beaucastel Roussane Vieille Vignes, beyond Burgundy Grand Cru.
The aromatics is perfumed opulent and has a decadent style that recent SQN blanc tried to make (however SQN-family blanc wines are still incoherent across 3 dimensions). This sexy bouquet is so uplifting without even having to swirl the wine glass. The aroma profile is complex and has layers of notes (lemongrass, cedar, butterscotch) with well integrated oak. Wow! Darn! Great fireworks for lunar new year :)
The texture is uber-fine and seamless with fantastic energy (highest quality of acidity) that balance out the richness of citrus fruit (yuzu) and honeysuckle (brioche-like) flavor and unctuous mouthfeel with lingering notes of salinity (hints of fresh oyster shell) and marcona almond nuts.
It is rare to find all 3 components kicking harmoniously. This wine not only has great decadent aromatics but also has great freshness with finesse texture to make the magic balancing with the wealth of citrusy fruit and honeysuckle. Gorgeous and elegant!
There is no hurry to drink up this 2014 vintage as it still has a few more years before peaking as it is still full of energy and fresh. I will have another horizontal tasting once I receive the next release of 2014 Marcassin Chardonnay.
Keyword: never-ending aromatics, refreshing and finesse
Rating: 96-100; 99+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2003 Yann Chave Hermitage
1/18/2024 - RhoneWho wrote: 96 Points
This wine has completely turned 180 degree from 10 years ago from being flat and bland (yes i did pour the remain bottle into the sink) to become a well-aged wine with aromatics ( like those well-aged great Barolo or Bordeaux wines with good secondary notes), the texture is still full body, and, most impressively, the flavor profile is still rich infused with red fruit notes!
As cliche as it can get, patience bears fruit! After 20 years, there is no tertiary notes. The secondary notes compliment the wine flavor profile very well. It's the wealth of red fruit notes has kept the wine interesting and enjoyable.
It's peak and drink it NOW.
Rating: <90 10 years ago; today 95 + 1 (bonus for retaining fruit flavor)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2016 Aubert Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
1/13/2024 - RhoneWho wrote: 96 Points
Didn't expect this Sonoma Coast Pinot turns out drinking more enjoyable than its big brother 2016 UV-SL. Maybe it could be bottle shock when I brought UV-SL to France as it tasted "flat" (lack of vibrancy and freshness).
It’s a liquid red flower. Though this Sonoma Coast is not as extracted and ripe as UV-SL, this beauty reminds me of drinking a mini-Rayas with the characteristic of perfumy unfurling inside the palate with a mixture of slight stem and "sucrositi" flavor profile (mostly bright red fruits like strawberry) coupled with "translucent" red color. There is a hint of Asian spice (cinnamon and clove) notes in the finish.
I think it is reaching toward its peak phase of drinking. It could cruise for a few years given its structure; the acidity profile (slight tarty finishing) and fine tannin coating the palate suggest it still has some life ahead.
Rating: 95-97; 95++ 96 inches toward 97
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment