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2011 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
4/2/2023 - Been There wrote: 94 Points
Deepening gold but not browning. Nose of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, citrus blossoms, with complexity. Overall impression is relaxed but not the least bit geriatric. Although acidity has toned down, it’s not a tired wine. Palate echos the nose. Medium plus body, subdued acidity with some "oiliness" reminiscent of white Rhones or perhaps aged Semillon.
But any caramel character acquired by many older whites is completely absent. It’s remarkable how many high-toned fruits and florals directly and indirectly still express themselves. Well stored, yet impressive longevity. Equally enjoyable (with different nuances, but not fading) at multiple temperatures over almost 3 hours.
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2020 Sandlands Syrah Santa Barbara County
1/24/2023 - Been There wrote: 88 Points
Good and proper Syrah color, good nose with some depth, then surprisingly tart succulent reddish fruits on the palate. Neither light nor heavy. Some earth and mineral nuances, so not overly simple. Medium(-?) bodied, 12.8% abv. Soundly in the “bistro wine” category. Would be happy enough to have a mystery carafe of this at a small country restaurant. Honestly, not notable tasted blind, and would not be something to serve guests other than wine geeks interested in Sandlands. Time and food (3 hours, steak with rosemary red wine sauce, roasted cipollini onions) did not change the wine’s character. Doubtful considerable aging would radically improve it.
Not technically flawed, though (to me) unbalanced between acidity and fruit. I do like Sandlands, and love some of their wines. But sometimes their straightforward terroir minimalist earlier-harvest approach really works, and sometimes it produces wines of interest on a relative basis, with less usefulness and appeal as a beverage on an absolute basis. 87/88.
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2020 Pietradolce Etna Bianco
5/1/2022 - Been There wrote: 88 Points
Medium straw color, bright. Floral nose with some unobjectionable… beach ball aroma. [I swear, haven’t just returned from coastal sands.] Simple fruity floral palate, medium-high acidity, minerality as it warms, and… a bounce back to that beach ball. Medium-bodied (13% abv). Longish finish. With the right ambiance and seafood, this 100% Carricante would be appealing. E.g., if I flashback to a restaurant patio in Cefalù Sicily. No disqualifications, yet no distinctive reasons to pick this particular Etna bianco Carricante. 88/89.
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