Early Spring Highlights

Dogwood Grove
Tasted Sunday, April 14, 2019 by pgb67 with 135 views

Introduction

These were some of my favorites (or notables) from the last couples of months, representing some eclectic stuff as well as traditional stalwarts.

Flight 1 - Unconventional (3 Notes)

  • 2016 Steindorfer St. Laurent Reserve 94 Points

    Austria, Burgenland

    I wish I could remember who pointed me to this wine, but I’m grateful they did, Highly aromatic with slightly sappy notes of crushed forest raspberries along with perfume-y violet and cherry blossom. Intense flavors of raspberry with pleasant notes of clove, exotic spice and herbs. The wine is moderatelyfull-bodied but drinks lighter – powerful but finessed. Lively, but also shows a fresh, naturalist character that struts a wild side as well.

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  • 2015 Marie Thibault-Cabrit Premier Nez 94 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau

    This purchase was a revelation for the wine and the wine shop (Domestique, a cool new place in D.C.). Ripe and natural nose with aromas of peach, juicy tangerine, candle wax. The wine is dry and quite full-bodied on the palate with lively and focused flavors of ripe yellow apple, tangerine, tangerine peel, and a mineral finish Quite intense and acidic but nevertheless delicate at its core.

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  • 2017 Gen del Alma Chenin Blanc Ji Ji Ji 92 Points

    Argentina, Mendoza

    Another wonderful chenin blanc also from a wonderful new-ish retailer (Grand Cata). Somewhat developed and slightly oxidative nose with aromas of honey, almond, green apple and light smoky nuances. The wine is rich, round and somewhat oily with pleasant flavors of roasted almonds, buttered toast, bruised apple.

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Flight 2 - Conventional (5 Notes)

  • 2007 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    A developed Brunello, although not the most complex I’ve had - but I love the category and this was definitely quality stuff. Quite developed and somewhat sweet nose with aromas of black cherries, dried fruits, tobacco, and some leathery tones. The wine is medium-bodied, with long flavors of smoky cherries, cherry compote, earthy spices, some brooding leathery character. Medium tannins lend a good sense of structure to the wine. The finish is grippy and earthy. Enjoyable, evolved, harmonious.

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  • 2010 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard 93 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

    Another W-S that seemed to really benefit from bottle age, as the bouquet and taste had a profound and lasting effect. Typically good W-S aromatics of pomegranate, raspberry cream, raspberry preserves. An opulent creaminess overlays the ripe and fruit-driven palate of round flavors of dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberry sauce. The finish shows more fruit and peppery spice.

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  • 2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah Griffin's Lair 93 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    Rich and expressive with aromas of ripe blackberry, jammy raspberry and floral elements. Full-bodied, chewy palate with rich, slightly sweet flavors of ripe blackberries, jammy raspberries and some bitter spiciness. Enjoyable, big and easy new world Syrah with nice, fruit-forward complexity.

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  • 2011 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 90 Points

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    Elegant-styled cabernet sauvignon with characteristic plum and blackberry tones on the nose and harmonious palate. Balanced, with medium acidity and moderate tannins. Finishes with interesting baking spice, cinnamon and cocoa notes. Maybe a bit dull/flabby and not super ripe or dense, which may reflect house style or possibly the vintage.

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  • 2008 Château Léoville Barton 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Closed and ungiving. The nose is savory and dusty with hints of pencil shavings and leafy tones. The wine is dry, medium-bodied and quite lean on the palate with more notes of pencil shavings, dark fruits, and a touch of cedar.

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