Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whites, 8 Reds, & 7 *shared* bottles] from 05/24/19

Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA
Tasted Saturday, May 25, 2019 by srh with 243 views

Flight 1 - Winbar from 5/24/19 (12 Notes)

An *interesting* array of wines even 3 of the last 4 DID test my insulin levels. ;)

  • 2018 Château de Manissy Tavel Cuvée des Lys

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Tavel

    Typically, 60% Grenache, 30% Clairette, & 10% Syrah from vines ave 45 yrs of age grown in clay, round river rock, & sandy soils; "Entirely hand-harvested. Maceration of 12-24 hrs to extract primary aromas. Fermentation with only indigenous yeasts at a very low temperatures over 2 days, then increased in temperature to 25°C for 7 days in order to increase the fruity taste. Aged in concrete tanks and s/s, & typically fermented to < 1gr/L R.S."

    N: GRAPEY with notes of minerals underneath

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (suspect threshold R.S.), acidity trying to counterbalance into & through the LONG, POSS very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a certain pleasantness. More of a quaffer than with food? For now & through '20. My VG/VG+. [This vendor's $14.95 puts it in the top 1/2 of wine-searcher's LIMITED current entries.]

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  • 2017 Simonnet-Febvre Chablis

    France, Burgundy, Chablis

    From vines ave 35 yrs of age grown in Kimmeridgian marl & limestone soils & yielding 60 hl/ha; "Vinified in s/s tanks @ 16°-19°C, then aged 6-10 mos in s/s, on the lees;"

    N: Slightly closed; Minerals/flowers with lemons underneath? Intensity lurking?

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt braced by ALMOST puckerish acidity which fairly seamlessly morphs into a LONG, currently very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with HINTS of burgeoning honey? NEEDS year to unpack, then drinking through '23? My EXC-/EXC, trending towards the higher with a bit of time. 90 pts Suckling. [This vendor's $22.95 puts it in towards the bottom of the TOP 1/2 of wine-searcher's postings.]

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  • 2016 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

    Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trentino, Valdadige

    Frt grown @ 985-1,475 ft elev in "moderately loose & pebbly soils of morainic & fluvial origin;" Typically, "the grapes are soft-crushed, then carefully fermented in temp-controlled tanks, ff'd by several additional wks of aging prior to filtering & bottling."

    N: Almost a TOASTY earthiness?

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) adequately off-set by an acidity which SUBTLY frames the wine into the LONG, tangy/swt (60:40) finish. NICELY done for now & through '20, poss early '21? My EXC-; [Check with this vendor if interested in their very COMPETITIVE price.]

    Note: Also tasted on 11/10/2018

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  • 2014 Grgich Hills Chardonnay

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Fermented (using indigenous yeasts) & aged 10 mos in FR oak (60% neutral & 40% new barrels); Malolactic blocked; 14.1% ABV, 6.7 g/L T.A., & 3.30 pH; 23,692 cases bottled 7/30-8/13/15 & released October 2017.

    N: Sandalwood with an ALMOST butter-like vanilla element, but with lemons horning their way into the mix

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish OAK/frt rather elegantly off-set by an acidity which seamlessly transitions into a LONG, poss very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with an intriguing tangy/swtness. POSS still improving? Although Grgich has a track record of longevity with this bottling, with virtually anyone else the amount of oak would give me misgivings. My EXC-, poss EXC-/EXC. 93 pts WE @ $43, 92 Wine & Spirits, 91+ RJonWine, & 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson. [Check with this vendor if interested in their very COMPETITIVE price.]

    Note: Also tasted on 3/8 & 11/2019

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  • 2016 Arnaud Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin

    Supposedly from vines “’a bit younger than those of the domain but still mostly 50-70 yrs old.’” Also, supposedly aged in 1/3 new oak. 143 cs imported to the U.S.

    N: Fairly fragrant blk rasps, poss crans, with oak underneath? Intensity lurking?

    P: Med body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which loses virtually ALL its bite by the LONG, BALANCED, pleasant finish with a LOW grade bitter/tangy/SWT trialectic. A ripe style for now & through '23, but certainly NOT *lacking* in charm! My EXC-/EXC. 94 pts WS @ $110, 90-93 Fine Wine Review, 90-92 Vinous (Tanzer), & 90 Burghound. [This vendor's $69.95 is now $2 < wine-searcher's lowest.]

    Note: Also tasted on 3/16/2019, where I felt it needed several yrs of aging. Today the wine likely had MORE air time in its small tasting glass, this POSS explaining the more mellow P.

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  • 2015 Rocche Costamagna Barolo Rocche Dell'Annunziata

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    Typically, Grapes from 1 of the "historical" crus of La Morra, vinified "traditionally", ff'd by aging for 24 mos in large Slavonian oak barrels, then 1 yr bottle age;

    N: Slightly closed; Vanilla atop roses with undertones of tar? Intensity lurking

    P: MF body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt quickly met by an astringent PUCKER which, while never even remotely coming close to losing touch with the init frt, fairly seamlessly morphs into a LONG, puckerish finish with a distinct swtness (& very, VERY slight bitterness) to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '23, I'm guessing, then approaching its 15th. My EXC, maybe even EXC/EXC+, as I suspect this fleshy, corpulent wine [an artifact of the '15 vintage?] might just have MORE admirers than a more traditional style/vintage. Nonetheless, proceed with caution UNLESS you've previously experienced/enjoyed lavish, even PLENTIFUL Barolo! 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson (tank sample); [I saw no other source with which to compare this vendor's $34.95.]

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  • 2017 Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne

    Hand picked frt from vines with an ave yield of 50 hl/ha from vines ave 25 yrs old grown in clay & limestone soils; Fermented traditionally in open vats, then aged 10-12 mos in s/s vats;

    N: CLOSED; Hints of cherries & earth? Intensity lurking?

    P: LM body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which only SOMEWHAT resolves by the LONG, still puckerish finish with a swtness to the very, VERY fine tannins. AMAZING structure & likely substance for this level, but NEEDS through '21, & IF the frt holds, a potential steal @ this vendor's $16.95, which puts it in the lower part of the TOP 1/2 of wine-searcher's current postings. 13% ABV; My EXC-/EXC assuming that + evolution.

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  • 2015 Cattleya Pinot Noir Cuvée Number One

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley

    A blend of the 115 Dijon & Pommard clones grown in Green Valley's Lakeview Vyd; "Each clone was fermented in its own small, s/s, open-top fermenter. Clone 115 Dijon was harvested on 8/17/15, & the Pommard selection on 8/20/15. Fruit was 100% destemmed for both. After a 5-10 day cold soak, fermentation began; punch-downs were done daily throughout maceration. The wine fermented on the skins for 22 days, then was drained & barreled down for malolactic fermentation & aging, each clone being fermented & aged in separate FR oak barrels for 11 mos." Alc: 14.7% ABV, 6.7 g/l T.A., & 3.52 pH; 143 cases bottled in January, 2016.

    N: RIPE blkberries, poss blk rasps, with notes of choc? Intensity lurking?

    P: LM body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt firmed by a bit of astringent pucker which QUITE resolves by the LONG, balanced, elegant finish with a delightful tangy/bitter/SWT trialectic to the MINIMAL, firming, very, VERY fine tannins. LOVELY stuff (for at least now & into Early '21?) that succeeds in the winemaker's aspirations for "power & finesse!" My EXC/EXC+; 95 pts ea Dunnuck & WE ("Cellar Selection") @ $50, and 92 Vinous (Galloni). [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price!]

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  • 2017 Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    100% Shiraz from "up & coming Shiraz vyds" of Barossa's Marananga, Greenock, Seppeltsfield, Gomersal, Moppa, Lyndoch, & Ebenezer sub-regions; Aged "12 mos in well-seasoned FR oak hogsheads & foudre barrels;" 15% ABV, 5.84g/L T.A., & 3.60 pH; 7,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

    N: Slightly closed, but seems VERY *ripe*, poss with undertones of pyrazines? Intensity lurking

    P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.) met by an astringent pucker which loses its punch by the LONG finish with a tangy/SWTNESS to the dusty tannins -- & POSS a very, VERY slight bitterness. For now & then through '22? My VG+/EXC- in the flirting with R.S. style. 93 pts ea Suckling & WS ("Smart Buy"); [This vendor's $17.95 puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's listings.]

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  • 2016 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja Veraton

    Spain, Aragón, Campo de Borja

    Cf. the CellarTracker Article link [lower lft] to get specific info for this vintage, including acclaim.

    N: RIPE berries (straws) with notes of smoke & herbs

    P: Med, poss MF, body; Rnish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which QUITE loses the majority of its grip as it fairly seamlessly evolves into a LONG finish with a tangy/SWTNESS to the fairly innocuous, dusty tannins. For now & through '22, poss longer. 15.5% ABV; My EXC. [This vendor's $24.95 puts it @ the bottom of the TOP quartile of wine-searcher's entries.]

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  • 2017 Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy

    Australia, South Australia

    Frt from the Coppermine Road, Gateway, Long Gully Road, & Mollydooker Home Vyds of McLaren Vale, picked 19th April–5th May; Barrel fermented & aged in 100% AM oak (58% new & 42% one yr old); 16.5% ABV, 3 g/L R.S., & 3.55 pH; 10,100 cases made @ $55 sugg retail.

    N: Closed, but DEFINITELY *ripe* berries with intensity lurking

    P: MF body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by astringent pucker which slowly evolves into a LONG, finish with a tangy/SWTNESS (30:70) to the dusty tannins. For now & into early '22? My VG+/EXC- in this style that teases one's swtness threshold. 92 pts WS, who feels this will last WAY longer than I do. [This vendor's $41.95 is as good as any of wine-searcher's current postings.]

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  • 2017 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    N: Slightly closed, but seems RIPE, poss jammy, with notes of vanilla?

    P: MF body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.) met by some astringent pucker which QUITE loses its punch by the LONG finish with a tangy/SWTNESS (20:80) to the BASICALLY non-existent, dusty tannins. For now & through '21? Reasonable for THEIR aspirations, I suppose, & DOES have a sense of elegance, albeit nectarous. My VG+/EXC-, trending towards the lower, IMHO, because of *poor* QPR even for Napa C.S.™ [Check with this vendor if interested in their very COMPETITIVE price.]

    ™From my perspective, **WHY** spend 3/4 of a C-note (IF you shop prudently) for something that drinks as well as it EVER will upon release, & is HIGHLY unlikely to age more than several yrs after that? But, since it's OBVIOUSLY working for the Wagners... :(

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Flight 2 - Shared Bottles from 5/25/19 (7 Notes)

  • 2006 Undurraga Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot

    Chile, Central Valley

    Oscar, THANK you for the opportunity to taste a blend I never realized had been tried, at least to be LABELLED with the varietals! :)

    N: Some funk, but attractively so; Tough to parse, but notes of berries & poss orange peel?

    P: LM body; NICE, ALMOST swtish "frt" met by firming astringency which makes itself felt into & through the lingering finish which quickly falls off into a BITTER/swtness for the dusty tannins. N *significantly* > attractive than P, which is likely fading. 13% ABV; My VG/VG+.

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  • 2000 Foxen Sangiovese Volpino

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley

    Dan, THANK you for CONTINUING to share the treasures of your "find"! :)

    Wine stored questionably

    N: Creamy oak with notes of smoke with undertones of berries; Intensity lurking?

    P: MF body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) firmed by some astringent pucker which pretty much resolves as it morphs into an ULT pleasantly LONG, balanced finish with a tangy/SWTNESS to the few, but DUSTY tannins. Guessing @ or VERY near its peak, but MAY be capable of approaching its 25th? 14% ABV; My EXC (= 92,93/100), but would NEVER have ID'd it as Sangiovese. (1 very experienced taster thought Zin.)

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  • 1995 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    THANK you for sharing this SCRUMPTIOUS wine, Kathleen! :)

    Decanted, then ≈3 hrs in a small tasting glass before I got to it

    41,300 cases made.

    N: LOVELY! LOTS there, but I couldn't parse out any 1 INDIVIDUAL aspect;

    P: Med body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt firmed by an astringent pucker which, without losing touch with the init frt, firmed by an astringent pucker which, without losing touch with the init frt, SEAMLESSLY evolves into a very LONG, beautifully BALANCED finish with an elegant swtness to the firming, dusty tannins. Drinking PERFECTLY right now, & should hold through '22, I'd guess. My Exceptional-; 94 pts WA, 92 WS, & 88 Tanzer. [This vendor's $94.95 puts it in the top 1/3 of wine-searcher's remaining listings.]

    Note: From the same bottle as Vinnut on 5/26.

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  • 2015 Château Tour de Bonnet Bordeaux

    France, Bordeaux

    THANK you for sharing this, Arturo! :)

    50% ea C.S. & Merlot from vines ave 17 yrs of age & planted in clay-limestone & clay-siliceous soils; Fermented in s/s tanks @ 28-30°C with patented cap- breaking system, then aged in tanks & barrels;

    N: RIPE berries with notes of pyrazines, toast, & earth; Intensity lurking?

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by astringent pucker which pretty much resolves by the LONG, balanced finish with an OCCASIONAL *hint* of bitterness & a tangy/swtness (45:55) to the dusty tannins. NEEDS a yr or so, then at least approaching its 10th. 13.5% ABV; My EXC-/EXC.

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  • 2013 Tenuta di Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    Rick, I *do* APPRECIATE the opportunity to retaste this FINE wine! :)

    Typically,"aged in a combination of Slavonian and FR oak casks (from 12HL to 54HL) for 2 yrs; aged in bottle for 1 yr."

    N: CLOSED; SEEMS ripe with notes of vanilla?

    P: LM, poss Med, body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt fairly quickly met by an astringent pucker which, without losing contact with the init frt, morphs into a LONG finish with bitter/SWT choc notes to the DUSTY tannins. NEEDS through '21 (considerable air/swirling if drinking now), but then a candidate for its 15th? Impressive wine! 14.5% ABV; My EXC (= 92,93/100); 95 pts Suckling, 94 Vinous (D'Agata), 91 ea WA & WE @ $55, and 15/20 Jancis Robinson (Speller). [This vendor's $37.95 now puts it in the top 20% of wine-searcher's listings.]

    Note: Also tasted on 11/17/2018, 1/26/2019, & 4/20/2019, scores fairly consistent, if not exactly my drinkability window. ;)

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  • 1989 Château Rieussec

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    Jim, THANK you for sharing this! :)

    From a 375 ml; I’m guessing 5 1/2+ hrs in a small tasting glass, & finally pretty much @ [relatively cool] room temp before I got to it.

    N: HONEY, apricots, with undertones of oranges

    P: MF body; LOVELY, SWTISH, honied frt impeccably balanced by an acidity which subtly carries things through the LONG, POSS very, VERY slightly bitterish finish. 14.5% ABV; My EXC+/Exceptional-. 93 pts RJonWine, 92 John Gilman (Feb '18), 17/20 Jancis Robinson, + other reviews on wine-searcher's "Tasting Notes" pg.

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  • 1989 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    A *big* thanks, Jim, for sharing this wine from your cellar! :)

    From a 375 ml; I’m guessing 5 1/2+ hrs in a small tasting glass, & finally pretty much @ [relatively cool] room temp before I got to it.

    N: CLOSED

    P: Med, poss MF, body; LOVELY, SWTISH, honied frt NICELY balanced by an acidity which flawlessly propels things through the LONG finish with PERHAPS a smidgin of very, VERY slight bitterness. 14% ABV; My EXC+/Exceptional-. 93 pts RJonWine, 18/20 Winedoctor.com , & other reviews on wine-searcher's "Tasting Notes" pg.

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Closing

There was at least 1 knowledgeable opinion that both the Sauternes were a TAD short of acidity, though tasting them with the air time/warmth that *I* did (not to mention relative lack of experience), I'd be hesitant to comment.

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