HB Bistro, Chicago
Tasted Sunday, July 20, 2014 by AllRed with 475 views
Mr. & Mrs. vinole were in town for a few days and joined a few locals for dinner at HB Bistro. Thanks to Wine Sparty for handling the reservations- I thought the food was excellent and while the restaurant got a bit loud once it filled up, this would be a terrific spot to keep on the list for future offlines. In attendance were:
M/M vinole
smartlysauced
thelostverse
Wine Sparty
jcubed
Allred & Domino
I eventually put the note pad aside to focus on the conversation and the notes on the latter half of the wines were very brief. There were remnants of the 2011 Ridge Geyserville and 2011 Pine Ridge Cab Sauv, but I did not take any notes on those. Thanks to all for a wonderful evening.
NV Guiborat Fils Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 91 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Notes of limestone, green apple, citrus and stone. Bright acidity with chalk, citrus and apple flavors. Young; be patient. If I recall correctly, this was a 2013 disgorgement.
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2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Albariño Abrente 90 Points
USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Pale color with notes of citrus, mineral and florals. Grapefruit and other citrus notes on the palate with the good level of acid one expects from this variety. What a nice surprise this was. 90+ pts, and worth seeking out.
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2013 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé 91 Points
France, Provence, Bandol
Very pretty. Aromas of mineral, florals, fresh strawberry and melon notes. The palate mirrors the bouquet ending with lovely mineral nuances all bolstered by bright acidity. Well done.
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1989 Château Pape Clément 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Quickly double decanted off its sediment and poured a couple of hours later. An elegant wine, the bouquet featured red currants, iodine, dusty earth and just a bit of leather. Integrated and balanced, with flavors of roasted herbs, red currants, iodine and cedar and a long, balanced finish. I would say drink now-2019, longer in large formats.
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2007 Appassionata Pinot Noir 92 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Aromas of clay, cherry and earth with spice undertones. Medium-bodied and very well-balanced, this is impressive. Flavors of clove, spice, orange peel and cherry. Finishes with good length. My favorite of the Pinots tonight.
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2004 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Tasted just a couple of minutes after vinole opened it, and it was tight. Red currants, herbs and pepper with red berry notes on the palate. I missed the opportunity to retaste it.
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1996 Château Cos d'Estournel 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
Dark color with notes of graphite, black currants and forest floor with a subtle green quality that I loved. Still youthful, there's some tannin to integrate yet, but it is certainly drinking well now, featuring black fruit, graphite, tobacco and spice box flavors with a lingering finish. Enjoy now and for many, many years to come. Thank you jcubed! 94+ pts.
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1993 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
Violets, black and red fruits, perhaps even a hint of graphite in the bouquet. In a terrific place right now, this shows lovely cherry, black currant, cedar and mineral tones on the palate. Perfectly integrated, this is in its prime and will drink well for quite a few years yet. Thank you vinole.
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2010 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Red Hills Estate
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
I found this very muted and simple, giving nothing in the bouquet or on the palate except for sour red fruit. I don't know if this was an off bottle or simply too young and in a bad spot, but this wasn't enjoyable at all. I suspect the latter, and given time, this will be a good wine. Try again 2018+.
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2010 Mount Eden Vineyards Pinot Noir Domaine Eden 88 Points
USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
As was the case with the Archery Summit, the fruit in this was a bit sour, though not nearly to the same extent. Cherry, clay, earth and pine notes with a soft finish.
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2011 Maison Bleue Viognier Notre Vie Arthur's Vineyard 91 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Bright floral notes with plenty of underlying fruit and acid. Lovely.
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