Bear and Star, Los Olivos, CA
Tasted Wednesday, July 18, 2018 by JonnyG with 101 views
For reasons no one can recall, we went with Viognier and South American reds. I brought both of the latter. The whites were served blind.
Kudos to the restaurant for another adeptly handled night. What a bargain!
I've never had two of the same in a blind flight, let alone have this happen unintentionally, too funny (and humbling indeed).
2015 E. Guigal Condrieu 92 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Two identical bottles served in a 4-bottle blind flight, coincidentally believe it or not! Identical noses: pit fruit and subtle floral notes. Bottle 1 was a bit astringent, marring its good typicity, with muted peach, honeysuckle and citrus flavors. Lean but a touch ungenerous. Bottle 2 was in better shape (for who knows what reason -- both were bought at the same retails tore!): richer tones, dense but vibrant, impressive intensity. Rating is for the better bottle.
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2014 Clos de la Bonnette Viognier Condrieu Les Roches D'Arbuel 91 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Served blind. A really delicate and well-done expression of Viognier, not the most concentrated or complex but a gentle beauty, with notes of stone fruit and a hint of smoke. Fine acidity. Long finish. Best served at cellar temp.
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2014 E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 94 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Served blind. I was a minority of one in adoring this wine, poured alongside what turned out to be two 2015 Guigal and a 2014 Clos de la Bonnette Condrieus (if that is the plural spelling?). My fellow tasters disliked the oak and felt this wine was 'trying too hard" with a simple varietal. I loved the concentration and intensity, producing an unctuous and lengthy wine that never felt cloying or out of balance. Bright yellow, with a powerful nose of summer fruit and some flowers. Honeyed in the mouth: pear ginger and citrus, alongside decent minerality. Good lift. Loved it.
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