Winebar [4 Whites, 9 Reds, & 5 *shared* bottles] from 11/30/18

Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA
Tasted Saturday, December 1, 2018 by srh with 158 views

Flight 1 - Winebar (13 Notes)

  • 2017 Meyer-Näkel Rosé Spätburgunder Ahr Rose

    Germany, Ahr

    N: FLORAL atop minerals/grapiness

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) nicely balanced by an acidity which makes itself felt as it evolves into a LONG, tangy/swt finish with a palate cleansing acidity. Very nicely done for now & likely through '20. My EXC-. [This vendor's $21.95 is at least $1.50 < any of wine-searcher's limited postings.]

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  • 2017 Freemark Abbey Viognier

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    N: FLOWERS atop minerals

    P: Med, poss MF, body; VERY RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish (threshold R.S.?), applish frt firmed by a bitterish acidity which loses SOME of its harshness as it transitions into a LONG, tangy/swt finish with OCCASIONAL notes of bitterness. Might improve? If not, my VG... *max*. [This vendor's $17.95 is a WHOPPING $10 < wine-searcher's only listing -- UNLESS one agrees to buy 12 bottles!]

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  • 2014 Ramey Chardonnay Platt Vineyard

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

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

    N: Butter, sandalwood, flowers, & something unparsable; Intensity lurking?

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish OAK/frt DEFTLY balanced by an acidity which defines the wine's parameters into the quite LONG, almost creamy finish with a lovely tangy/swtness & a burgeoning very, VERY slight bitterness/honey dialectic. Potentially STILL evolving? IMPRESSIVE wine for now & through '21, poss longer. 14.5% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. [Check with this vendor if interested in their very COMPETITIVE price.]

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  • 2017 Jermann Pinot Grigio

    Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Friuli

    100% Pinot Grigio with a SW, NE aspect grown in "predominantly marlstone & sandstone belonging to the Flysch formation from the Eocene era that gave rise to a rocky substrate that later formed the characteristic 'ponca' of the Collio area." Stelvin enclosure

    N: APPLES atop minerals, with floral notes

    P: Med body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) counterbalanced by acidity which evolves into a LONG, tangy/swt finish with POSS an OCCASIONAL *hint* of very, VERY slight bitterness. For now & probably through '20. 13% ABV; My VG+/EXC-. [This vendor's $19.95 is $4 < wine-searcher's next lowest.]

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  • 2016 Laird Family Estate Pinot Noir Ghost Ranch

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    100% Ghost Ranch, which is more towards the Sonoma side of Carneros; Aged 9 mos in FR oak (60% new barrels); 21 barrels made.

    N: RIPE, blk rasps, poss plums, with floral nuances? Intensity lurking?

    P: MF body; Rndish entry with RIPE, almost swtish frt met by a puckerish astringency which somewhat resolves by the LONG, very, VERY slight tangy finish with a bitter/SWTNESS & poss an incipient quasi-bitter flatness to the somewhat coarse tannins. Either somewhat disjointed, or, worse, lacking requisite balance to its heavily extracted style. IF holding, give into '20 to see IF it comes around. Otherwise, my VG-/VG. 14.6% ABV. [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price.]

    Note: A considerably gloomier TN than when tasted on 6/23 & 8/31/2018, and 1/12/2019. One way or the other, in NO way "typical" P.N. :(

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  • 2016 Pahlmeyer Jayson Red Wine

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    69% C.S., 17% Merlot, 12% C.F., 1% Malbec, & 1% P.V. harvested September 22 - October 8, 2016; Fermented in s/s tanks, "...then racked to FR oak barrels (22% new) for 15 mos, and bottled on 3/28/18 with minimal fining & filtration." [The 1st vintage made by Bibiana González Rave-Pisoni.]

    N: RIPE boys, poss blues, with notes of creamy oak; Intensity lurking

    P: MF body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by astringent pucker which DOES pretty much resolve by the LONG, very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with swtness to the dusty tannins. Deserves/NEEDS through '19, then drinking for 3-4 yrs more. 14.8% ABV; My VG+/EXC-. [Other than 1 wine-searcher outlier @ $44.05, this vendor's $49.95 is VERY competitive!]

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  • 2016 Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Typically, 90% Grenache + 10% other (E.g., Counoise, Cinsault, Terret Noir, &/or wht vines such as Clairette) "from our oldest vines, mostly 100 years old, planted 1901-1902" in sandy soils on Les Pialons (N) & La Girardette; "40% destemmed, 3 wk vinification @ up to 27°C, partial vat emptying/refilling, cap punching, then pumping overs; Aged 100% in concrete vats for 16-18 mos;" Unfined & unfiltered

    N: A *creaminess* [I *thought* oak, but since apparently none is used?] slightly atop RIPE berries; Intensity lurking

    P: Med body; Rndish entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker (but within the context of the frt) which transitions into a LONG, balanced finish with a tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. DESERVES through '20, the safely drinking into its 10th, likely longer. Impressive extraction! 15% ABV; My EXC-/EXC, which may WELL be a downrate. 97+ pts Jeb Dunnuck, 95 pts Decanter & WA, 15.5/20 Jancis Robinson, & 6/5*## drinkrhone.com . [This vendor's $66.95 puts it in the bottom of the TOP quartile of wine-searcher's listings.]
    ## While drinkrhone.com actually has a 6* max, one virtually NEVER actually SEES a 6* rating -- & then usually only for a FEW of the *most* EXCLUSIVE/EXPENSIVE bottlings. Therefore, I've gotten into the habit of listing the drinkrhone score as out of 5* as, practically speaking, that IS the max.

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  • 2013 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    From the 13 acre Montosoli Vyd, planted 1973/1999, @ 1,485 ft elev in "limestone soils with a 360 degree exposure & yielding 2.4 tons/acre;" Fermented in s/s tanks for 15-20 days @ 82-86°F; Aged for 48 mos in 5-20 yr old Slavonian oak, 5,000-10,000 L barrels,; Bottle aged for 4 mos; 1,250 cs made.

    N: Vanilla slightly atop ripe berries -- & other unparsables (poss hints of pyrazines?)

    P: Med, poss LM, body; Rndish entry with LOVELY almost swtish frt fairly quickly met by an astringent pucker which, SURPRISINGLY, quite resolves by the LONG, BALANCED finish with a DELIGHTFUL tangy/swtness to the relatively few dusty tannins. Approachable now, but DESERVES into '20, then making its 15th? 14% ABV; My EXC, more a virtual lock down the line. 99 pts & a "Cellar Selection" WE @ $125, 98 Suckling, 97 ea WS & Vinous (D'Agata), 96 winealign.com, 95 WA, 92 (2x) Decanter, but 15/20 Jancis Robinson! [This vendor's $74.95 is a *stunning* $10 < the next lowest of wine-searcher's LARGE posting!]

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  • 2015 Argiano Solengo Toscana IGT

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    N: Smoke; game & tobacco [TY, budosyu]

    P: LM body; Very NICE, ALMOST swtish frt QUICKLY met by an astringent pucker which, while staying within hailing distance of the frt, seamlessly morphs into a very LONG, balanced, potentially elegant finish with a bitter/SWTNESS to the still fairly considerable dusty tannins. NEEDS through '22, then at LEAST approaching its 15th. VERY impressive! My EXC/EXC+. 97 pts Suckling, 95 WA, & 94 WS. [This vendor's $69.95 is near the bottom of the top 1/2 of wine-searcher's listings.]

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  • 2015 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    89% Zin & 11% P.S.

    N: RIPE, poss jammy berries with notes of smoke; Intensity lurking?

    P: Med, poss LM, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by some puckerish astringency which loses its bite by the LONG finish with a distinct swtness to the dusty tannins. For now & through '20, poss more. Softer than *I* would prefer, & poor QPR for such a style (IF one will accept an AVA other than Napa), it's nonetheless at LEAST "decently" made. 14.8% ABV; My VG+/EXC-. 90 pts WE @ $38. [This vendor's $27.95 is $1 < anyone else on wine-searcher.]

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  • 2016 Melville Syrah Estate Donna's

    USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

    Equal parts clone 1 & Estrella clone planted atop 20 ft of sand in the NE section of the vyd; "Fermented with 100% whole clusters in small 1.5 ton open-top fermenters with total skin & stem contact averaging 30 days (a 7 day cold soak, 2+ weeks fermentation, & 1+ week extended maceration). Aged in neutral, FR oak barrels (10-20 year old)." 584 cs

    N: INTENSE (budosyu feels medicinal) aromas, atop (poss) lingonberries?

    P: Med body; NICE "frt" (the medicinal note coats it) met by a puckerish astringency which evolves into a LONG, astringent finish with hints of swtness to come. NEEDS through '21 on the CHANCE it might come together? Won't rate, but LOOKS like I'm in the *distinct* minority on this one. 96 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 95 ea Wine & Spirits and WE @ $46, 94 Vinous (Galloni), and 92+ WA. [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price.]

    Addendum: For whatever reason, a DECIDEDLY *different* wine than when tasted on 12/15/2018 & 3/23/2019, budosyu being in agreement with me. [I could add 04/20/2019 to that as well.] ;)

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  • 2015 K Vintners Syrah Powerline Vineyard

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    100% Syrah from "a 30-acre estate vyd, located @ over 1,200 ft elevation. Powerline Vyd was planted in 2012 in the foothills of the Blue Mtns, just S of Walla Walla in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The soils are well drained with cobblestone river rocks and underlying layers of sand & gravel deposits." 2.2 tons/acre, 100% whole cluster pressed with native yeasts; 53 days on skins; 27 mos of FR oak barrel-aging on lees (25% new & 75% neutral puncheons); 14.5% ABV, 5.3 g/L T.A., & 3.91 pH.

    N: Slightly closed; RIPE, smoky; Intensity lurking

    P: Med, poss LM, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which pretty much resolves by the LONG, slightly spicy, balanced finish with just a TOUCH of pucker with hints of swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS into, poss through, '21, then making its 10th without problem. My EXC/EXC+, I would think the higher... eventually. 98 pts Jeb Dunnuck. [This vendor's $41.95 puts it in the top 20% of wine-searcher's postings.]

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  • 2015 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

    86% C.S., 9% Merlot, 4% P.V., & 1% C.F. aged for 20 mos in FR oak barrels (33% new & 67% 2nd & 3rd yr); 14.5% ABV, 0.66 g/100ml T.A., & 3.61 pH; 25,000 cs made

    N: choc atop RIPE berries, poss pyrazines

    P: Med, poss MF, body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by astringent pucker, but without ever losing sight of the frt as it evolves into a LONG, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a tangy/SWTNESS to the inoffensive dusty tannins. DESERVES through '19, then drinking for 3-4 yrs more. My EXC-/EXC, arguably the higher for relatively QPR for this AVA. 90 pts WA. [Check with this vendor if interested in their COMPETITIVE price.]

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Flight 2 - Shared Bottles (5 Notes)

  • 2013 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino Vigna delle Raunate

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    Arturo, THANK you for sharing this label that was new for me! :)

    Decanted for ~ 40 mins before I tried it.

    Single cru bottling of their oldest vines (31 yrs old) vinified & aged entirely in oak. Fermentation takes place in large FR oak vats. Wine then ages for 1 yr in tonneaux followed by 24 mos in smaller oak barrels before resting in bottle for 7 mos prior to release."

    N: ATTRACTIVE melange of smoke, earth, & berries

    P: LM body; NICE, almost swtish frt met by just a touch of astringent pucker which slowly, seamlessly morphs into quite a LONG, very, VERY slightly tangy finish with a LOVELY, bitter/SWT choc tinge to the very, VERY fine tannins. Quite approachable now, but DESERVES through '19, then making its 10th. 14% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. VERY impressive! 94 pts WS, 92 ea WA & Suckling, and 87 WE @ $55.

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  • 1992 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707

    Australia, South Australia

    THANK you *so* much for taking Bin 707 off my bucket list, Dr. Tom! :)

    N: Natural oxygenation melded with smoke slightly atop flowers & choc; Intensity lurking

    P: LM body; Attractive FRT met by a very, VERY slightly astringent pucker which seamlessly evolves into a LONG finish with an alluring very, VERY slight bitterness to the few, very, VERY fine tannins. POSS just a *tad* beyond its peak?## But, very, VERY little so, if @ all. For now & SHOULD make its 30th. 13.5% ABV; My EXC/EXC+ [& now off my bucket list! :) ] Numerous solid reviews listed on wine-searcher's "Tasting Notes" pg.

    ##From a collection of uncertain storage, a SLIGHT majority of the bottles so far being "fine."

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  • 2015 Château Beauséjour (Puisseguin-St. Émilion)

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Puisseguin-St. Émilion

    Dan, THANK you for the opportunity to retry this! :)

    Vines ave 55 yrs of age, planted to 70% Merlot & 30% C.F., from an 18 ha vyd on a clay & limestone plateau in the center of the village of Puisseguin; Typically, cold soaked 48 hrs before a 2-3 wk low temp natural yeast fermentation; Oak aged (30% new) between 12-24 mos.

    N: Slightly closed; Vanilla, spice, earth; Intensity lurking

    P: LM body; NICE, almost swtish frt fairly quickly met by puckerish astringency which only somewhat resolves by the LONG, very, VERY slightly tangy finish with a BITTER/swtness to the dusty tannins NEEDS into, probably through, '21, then should easily make its 10th. My EXC-, arguably more for a cellar worthy wine @ this distributor's $21.95 price pt, which is $7 < the lower of wine-searcher's 2 postings.

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  • 2017 Château Graville-Lacoste Blanc

    France, Bordeaux, Graves

    THANK you for allowing me to retry this Kermit Lynch gem, Arturo! :)

    75% Sémillon, 20% S.B., & 5% Muscadelle from 45-48 yr old vines grown in clay & limestone soils on fissured rock; Vinified & aged in s/s; Unfiltered

    N: An attractive dance among grass, flowers, & smoke

    P: Med body; RNDISH enty with NICE, almost swtish ft (gooseberry) balanced by an acidity which transitions into a LONG, tangy/swt finish with POSS a burgeoning, currently incipient quasi-bitter flatness? For now & into '21. 12% ABV; My VG+/EXC-.

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  • 2013 Wither Hills Pinot Noir

    New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough, Wairau Valley

    Frt from the Wairau Valley (23-25 Brix @ Harvest) hand harvested, cold soaked, basket pressed, "& left to relax for 14 mos in FR oak barriques;" 14.0% ABV, 0 g/L R.S., 6.30g/L T.A., & 3.27 pH.

    N: Attractive smoke slightly atop dk pinot frt (blk rasps?), flowers with air

    P: LM body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by a very, VERY slightly astringent pucker which evolves into a LONG, poss very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a tangy/swtness to the few, very, VERY fine tannins. For now & into '20. My VG+/EXC-, arguably even more for the QPR of this vendor's $9.95, which is a STUNNING $8 < wine-searcher's next lowest single bottle price! 87 pts WE @ $22.

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