"Top Bidders" Dinner at Cherokee Country Club
Atlanta, GA
Tasted Thursday, February 22, 2024 by HeavyPourWine with 122 views
Introduction
My wife and I attended the Atlanta High Museum Wine Auction's Top Bidders dinner at the Cherokee Country Club in Buckhead (Atlanta).
Highlights were getting to know both Cristian Vellejo (Vik's winemaker) and reconnecting with Juan Marcado (Realm & Riise). Cristian was in an especially good mood because the he had just learned about his first ever JS 100pt score!
It was also great to see Sam Lando again (and I jokingly prodded him about my pending "wish list" wines!). Sam is making great Pinots and Chards and is just a great guy. If you haven't tried his wines, definitely seek them out!
WOTN was the '19 Riise Wine JOVIAN.
Now off to Paso and San Luis Obispo!
2009 Viña Vik Champagne La Piu Belle 92 Points
France, Champagne
Tasted at the High Museum Top Bidders dinner in Atlanta. Social event so mainly scores. Very nice and was amazing to get to know Cristian, Vik’s winemaker, that night. Brad - heavypourwine.com
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2020 Alexana Chardonnay Gran Moraine Vineyard 90 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
Tasted at the High Museum Top Bidders dinner in Atlanta. Social event so mainly scores. Decent chard and pairing with salad and potatoe cake starter. Brad - heavypourwine.com
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2021 Lando Wines Pinot Noir Sauves La Vie 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tasted at the High Museum Top Bidders dinner in Atlanta. Social event so mainly scores. Very nice showing and was great to catch up with Sam Lando at the event. This was the best pairing of the night (Roasted mushroom strudel).Brad - heavypourwine.com
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2019 Riise Wine JOVIAN 93 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Tasted at the High Museum Top Bidders dinner in Atlanta. Social event so mainly scores. WOTN for me (and several others), was awesome to get to know Juan better as well! Paired well with roasted squab dish. The wonderful nose on this really stood out. Brad - heavypourwine.com
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
NV ZD Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Abacus XXV 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted at the High Museum Top Bidders dinner in Atlanta. Social event so mainly scores. Solid cab and great pairing with braised short rib. Good juice but jeez qpr is just not there for me. Brad - heavypourwine.com
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
2018 Viña Vik Vik 92 Points
Chile, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley
Tasted at the High Museum Top Bidders dinner in Atlanta. Social event so mainly scores. Even though this is a BDX blend, does not smell like BDX. 50% new oak. Very nice pairing with beef tenderloin and was great to get to know Vik's winemaker Cristian Vellejo that evening! Brad - heavypourwine.com
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No