USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Grande Valley
PnP but better after some air. Clear light to medium yellow in the glass. Citrus, minerality and the faintest hint of oak on the nose. The medium bodied palate surprised me with its fruit - peach, melon, pear - along with the lemon and minerality that I expected. The acidity was nicely balancing and there was only the faintest hint of oak. This was a nicely made, and well cellared bottle that could hold for several more years.
Served as a PnP at this tender age. Even the final sips were only some 20-30 minutes of slo-ox after opening during which the wine darkened, added body, enhanced the fruit to oak ratio, and softened. This was nowhere near enough time to allow this wine to come alive and only gave us a tempting hint as to where it could be after a one hour (or more) decant. At this point the wine was mostly dark red fruit and oak, with little to no complexity. Would be unfair to rate based on this experience.
A deep, dark blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah with small amounts of Merlot and Syrah. Lush with black, blue and some dark red fruits along with some vanilla, good acidity, and touches of spice and tannin. All of this on a PnP with only about 20-30 minutes of slo-ox to the last sips. Keep this in the cellar for another year or two (or decant accordingly) then enjoy over the next 5 to 10 years. Has the potential to add 2 to 4 points over time.
This quite unique wine is named after Alcyone, a Greek demi-goddess who became the goddess of calm and tranquility ("the halcyon days").
How many of us have ever experienced a Tannat wine from Uruguay? -- that was fortified with Brandy (like Port)?? -- then infused with herbs, flowers and spices??? Well, this is that wine.
Impressions: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate - on the nose and the medium to plus palate. A mix of milk and dark chocolate, with vanilla, some dark fruits (black cherry) and touches of spice and honey. No hint of the 16% abv. Definitely worth a try at $40 and under for a 500 ml bottle.
2018 Talley Vineyards Chardonnay Rincon Vineyard 90 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Grande Valley
PnP but better after some air. Clear light to medium yellow in the glass. Citrus, minerality and the faintest hint of oak on the nose. The medium bodied palate surprised me with its fruit - peach, melon, pear - along with the lemon and minerality that I expected. The acidity was nicely balancing and there was only the faintest hint of oak. This was a nicely made, and well cellared bottle that could hold for several more years.
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