Community Tasting Note

• csimm wrote: 100 points

  June 8, 2019 - 2016 Dr. Crane comparative blind taste-off (Saint Helena - Vice Versa cave): Exquisitely balanced with richness akin to the Memento Mori, with just a little less of the bitter dark chocolate notes coming out (which I was surprised about when I later learned this was the Realm Crane, as I typically associate a strong chocolate nuance with the Ream SVDs). On the initial sample, this finished a little higher toned by comparison to the Memento Mori or Myriad, but strutted an outrageously long tail that carried the flavors on and on. On the second (and third) revisit, I was sold on this wine being the best of the bunch tonight (even though the top 4 were all #1 at some point during this exercise). Some black currant, obsidian, violets, and black licorice showed up to the dance as well, adding interest and heightening and expanding the layered complexity of the profile. Tannins and scaffolding were all in the right places. Mid-palate was stoopid awesome.
  
  Where this wine really showed itself to be the belle of the ball was in its puurrrrfect (see what I did there?! – clever huh?!) sexy texture. Texturally, this silk sheet was so smooth and effortless. Silkily pure and absurdly dense, but able to ramp up the speed on the tail. Finished rich but with drive. A perfect wine for me and my #1 of the 9 wines. 100 points.
  
  I originally guessed this was the Vice Versa BBS because of its Melka-esque texture and keen ability to balance both density and drive, but it was the other Frenchie that had shaped this beauty. Hats off to Benoit on crafting this champion!

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4 Comments

• michigan dogs commented:

  6/10/19, 10:51 AM - What an amazing tasting, I am soooo jealous.

• csimm commented:

  6/10/19, 11:11 AM - Hey there Michigan Dogs! It was a great evening to be sure. You gotta make you’re way out to the next one some day! Las Piedras is on the horizon I’m thinking! :)

• michigan dogs commented:

  6/10/19, 2:23 PM - Csimm, let me know when, you never know. I'm going to vegas in November when Michigan plays Michigan State in football. I'm trying to figure how to add Paso Robles to the trip. I've never been there but I love Torrin wines, Alban too. Life is too short to drink bad wine

• csimm commented:

  6/10/19, 9:59 PM - Indeed! Ya only go around this roller coaster once (I think), so best to make it a worthwhile ride!

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