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High/Low Blind Tasting III
Amy and Scott's house
Tasted March 10, 2024 by galewskj with 51 views
Introduction
The purpose of this tasting is to serve 2 comparable wines blind that are significantly different prices to see if cost translates into a more enjoyable wine. I may have made the difference too great this year - the more expensive wines averaged 5x higher price. Overall, people preferred the more expensive wine 86% of the time, with 46 votes for the more expensive wines and 9 votes for the less expensive.
Flight 1 (2 notes)
White - Sparkling
N.V. Julien Denby Champagne Brut Réserve
90 points
A solid NV champagne that's middle of the road stylistically.
White - Sparkling
2002 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare
93 points
This bottle had some high-level vanilla or almond extract, but also great elegance. Served blind alongside a <$30 NV champagne, 7 out of 11 people preferred this.
Flight 2 (2 notes)
White
2013 Aubert Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard
93 points
This wine screams "super oaked California chardonnay". Your level of enjoyment is likely determined by how well you appreciate (or don't) that style. Quite a lot of golden fruit remains, tons of butterscotch, it seems to be aging nicely and I don't see any reason to hold longer. Served blind against a <$30 white burgundy, this was perferred by 9 out of 11 people.
White
Flight 3 (2 notes)
Red
2011 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
94 points
Purchased within the last few months from Costco, splash decanted, drank a small pour over 30 minutes. Deep, rich, earthy, some minerality, leather, warm spice. I was quite impressed with this wine. Served blind alongside a $15 chianti, 9 out of 11 people preferred this wine.
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Red
2021 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rùfina
87 points
Splash decanted, I found this to be a simple and fruity party wine or pasta wine. At least the fruit is juicy and not jammy. Nothing special but I'll try my last bottle with some pasta and I suspect it will show better, not served blind alongside a 2011 Flacianello.
Flight 4 (2 notes)
Red
2018 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County
87 points
Decanted about 30 minutes. Sadly this was another poor showing for this wine, maybe even worse than 1.5 years ago. Weak and sweet, it reminds me of a party wine.
Red
2016 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Block Designate Monte Rosso Vineyard
88 points
Decanted about 30 minutes, this did not show well, nor did the 2018 Louis Martini sonoma cabernet that it was served blind alongside. There seems to be a lot of stuffing here, but the flavor profile is off. Louis Martini has always been a regular, inexpensive and readily available producer, I am now concerned. Not sure I'll buy more.
Flight 5 (2 notes)
Red
2018 Jean-Luc Colombo Crozes-Hermitage Les Fées Brunes
88 points
A pleasant if simple Rhone, olives and a lean palate.
Red
2012 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon
93 points
Decanted about 1.5 hours. Full-bodied and attention-seeking, with flashy fruit and a hearty disposition. For CDP, this is balanced and drinking well, I hope it stays that way for a decade. Served blind alongside a simpler Rhone, all 11 tasters preferred this.
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Flight 6 (1 note)
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Suduiraut
95 points
Pop and pour, drank a small glass over 30 minutes. This is becoming more savory, with spice, creme brulee and toffee.
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