2/18/2024 - Vinomane wrote:

Henri Bourgeois has created a winner in New Zealand. To my palate, a cut above similarly priced NZ Sauvignon Blancs. Tropical fruit complex is refined if a bit raw at this point in development. Acidity and minerality jump out as well. More substance on the palate, greater length on the finish than typical. Pity those poor souls drinking Kim Crawford. This 2022 still 6 months shy of full maturity. On my auto-buy list until further notice.

2/4/2024 - Vinomane wrote:

Absolutely at peak. Complex tertiary nose, perfectly aged fruit on the broadish palate with no dill or surplus acidity. Finish satisfactory, if hardly the vaunted peacock tail. An absolute steal on purchase, last bottle of this one. Drink or hold another 5-10.

2/4/2024 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Last tasted in 2014 and now a bit shut down, certainly no more developed. As my Burgundian vigneron companion put it, "an infant." Opened a bit after an hour but not enough to justify drinking today. Hold another decade if you are under age 75.

12/11/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Emboldened by posts declaring this ready to drink, I popped the first of six bottles. Decanted 2 hours. Silly of me. Fill was still near cork. Color still dark and purplish. Densely fruited core unevolved. Drank perfectly well with a pork roast, but then a $25 "gran reserva" from a less distinguished house would have been just as satisfactory. IMO, gran reservas from great producers in classic vintages, like top Burgundy and Bordeaux, simply shouldn't be touched for 30 years after release and won't show at best until age 40-80. Recently had a 1962 Lopez, not even a gran reserva, that was still improving. Looks like my trove of 1994s and 2001s will need saving for posterity. I will stick with the 1964s for now and hope to enjoy the 1982s in a few years.

9/29/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Short but sound cork. Ethereal nose on opening. Guessing the grape would have been impossible. Light body which filled out over the course of two hours, as DRC red burgundies often do. Finish not particularly long. Still sound, but barely. Maybe 5 years past peak, but enjoyably different, rare experience.

9/19/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Day 1: Impression was too young, not fully developed. Day 2: Open and accessible -- but not markedly better than "Gran Reservas" from lesser producers in later vintages priced <$20. Maybe a little more on the finish, I suppose. To my taste, this bottling is always far overshadowed by its Riojanas sibling, the Monte Real Gran Reserva. The difference in price is small, but the difference in quality is large. Five more in the cellar. No rush; plenty of room for improvement, which would be a welcome surprise.

7/1/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Decanted 3 hours ahead, and it wasn't enough. Our guess is too young. More lurking in the cellar, so we shall see. Judgment reserved.

6/4/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

As noted by others, more aimed at elegance than substance. Shows typicity although tannins remain in the foreground and will need to integrate. Safe to say, at least, that this is a bargain at <$30 and likely to improve over 2-3 years.

4/26/2023 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

The favorite among four very good 1964 Riojas tasted last evening by our expert panel. All four were sound, mature but with decades still in hand. This one had depth and complexity equal to a gran reserva from Gomez Cruzado which followed. Frankly shouted from the glass on pouring and never backed down. So fresh, with such clarity. Essence of dried cherries, broad on the palate, glowing on the finish. Wondering whether the 1982 and 2001 gran reserva editions of the Monte Real will ever reach this level. Some of us may be too old ever to find out.

4/5/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Projects the gamut of sensory impressions from pruny mud to muddy prune.

3/10/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Punky cork requiring Durand to open. Rhubarb nose. Appearance fine but a struggle to drink. Dried out, with no appealing quality primary, secondary, or tertiary. Storage maybe suboptimal given stronger competitors for the coolest and darkest spots. Three more remaining, all acquired and handled identically to this one. So judgment reserved until the next specimen comes to bat.

3/10/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Finally reaching maturity, and a glorious young adult it has become. Bought a case on release, tried the first after three years, pecked away at intervals thereafter, and always it was either a jumble of unfocused potential or simply a misfire -- hard to know. Last night's specimen settled the matter. This is very top-tier Sancerre with remarkable density, and fruit expression, yet with backbone on the finish. With the right companions I may very well pour another in 2025 alongside 2015s from Vatan and Cotat, just to find out how near the top it really is.

1/16/2023 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Drank this one several times when very young and found it delightful. Now it has gained considerable weight and while not shut down, very much in transition and not to be touched for another 5 years. Nose has fine secondary character, fruit on palate is ample, but tannins have conquered the finish. Can't reach full maturity until 2030. With patience, I'm guessing this hits a solid 94.

1/8/2023 - Vinomane wrote:

Perfect cork cleanly pulled, decanted with aerating nozzle and left for an hour. Half a teaspoon sediment, easily contained within the bottle shoulder verified by the essential Pourvin Pro. At the start, powerful volatile acidity with spice complex below. Palate dry like traditional Rioja, with some cardboard on top. With more time all comes into focus, although blind I would guess Barbaresco. At the end, clean, complex, flawless Nebbiolo. Just now into maturity, drinkable but no rush. Several more in the cellar & glad to have them. A value cru Barolo for sure.

12/22/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Discovered today in the cellar and drunk tonight with veal piccata. Well into brown, but still alive with the distinctive Barolo characteristics. Now on the downslope, so drink very soon if you still have it. Found a second bottle, now slated for consumption tomorrow night with a pasta dish.

12/19/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

As with nearly every wine bought in quantity, the last bottle is best. Open, fresh, clean, very moderate acidity, no tannin, mellowed fruit. A cool vintage in Rioja which shows in this example. Nothing bold or muddy, no bones for the long haul, now peaking. Found one merchant with 10 bottles left and ordered them all. For consumption over the next two years. (Not that Rioja can't last forever: the 1953 Reserva Especial of this wine is still going strong).

12/13/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Now knitting very nicely. A complete wine, from first aromatics to afterglow on the finish. An essay in cherry, more so than any bottle of anything ever tasted. Very balanced with more substance on the palate than Gran Reserva 904, which needs more time. My last bottle of this one, and as ever, the last one is the best one. Still stocked on Ardanzas 2001 and 2004. Of the three, this is the vintage to be drunk up first.

11/30/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

A tremendous bargain at $15 (case price) plus shipping. Outstanding vintage, competent producer, clearly Rioja, ripe fruit with structure. Tannins mostly melted and in its prime drinking window. Unbeatable as an everyday red under $20. Should have bought 4 cases as it will surely hold for 5 years.

11/30/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Two prior bottles of this had been excellent but not reference standard. Now, five years after fermentation, this regular "Alberto Nanclares" cuvée has hit an astonishing peak. Hard to believe that Nanclares y Prieto has even greater wines in its lineup, or that this bottling of this vintage at this age could be bettered by any Albarino at any price.

11/27/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

All prior bottles of this had been disappointing, but tonight's specimen proved the others to have been too young. Nose and palate on open revealed a jolt of pineapple, which soon resolved into a pear, plum, melon complex. Beautifully dry and with persistent fruit into the finish; in a perfect spot and could have been enjoyed alone. Fear this was my last bottle, and failed to note disgorgement date as it was taken to a restaurant where we paid corkage. Would buy again if found.

11/23/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Belated tasting note from 3 months ago. Sublime fruit, still on the young side, balanced with tannins still in the mix. Tasted alongside the same wine from 1970 (perfectly mature) and 2001 (a profound baby) vintages. One bottle left, tentatively scheduled for 2027-2030, though it would last indefinitely.

7/3/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

First taste from a case of the 2019 (this wine a case buy for me in every vintage). Surprised that it fully measured up to 2018; alcohol kept low with no discernible residual sugar. Top wine around the table with an assortment of dry whites in the same <$30 price range. Everything in balance here; fruit politely present, nothing effusive; palate and finish broadening toward full maturity; acidity firm but not sharp. As ever, the reliable reference standard for Albariño, solid competence throughout, no rough edges, nothing quirky, the stylistic equivalent of ARC audio engineering in Rias Baixas winemaking.

6/8/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Decanted using an aerating nozzle. After an hour, verdict of prior tasters is confirmed. Briars, stems, red fruit, BUT -- not yet open for business, and nowhere near its peak. Will be better tomorrow and MUCH better in 2032 and after. There's reason why many think Ile de Verg should be Grand Cru, with this Chandon de B version being Exhibit A. I don't agree, but am amenable to persuasion if I live long enough.

4/25/2022 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Very pleased with this one. Nice acidity up front, melony savor on the palate, chalk on the finish. Can be enjoyed without food, not that a pot of goat cheese would come amiss. Agree with prior comment, certainly more in the Sancerre direction than NZ. But the nearest comparison in my experience would be the Quivira Fig Tree S.B. from Dry Creek valley. Say -- no reason I can't try these twp together next week at a joint with cheap corkage!

4/13/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Given the wide diversity of experience with this one, decided to pop a specimen. Cork impeccable, pulled easily. Decanted with the Pourvin and was surprised how little sediment it had thrown. Nose on opening a mix of chocolate and blackberry. Color in decanter black as tar, resembling 2006 Brunellos I have hated. In the glass, looks and smells pruny, but with a sharp redcurrant/elderberry note on the finish -- wild!
Afraid I wouldn't guess this a cru Barolo, or a Piedmont wine at all. Has much more in common with those cruddy 2006 Brunellos. For tonight, I'm blaming it on the vintage. Tomorrow, will try the 2008 of this same wine which has more consistent reviews. As of tonight, Brovia Villero seems Not My Style.

3/20/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

One of the best recent vintages of this reliable, go-to Albariño. A touch of funk on the nose blows off after an hour; palate shows mineral complexity, balanced acidity, subtle fruit, even some inner tension. Will try again soon in a vertical of 2017-2019-2020. Already know the 2017 is solid; expect the latter two to be on the young side since even this regular cuvée of Do Ferreiro needs some age (their riveting Cepas Vellas needs even more, of course).

2/22/2022 - Vinomane wrote:

Couldn't be anything but northern Piedmont. Acidic, not much for fruit or florals. Reasonable Italian food wine, not a sipper. Be sure to decant through fine mesh as it throws a heavy sediment whose larger chunks break off readily. Can't see this improving; "smells brown" already. In sum: serviceable, nothing more.

2/14/2022 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Well, this is something different! Just off six weeks at the Gulf eating seafood with various Sauvignons including Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Quincy, one Quivira, and mostly New Zealand. Back home tonight, first taste of this Italian contender. Profile on both nose and palate unlike any of the others; impossible to guess the provenance. "Best in the world" at some international competition, they say. Well, it's got me intrigued. Will drink with dinner tonight, let the remainder coalesce in the fridge overnight, see what tomorrow brings, and report anything noteworthy. Apparently I bought a case, so maybe a long way to go between tonight and a final verdict. "Promising!"

12/31/2021 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Drinking beautifully right now, little room for improvement but no hurry at all. Exactly what a premier cru of a decent vintage should be, and the best from this producer I have tasted in a long while. Also, as I recall, a bargain now punching above its price.

12/26/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

Prior bottle was funky, barely drinkable. This one lively, with fine and typical aromatics as it decanted, and grew fuller through the evening. Drink now, no room for improvement, but decant carefully as it carries heavy sediment. May you will luck onto a sound bottle like this one tonight.

12/23/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

On opening, an explosion of fruit expressions utterly filling the palate, going so many directions you can't pin anything down. Nothing much on the nose Day 1; day 2, potent and persistent salinity with light oxidative notes, ditto the lengthy finish. Try it fresh out Day One, then again after 24 hours in fridge. Holding my last bottle of this 2015 to see how it shows at age 10. The 2007 was best at that age.

11/3/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

Glad to read that so many like this one. Gives me an excuse to dump the rest of mine on undiscriminating family members over the holidays. Great vintage, clumsy wine. Those calling it Toro-like and rustic are on the mark. Gran Reserva Rioja from a great vintage should evoke Burgundy. This one doesn't and never will. Be fun to serve alongside the La Rioja Alta GR 904 and CVNE Vina Real GR of same vintage -- neither yet tasted, but both known for elegance.

9/24/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

Most noticeable on opening was some butterscotch on the finish. This dissipated with time in the glass as smoke emerged on the nose. With still more time, salinity and minerality came to the fore on the palate. After two hours it was clearly the best 2019 Albarino I have tasted, crisp in the middle with actual length on the finish. Rarely available in USA and none to be had at present. But a great bargain which exceeds expectations if/when you can find it.

4/23/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

Bloomed after an hour decant into nice faded roses, but nothing lively happening, no lift and no upside. Generic and underwhelming for a riserva of the vintage. Drink up.

4/11/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

My impression of tonight's bottle exactly mirrors the experience of BILLYRAYVALENTINE in February posted below. Clearly white Burgundy, not so clearly unoaked Chablis. Butterscotch with just enough minerality to save it.

1/7/2021 - Vinomane wrote:

Pretty much immortal after opening and being forgotten in the fridge for a month at 1/3 level. As others have noted, botrytis and tropical fruit, with pineapple dominant at this point. Lovely golden straw color. Quite lush for a Spätlese, really a dessert wine for my taste. Rating reserved for a fresher bottle.

12/23/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Double-decanted 5 hours ahead, and glad I did. Brought to a tasting of young California Pinots to keep them honest, and of course this one blew the doors off the New World pretenders. Giroud always among my favorite producers, and Latricières always my favorite among second-tier Chambertin grands crus. In the difficult 2006 vintage, nailed it about as well as anyone could. Enchanting nose with tertiary notes of spice over sous-bois; elegant Burgundian robe with full if not lingering finish. Sound in every way and ready now-2026.

12/19/2020 - Vinomane Does not like this wine:

Just like the 2009 Cotats, over the top, and to my taste, undrinkably so. Overripe with rotting pineapple and residual sugar despite 13.5% alcohol. Time to rethink that "long hang time" approach. Warming climate has overtaken the Cotats (tho I've read that the 2017s may have turned this around). Sorry I have so many of the 2010s. To anyone here who likes them, I'll willingly sell at a loss.

12/17/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Probably my third bottle to date. All corks broke in half, so dry you'd think they had been stored in the desert. Yet wine is fresh and young. Very consistent: enticing spearmint is the top note, followed by something like lemon verbena. Palate is cardboardy, a quality that doesn't often vanish with age in dry whites, but in this case something tells me it will. Finish now rounding out a bit as well. Young, hence unrated. Long experience whispers that 2018 could be the best iteration of this cuvée since the 2010 or 2007. Surely hope so, as I have plenty.

12/16/2020 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

A very nice everyday wine, now beginning to open after a 60-90 day rest. Wishing for another 2 cases (no longer available, of course). Goes down easily and will improve for a while if given a chance.

12/14/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

More open than 30 months ago, relaxing, with some
tertiary notes on opening; still noticeably alcoholic (14%) but not offensively so. Prunes are fading into something more floral. Color now showing age at the rim. Prediction: will peak in 2 years and decline soon after; drink now-2023.

12/13/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Drunk with 2000 Vietti Brunate (all correct, 91 pts, no wow) and 2000 G. Mascarello Monprivato (funky in a TCA way, NR), this was sheer elegance. Like all of the finest wines, notable for its utter harmony and lack of angularities. This was the man in the tuxedo looking born to wear it. Only thing lacking was that glowing core you find at at age 30+ in LRC and La Tache. Will try again in about 5 years, accompanied by 2000 G. Conterno Francia & 2000 B. Mascarello, which should give it a run.

12/13/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Drunk side by side with the Campo Viejo regular bottling Gran Reserva 1970, surely a rare pairing. This was distinctly Burgundian in character despite the Bordeaux bottle, and the reverse for the regular GR. Preferences around the table evolved as these very young 50-year wines (double decanted hours ahead) resolved themselves in the glass. In the end I preferred this one, with a finer fragrance and a softer, rounder finish. Both likely to improve with another 10 years in the still cool darkness.

10/28/2020 - Vinomane Does not like this wine:

And the streak continues unbroken. Not since Vallana's single-cru Spannas of the 1950s have I tasted a real quality Nebbiolo not labeled "Barolo" or "Barbaresco." This one opened with a powerful arôme de merde that never blew off. After half an hour I detected some berry complex on the palate, but that soon dissipated. Overall, disjointed and incoherent, saved only by being served to wash down a very flavorful ribeye. Life is too short for wines like this. At least I still have two remaining 1958 Vallana Spannas.

10/23/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Premoxed just like every other bottle from Huet in 2012. All three crus. You can tell there's a classy wine under there somewhere, but the roasted apricot nose in a dry wine is simply not tolerable. Oh, and the 2010s? One bottle left of the Clos du Bourg. Not holding out much hope. That vintage, too, badly premoxed. I have quit buying Huet after 30 years of fandom, no matter what the early raves say. This simply should not happen.

9/25/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Tasted beside G. Conterno Barolo Francia of the same vintage with a group of 7. More open, more elegant, with better color than the other, this was the clear favorite on this night. Has entered its drinking window but NR until next bottle. A very good wine from a very difficult vintage.

9/25/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Tasted beside G. Conterno Barolo Francia of the same vintage with a group of 7. More open, more elegant, nicer color than the other, the clear favorite of this group on this night. Has entered its drinking window but NR until next bottle. Very good wine from a very difficult vintage.

9/25/2020 - Vinomane wrote:

Tasted beside Bartolo Mascarello Barolo of the same vintage with a group of 7. Still tannic and may improve. Will wait 5 years before rating. Suffered in comparison with the more open, more refined, more brilliantly colored Mascarello.

7/24/2020 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Probably the best generic "Bourgogne rouge" I have ever tasted. Enticing up front, satisfying in the middle, bit short but still present on the finish: no complaints for the price. This one is declassified Volnay + Pommard occasioned by the lavish 2015 vintage. Punches well above its label. Buy it if you find it. Drinking in the sweet spot right now.

7/5/2020 - Vinomane Likes this wine:

Do Ferreiro Albariño is an every-vintage buy for me, and the 2016 is now emerging as the best in a good while. Just hitting its stride, with such perfect balance you don't even think of analysis. Minerality? For sure. Acidity? Just right. Fruit? Present but reticent, as I like it. Drunk beside a 2016 Caillottes Sancerre from F. Cotat, which is far more lush and also less ready. Would drink the 2016 Do Ferreiro every day, had I'd known then what I do now and had bought multiple cases. Perfect now and should hold at this level for 2 years.