@rhythmSOULdier
Okay, so we’ve had Gentaz and Verset along with a ridiculous collection of other truly great wines; the likes of which could have easily stood very much on their own and been the showpiece of the night. But we weren’t finished yet. So why not another mythical creature? Chave’s Vin de Paille is so rare. It’s only been made a dozen or so times in history and always in tiny numbers. The 1990 Vin de Paille pours like a liquid Tiger’s eye with notes of persimmons, golden raisins, and peach crisp. So rich and yet, not cloying. An amazing pairing with foie toast and candied chestnuts. Drink now through infinity. Honestly, I don’t know how a wine like this ever dies unless it lives a hard life. — a day ago
First, the Gentaz and now, Verset?! Be still my beating heart! Noël Verset is a freaking legend. His first vintage was during the period of peace between the first and second world war which means, for most of his career, Cornas was a tough place to make a living making wine. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that things began to turn around and by that time, Noël was in his 70’s. Talk about perseverance. By the time he made this 1996 vintage, he had already started selling off some of his vineyards and by 2006, he was done making wine altogether.
And this 1996? It is lighter in color than the other wines in the Cornas line-up; almost a pale garnet with a transparent core. The nose is just crazy. I just wanted to smell it for the rest of the night. Wild mixed berries, dried purple flowers, garrigue, tobacco, and coffee. This was a Cornas of elegance and thinner on the palate relative to the Allemand and Clape. Long finish. Divine with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. Drinking very well now and could hold for longer but why? — a day ago
Popped and poured. The 2021 “Cuvée Réservée” pours a deep ruby color with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe red and black brambles, spiced meat, black pepper, some purple flowers and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This comes across lighter and more Burgundian than the last handful of vintages; almost giving me some 2014 vibes (which is a vintage in the last decade that I adore). It’s really good and shows a bit more elegance that I quite like. Looking forward to tracking this vintage as time goes on. Drink now with some patience and should be cracking through 2041 with ease. — 16 hours ago
As Rhône or Nôwhere 2.0 concluded, our heads were spinning. Spinning not only due to the consumption but from the out-of-this-world lineup. As we tried to gather ourselves, a bottle of 2011 DRC Romanée St. Vivant was generously opened to toast the evening’s frivolities. I mean, wow. The 2011 R-S-V pours a bright but deep ruby with no signs of age. It’s dark fruited and slightly green, probably still needing another decade+ to flesh out. There is some beautiful use of oak with gorgeous baking spices. Way more closed than the 2011 DRC Echezeaux we enjoyed a couple years back. Clearly amazing. Clearly a baby still. Afterwards, a friend with more experience than (in respects to DRC) mentioned that Echezeaux usually shows well when young while R-S-V typically needs the most time. Something that I’ll keep in mind. To my palate, this will be best after 2030 and should be excellent through 2050+. It’s got that kind of guts and balance.
— a day ago
The vines for Chapoutiers “L’Ermite” are largely pre-phylloxera and some are well over a century old. Along with the typical associated fruits and non-fruits: brambles, spiced grilled meat and minerals, this bottle of the 1999 had a bit of a radish note, some old dusty leather-bound books and also had a touch of ethyl acetate. A touch closed relative to the other wines in the Hermitage flight but certainly didn’t seem to be fading and the grilled lamb and Moroccan spices helped to unlock some of its character. Drink now through 2035. Merci Dave! — a day ago
Recaredo, the legendary producer of Cava, has a still-wine label called Celler Credo where the primary focus is highlighting the Xarel-lo variety in the Alt Penedes. All of the wines are biodynamic and certified organic. This particular example comes from the family’s Serral del Bosc vineyard and has extended contact with the skins (in excess of a week). The results were more than intriguing.
Popped and poured just slightly chilled. The 2012 Estrany pours a bright gold color with medium+ viscosity and there’s even a little sign of some sediment in the last couple of pours. On the nose, the wine is developing and extremely floral with a fascinating mix of white and yellow flowers, apples and pears, some orange essential oil, and some stone fruits is the mix as well. On the palate, I think the wine is dry but almost comes across off-dry. Low tannins and I think the acid is sneaky, in the medium+ range. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and complex with palpable texture. This was a really fun pairing with causa limeña. I would say drink now but I’m sure it has plenty of what’s necessary to cellar if a bottle got forgotten. By the way, this wine is quite rare with only about 100 cases made in 2012. Bottle No. 388 — 16 hours ago
Another producer to inherit some vineyards from Verset was Thiérry Allemand who purchased Noëls holdings in Reynard. That vineyard is the cornerstone for this wine. The 1999 Allemand “Reynard” is still full of fresh brambles, some cow pasture, and beautiful purple flowers. It’s sanguine with inorganic earth and gentle spices. Bangin’ with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. This is gorgeous and should be outstanding through 2040+. — a day ago
As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond. — a day ago
The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — a day ago
Jay Kline
The more Gallimard I drink, the more I like it. I thought their Cuvée de Réserve was pretty darned good the first time I tried it 6 years ago. Now, I think they are a leader in the value for money game. The “Les Meurges” Blanc de Noir Extra Brut is 100% Pinot Noir from Les Riceys, bottled at 4g/l.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over two days. Best on Day 2. The “Les Meurgers” BdN pours a striking pale salmon color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of golden raspberries, strawberries, white peach, brioche, citrus blossom, lemons and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and delicious. So easy to fall for. Best with some area and a decant, in fact, would not be a bad idea at this stage. Yum! — 3 hours ago