Mouton Noir Wines
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1982
Forty-plus years on, people still talk about the greatness of the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. There are multiple factors that contribute to this and it’s fair to say that Robert Parker’s reaction played a major role in the early popularity; certainly in the States. While some may say that 1982 was merely a “good” vintage by today’s standards, I think history has proven it to be empirically special; there was just so much quality from top to bottom. And yet, even with the high praise of the vintage, the tone shifts to hushed whispers when the 1982 Mouton gets mentioned. Up until that point, the Chateau had sort of underachieved after receiving its unprecedented promotion in 1973. But in 1982, a year full of great wine, they created a legend and firmly cemented their First Growth status. Today, I’m pleased to report the plaudits for the ’82 are all warranted.
Opened and double-decanted earlier in the day. The ’82 Mouton pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with some sediment; almost youthful when compared to many of the other older wines poured on the night. On the nose, the wine is developing still; loaded with cassis, black berries, leaf tobacco, leather, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with fabulous structure. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of power. A stunning wine and well in its prime…a window I expect will remain open for a longtime to come. Drink now with bacchanalian abandon and through 2082. — 15 days ago
Sea Smoke
Southing Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Jammy and fruity, raspberry flavor, light and smooth, better whe let to breathe and paired with charcuterie. — 7 days ago
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)
Grands Échézeaux Pinot Noir 2013
2013 vintage. Zero issues with fill or cork. Not decanted but it was so rambunctious, likely would have shown even better with one. Tasted after 45 mins, 1.5 hours and 3 hours open. Medium body. Nose a mysterious mélange of spent coffee grounds and that expected Grands Échézeaux Asian spice presence. Cranberry tartness right away in the flavors minimized by black tea notes and the coffee/Asian spice twofer. Minute-long finish. Barely harnessed power throughout. Tasting as if it has just kicked in the door to the upper part of the bell curve and a handful of years before reaching the absolute apex. Simply no rush to crush as this is beginning its heroic phase. If you do indulge, open early and trace the development. Many don't like to decant red Burgs but this should be an exception. Needs both big time and big air. 12.09.24. — 17 days ago
Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Musigny Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2022
My continuing quest to taste as many 22’s as possible.
The nose shows, rich, candied and floral fruits that are: blackberries dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries on the edges with just a touch of freshly picked rhubarb. Soft minerals & baking spices and bright candied dark, red and purple flowers.
The palate shows ripe, lush fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum and poached strawberries. Dark chocolate, caramel notes, red cola & licorice, fresh & dry herbs, dark, smooth spices, dark, rich, forest floor w/ dry leaves, dry twigs, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & vanillin, dry stone & top soil, barrel shavings, dry tobacco w/ ash, limestone, grey volcanics dark, red candied with some withering flowers with violets, excellent acidity with a round, lush, well made, balance, mid tension, elegant finish that last ninety seconds and lands squarely on spice, clove and dry minerals.
This should be cellared 8-10 and enjoyed over the next 15-20 years plus properly stored.
At $1,140 a bottle, a hard pass for many, but excellent wine with potential for another 2 points w/ age. — 19 days ago
Jacques Selosse
Brut Rosé Champagne Blend
October 2020 disgorgment is always so perfect, a particular favorite, with immense depth of red berry fruit and chalky minerality, a chiseled palate with singular texture and a finish that keeps on going. VO base with a touch of still Pinot from Francis Egly. Nothin’ like it 👑 — a day ago
Louis Roederer
Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend 2015
We had this a few days ago and I misplaced my notes. Citrus mineral and intensity I recall. Probably committing infanticide drinking this now but there were good reasons to. Firstly our son and wife plus our daughter home for Christmas from New York and secondly my retirement after 53 years at McDonald Group. — 2 days ago
Hirsch Vineyards
San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2016
Crowd favorite due to the abundance of fruit and balancing acid — 11 days ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Medium Ruby color with aromas dark red fruits, black tea and ample floral spice, aged in 20% new French oak for 10 months. On the palate flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum with tobacco, cedar, black pepper, tea and vanilla spice. Soft fine tannins, long finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with fruit, herb, spice and earthy wet stone character. Nice! — 9 days ago