White Zinfandel

A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2022

Poured into a Boa decanter several hours prior to dinner. The 2022 Zinfandel pours a ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of bright brambles: blackberries and raspberries, cherry (some candied, think Cherry Blow Pop), pipe tobacco, black pepper, dry organic earth and gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with some notes of mocha added to the mix. The finish is long and delightful. Fun to try in its youth however I expect these will show even better after a few years in the cellar. Best after 2027 and through 2042. — 6 days ago

Tom, Marc and 9 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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Just got mine last week! Appreciate the sneak preview!

Krug

Brut Champagne Blend 1988

Tasting group meet up with many of the regulars not able to attend . I knew the organizer invited someone whom we had not tasted with in about 15 years . He certainly made an entrance bringing this, in magnum no less. When poured it showed a fine mousse but it faded quickly. A very broad nose that hinted of some age. In the mouth it was like a sports car traveling a highway. Almond , brioche and some oxidative notes sped thru my mouth. The flavors accelerated only to linger similar to when you take your foot off the accelerator. Coasted effortlessly with no need to step on the brakes — 16 days ago

Austin, Jan and 34 others liked this
Shay A

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I was fortunate to have this a year or two ago (in 750) and was completely spellbound. I’d like to find one for myself one of these days.
Jay Kline

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Oh snap!

Krug

Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend

Drinking, not tasting! Late release grande cuvee, vintage unknown, but somewhere between 1967 and 1981 — 7 days ago

Jan, Ivor and 8 others liked this

Seghesio Family Vineyards

Sonoma County Zinfandel 2019

Light, peppery, and a little sour with a clean finish. — 19 days ago

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

La Grande Dame Brut Champagne Blend 2004

Popped and poured to celebrate a pretty cool personal and professional achievement; enjoyed over a two hour period. This particular bottle has been stored in my cellar since release. The 2004 “La Grande Dame” pours a brilliant yellow color with medium+ viscosity and a persistent mousse of fine bubbles. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of golden raspberry, Meyer lemon, some apple, some brioche and nuts; just a touch oxidative. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. However, I feel compelled to share that this gave me the overall impression of a sort of liquid lemon-raspberry custard croissant with shaved almonds on top. It was awesome. The finish was long and there is some palpable density in this wine. So much so that I think these easily have another 10-15 years in them. That being said, this was yummy and I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy now. — 9 days ago

Lyle, Lele and 17 others liked this

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2007

What’s not to like? Vibrant vintage coming into its own. Rich sweetness, tropical notes. Beautiful capper. — 6 days ago

Raul, Joe and 26 others liked this

Bonneau du Martray

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Chardonnay 2018

Different style showing up here after a few months since I had one. — 6 days ago

Ira, Byron and 9 others liked this

Apothic

Winemaker's Blend California Red Blend

Drank on Marmon. Sat well with me and easy to drink — 2 days ago

Nicolas Joly

Clos de la Coulée de Serrant Savennières Chenin Blanc 2010

A buddy brought out this bottle of 2010 Clos de la Coulée de Serrant to help toast a great achievement this past weekend. One can probably imagine my excitement as I’m a massive fan of these wines by Nicolas Joly. However, I feel compelled to admit that these wines are not for everyone. They vary wildly from one vintage to the next and there can often be quite a bit of bottle variation to boot. None of this has swayed me from my position; that these are amongst the most exciting, singular expressions of a place that I have ever experienced.

Popped and poured. The 2010 pours a deep golden color with medium+ viscosity and no signs of particles or gas. On the nose, the wine is redolent of white tree flowers, desiccated apples and apricots with orange marmalade, honey, lanolin, marzipan and light clove. On the palate, the wine is dry with borderline high acid that is somewhat masked by the equally high alcohol (15%). Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and remarkably rich with wooly, unctuous texture. The high alcohol only becomes apparent as the finish lingers but there is so many other more fascinating things for me than to get distracted by it. Is it oxidative or not? That’s an argument that other people can have. I’m content to simply appreciate these wines for what they are. You can drink these now but knowing how these react favorably to air, it’s probably best to open it well in advance and probably even better to decant. Otherwise, I would expect sound, well-stored examples to live through 2040.
— 11 days ago

Ira, Ceccherini and 9 others liked this
Jay Kline

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@Lyle Fass I can only imagine. @Ely Cohn shared his experience with me which was, in its own way, surreal.
Ely Cohn

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lol 🤣

Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021

Bright lemon, yellow apple, and melon. Clean and balanced with a soft touch of oak. — 3 days ago

Ted, Oltjon and 2 others liked this