From magnum, the 1996 Grande Année pours a brilliant pale gold color with a persistent mousse. Initially, the wine showed more oxidative notes but it freshened up considerably with air (in fact, a tiny amount was leftover for the next morning and it remained brilliant, racy even!). On the nose, notes of almond, citrus, honey, chalky minerals and brioche. On the palate, wine is developing with absolutely brilliant acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy. The 1996 vintage is simply amazing. Here we are, 28 years past vintage and this bright and full of life! Granted, it’s a magnum, but still. Drink now with patience or enjoy through 2046+. — a month ago
2nd annual harvest luncheon. Favorite Napa Valley Chardonnay. YUM!
Wines
2019 reisling
2006 chardonnay
1996 chardonnay
2020 chardonnay
2013 chardonnay
2019 cabernet sauvignon
2012 cabernet sauvignon
2019 semillon
Lunch:
Pickled strawberry salad
Miso marinated NY Strip
Grilled organic vegetables
Meyer lemon almond cake — 6 months ago
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 — 21 days ago
(Disg. 10/22) Initial is the most produced in quantity of the Selosse bottlings but certainly not to be overlooked, and 2022 disgorgment is electric with distinctive Selossien aromatics, a rich, powerful and textural palate with racy acids and a chalky mineral core. It has both freshness and oxidative complexity yielding a complete, balanced and utterly seamless Champagne. Nothing like Selosse. — 3 months ago
A wine of astounding complexity, a shape-shifter. Immediately in the glass, nutty roasted almond, funk (a little reductive), musty books and turpentine. Iron/sanguinous aftertaste. Little acidity up front, a bit flat in texture. Peach pit, yellow peach, honeycomb. — a month ago
Just enough fruit and full body, not overwhelming like many zins. — 3 months ago
The 2010 Rieussec is similar to the previous bottle a couple of years ago. It has since opened with saffron-tinged honeyed fruit, dried honey and almond shavings. This example is more vanillary and oaky than previous ones, and that actually distracts from the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied; again, the new oak feels more prominent than previous bottles, prompting me to lower my score. It's utterly seductive but articulates more of the winemaking than I would like. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
— 3 months ago
Pinotman /// Andreas
Big and broad. Some tartness, meyer lemon, almond, hint mandarine. A little hot 14%. — 19 days ago