Basket Case

Taittinger

Comtes de Champagne Grand Crus Brut Blanc de Blancs 1996

The final bottle for our annual Valentine’s Day and carbonara tradition (this time one day early). We skipped last year as my wife was pregnant, nice to be back. Very good, but definitely in an advanced stage - the nuttiness really comes through. There is still great acid, lemon curd, crispness, soft bubbles.

After the full case, I’d say the ones from 2021-2023 were the best.

On to Krug 2004 next year!!
— a month ago

Lyle, Somm and 15 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Definitely 96 color these days. Cheers! 🥂

Château de Saint-Cosme

Little James Basket Press Jeune Solera Grenache

Interesting “Vin de France” that is the brainchild of the great Louis Barruol. Primarily made with Grenache that is a blending of several vintages, all vinified in concrete tanks. This one was bottled in 2019. Deep ruby/garnet/purple color. Aromas of ripe red berry fruit, dried purple flowers and dusty earth. Flavors of strawberries, red and black cherries, blackberries, red and black licorice and baking spices. Touch of black pepper spice on the medium-plus and slightly earthy/musty/peaty finish. Medium-plus acidity. Light and well integrated tannins. Pleasant texture and purity. Interesting concept that has led to an interesting wine. Excellent QPR. — 6 months ago

Dave, Tom and 2 others liked this

Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera

Toscana Sangiovese 2015

Very aromatic, very fine tannins, light in color. Amazing as usual. — 10 months ago

Andrew, Jeroen and 3 others liked this
Jan A

Jan A

And age wise? Is this already in the drinking window? Have a few of these myself.
Gilbert Van Hassel

Gilbert Van Hassel Influencer Badge

Can go a lot longer but yammy now

Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera

Riserva Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2001

This bottle was opened several hours prior to dinner. The 2001 Riserva pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe Morello cherry, red flowers, leather, black tea, and a lovely mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, slightly savory and super complex. A textbook Brunello Riserva that leans on the more elegant side of the spectrum. A fabulous pairing with lombo di agnello. Drink now with patience through 2041. — 3 months ago

Pooneet, Paul and 12 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1990

1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — 5 months ago

Daniel, Jeroen and 24 others liked this
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Our anniversary year. I need to get a bottle

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2014

Worth a check in at 10 years. Always an outstanding nose. Needed hours of air and still pretty shy, fruit in particular is closed. Paired with NY strip tonight. Have half a case left of this vintage and will check in again in a couple years. — 2 years ago

Somm, romo and 4 others liked this

Rockford

Basket Press Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005

Opened after Xmas lunch as we needed a follow up to the Black Shiraz. Did not disappoint. Mature and soft with all the lovely spice and dark fruit of the basket pressed. Lovely. — 3 months ago

Brigaldara

Case Vecie Amarone della Valpolicella Corvina Blend 2016

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. Sourced from a single vineyard in Grezzana, the 2016 Case Vecie pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and dried red, black and blue fruits: Bing cherry, Craisins, pomegranate, Fig Newtons, red flowers, fine cocoa, espresso, gentle warm spices and a mix of organic and inorganic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high. However, it’s remarkably balanced considering its extraordinary ABV, 16.5%!! That being said, you would hardly know it…until it got you turnt! For real though, I don’t drink a lot of Amarone…but this is damned good. Drink now through 2041. — 9 months ago

Tom, Ira and 19 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2001

Last bottle from a case bought at auction from the cellar of LaTour d’Argent Paris. Just fabulous! — 4 years ago

Ray, Ted and 6 others liked this