Cool Fish

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2014

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2014 Classico pours a slightly hazy garnet with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing. Initially showing notes of stewed red fruits, however with about 30 minutes of air, the fruits freshened up. Morello Cherry, macerated strawberry, dried roses, tar, leather, gravelly earth, and a pleasant mix of cool spices. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium plus; grippy and savory. An often maligned vintage in Piemonte, particularly in Barolo (though some outstanding examples exist). However, in Barbaresco, there was more success and this is an example. Drink now through 2034. — 13 days ago

Lyle, Daniel and 15 others liked this

Marcel Lapierre

Morgon Gamay 2023

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course two hours. The 2023 Morgon (S) pours a brilliant ruby/purple color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart red fruits: strawberry, raspberry, cherry, a touch of bubblegum, red flowers, licorice, black pepper, a mix of cool spices and rocky minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is a more dense expression of Lapierre’s Morgon which isn’t a surprise considering the vintage. Quite lovely with chicken pâté. Drink now through 2037. — 3 months ago

Juan, Lyle and 11 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

Classic combi 😍

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2006

It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.

Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 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 black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.

How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery.
— 4 days ago

Lyle, Jan and 15 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Great note (though “note” doesn’t really begin to cover it).
David White

David White

Love Chateau Musar and its history, thank you @Jay Kline for sharing the story to the 2006

Clonakilla

Canberra District Shiraz Viognier 2004

Spicy and peppery on the nose with a hint of apricot from the Viognier whose influence has diminished over the years. Red cherry and pepper on the palate. Generally regarded as one of the finest Shiraz blends in Australia. Cool climate - Intensity without weight. I love this style and this 2004 was a treat for the senses. Soft resolved fine savoury tannins. Sadly my last 2004 in 750ml although I did find a magnum after making this note. — 3 years ago

Paul, Eric and 20 others liked this

Dog Point Vineyard

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Ok I have already rated this before but I must admit it goes well with the fish curry Sri Lankan style. Lemon flavour comes out more than the grassy notes of this Marlborough Sav. Blanc. Feels like holidays with 30 deg. and a crispy white. Cheers — 5 years ago

Severn, Phil and 18 others liked this
Muralee Murugesu

Muralee Murugesu

Thanks @Sharon B. It was the calm after the storm on the lake.
Mario Vaillancourt

Mario Vaillancourt Premium Badge

Beautiful view, very nice

Matua

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022

A wonderful Sauvignon Blanc and goes perfect with white fish dinner. Highly enjoyable. — a month ago

Craiglee

Sunbury Shiraz 2006

This is a riper style than is normal for Craiglee which is usually quite cold climate peppery. This is full bodied showing blackberry, spice, liquorice and some black pepper. Always a reliable top quality Shiraz. The vineyard is just to the north of Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport in cool climate Macedon. Could see out the 2020s in the Cellar. — 2 months ago

Jan, Daniel and 15 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Sounds amazing!!

Château Brane-Cantenac

Grand Cru Classé en 1855 Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

Medium ruby , with garnet ruby rim . Quite cool spicy cassis , mineral grafite nose . Blackberry , seashell , mineral notes . On the palate good richness with ripe blackberry , cassis and grafite . Lovely ripe , fine tannins and really good freshness . Good grafite , cassis tinged length. Shows a lot of potential , young still , needs time .. come back in 10 years and will last well a further 10 . — 6 months ago

Daniel, Tom and 10 others liked this

Peay Vineyards

La Bruma Sonoma Coast Estate Syrah 2011

Aged cool climate Syrah from a consummate family. The tertiary flavors are stellar. — 4 years ago