Domaine Du Pre Clos
Rhys Vineyards
Horseshoe Vineyard Chardonnay
A tasting of nine Rhys Chardonnays spanning 2007-2019. A pre-release peek at the 2019. — 5 years ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2010
Thanksgiving pre game wine. — 6 years ago
Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995
Azienda Agricola Cogno
Pre-Phylloxera Barbera d'Alba 2018
Soil licorice, tar , tobacco. A wonderful nose.
The palate is crunchy, black fruited and rich, good tannins and an ample finish.
Delicious wine. There is, according to Cogno,
Only 0.25 hectare of this Barbera.
The label (rear) is confusing as to wether this is in fact pre-phylloxera or grafted. Anyone know? — 5 years ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1994
Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg
Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2014
Initially pretty muted before a sufficient decant allows the sister’s magic touch to slowly be revealed. When it finally does come around, it shows superb delineation, balance, detail and finally does unfurl a wondrous bouquet. Fresh red and black fruit, exotic spice, and a touch of saline on the energized and mineral infused finish.
It shows good verve and signature MG elegance and purity. There is plenty of depth but what’s missing is the length and persistence you expect from this wine. In hindsight a pre-dinner decant would have served well, because the last pour was the best. Nonetheless, more time will allow for the palate to come around. — 5 years ago
Jay Kline
Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.
This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle. — 5 months ago