Opened 24 hours prior and decanted for sediment before returning to the bottle; enjoyed over the course of two days. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of tart brambles and plums, green bell pepper, tobacco, leather, all of the decomposing earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium, mostly integrated tannins with medium+ acid, borderline high. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Overall, a wine that is a reflection upon the vintage and at 43 years of age, that’s a big compliment. The 1981 is very much alive and will likely live for a very long time. However, it is backward, rustic, and somewhat tough to love unless you’re an old-school masochist. But I’m guilty and this wine is charming despite all of its green character. Drink now and over the next 30 years probably. — a month ago
Deep dark color and Nose. It still has life and should improve for the nex decade . — 3 months ago
SPARKLING LUNCH
Pale salmon in color.
Light red fruits on the nose with apples, apricots, strawberries, minerals, yeast, brioche and spices.
Medium bodied with medium plus acidity.
Dry on the palate with raspberries, strawberries, citrus, lemons, apples, yeast, spices, bread, minerals and light sea salt.
Long finish with lemons and limes.
This is a delicious Rosé Sparkling wine from Russian River Valley. Nicely balanced and elegant.
Delicate and reserved. Fruity, crisp and easy drinking. Feels like a Rosé Champagne.
Needs 45 minutes of airtime to open up properly. Worth the wait.
This vintage Sparkling wine will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.
Wine Spectator 93 points.
Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.
A blend of 77% Pinot Noir and 23% Chardonnay. Aged for 3 years in the bottle before disgorgement.
13.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$58. — a month ago
Perfect every time. — 2 months ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Light gold in color.
Nice crisp nose with limes and brioche.
Light to medium in body with medium plus acidity and small bubbles.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing citrus, yeast, minerals, bread, green apples, herbs, earth, lemon juice and white pepper.
Long finish, tasty and elegant.
This 16 year old still feels very young, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years. Rich and well balanced.
I love this vintage of Dom Perignon. Complex and interesting. I've had this vintage it a few times before, and it is very consistent.
Good by itself as a sipping wine, or with food. Good stuff.
12.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$350. — 18 days ago
Maybe a wee bit past prime, but truly wonderful. — 2 months ago
Excellent porch wine to watch the sunset!! — 3 months ago
Joan Ziegler
A fantastic bubbly to celebrate our backyard wedding weekend in Palo Alto - this was for Happy Hour on Monday July 1 2024 at our place in Palo Alto — a month ago