Lesson Plan
El Coto de Rioja
Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2019
It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins are maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 9 months ago
Penfolds
Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2002
Having my annual 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 - now 3 bottles left. Definitely a beautiful mature Cabernet Shiraz from this cool vintage. Has the Penfolds DNA of. Chocolate, Mocha and Black fruits. Wonderful balance - very polished with at least 5 to 10 years in front of it. This is why one cellars Penfolds Reds. Your patience is repaid in spades with the finished product…..maturing at glacial pace. My plan is to have the next one in 2024, then 2026, then 2028. — 8 months ago
Gabriel Meffre
"St. Mapalis" Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhone Blend 2019
On the nose, violet petals, beets, and a little tobacco. On the palate, mint, liquorice, anise, plum, and gorgeous dark fruits. Finish is pleasingly herbaceous, with moderate tannins and a mild refreshing acidity. Very little barrel detectable but still so rich and satisfying. — 2 years ago
Tenuta San Guido
Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2016
Part of Super Tuscan Horizontal tasting. All 2016 vintage Masseto, Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Solaia, Tignanello, Redigafi, and a mystery bottle (Phelps Insignia). The color of this wine was red, not purple like I was expecting. It was more Burgundian than Bordeaux-like. A bit on the subtle side. Refined. Still had good cherry and other red fruits, not overly tannic or oaky like I was expecting. This was a good wine, but my least favorite of the night. We had 2 bottles at the tasting and both drank the same. Not the typical Sassicaia profile and definitely not a 100 pt wine in my opinion. It was enough different than other Sassicaia I have had over the years that it left me scratching my head. I plan to source another bottle form a different purveyor to see if this was just an off lot. It was sourced from a reputable provider and has been in my cellar settling for a few months. — 3 years ago
Domaine des Pasquiers
Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Grenache Blend 2021
Meaty nose with wet stones, followed by heaven. Love this! Ripe red fruits and a hint of stewed fruits on the palate. So luscious and delightful to drink. A classic and beautiful Rhone. — 8 months ago
Domaine Valand
Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhône Blend 2019
A bit creamy — a year ago
Joe Weinberger
From magnum. — 6 months ago