No Strings Attached

Domaine Jean Michel Stéphan

Les Binardes Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2019

Well …. This is a complex rating. Drank at Red Hook Tavern (the academic philosophy 101 class definition of a platonically perfect restaurant-tavern) while eating the steak au poivre (which I have a particularly strong childhood game changing culinary memory attached to) and a couple at the table next to me was having an all out no holds barred take no prisoners heated couples fight (wtf?!) induced me to have (half way through this incredible bottle) a ptsd induced panic attack. Sadly had to walk around the block and couldn’t finish the au poivre 🥲 but the remaining half bottle of Côte-rôtie magic restored me to sanity (after the insane couple left.) Thanks to the Côte-Rôtie gods!

(Oh, this was remarkably good for such a young Côte-Rôtie, might not age crazy well, but a young prelude to what it can become…) 🔥🔥🔥
— 2 years ago

Rhône Valley Vineyards

La Ferme Julien Côtes du Ventoux Red Rhone Blend

So this rating is attached to a rating for a Rose Blend. We did not have that wine. Ours was a red, and I believe it was a blend because there was no other description of what kind it was.
We got this at Trader Joe’s and it was a French wine. It was very smooth and drinkable and balanced, yet dry. Tannins were not overpowering.
— 5 years ago

Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils

Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik
9.3

Nice with some age attached to it. But it was also the last wine of an extensively vinous night... so no TN here; look elsewhere. — 7 years ago

Matt, Daniel P. and 7 others liked this

Domaine Vincent Prunier

Meursault Chardonnay 2008

Located in Cote de Beaune, south of Volnay and north of Puligny Montrachet. Meursault ("Murr-so") has historically been Burgundy's center for white wine production. In fact, nearly all of the 2.5 million bottles produced from 440 ha (1,090 acres) are whites. The soil is a mixture of marl and chalk and is perfectly suited to the production of chardonnay. Meursault wines are known for aromas of hazelnuts, honey and vanilla for its aromas and creamy, almost olive oilllike texture. There are no grand crus in Meursault, though Les Perrières, Les Genevrières and Les Charmes produce remarkable wines. Further, some of the most well-known vineyards of Meursault such as Narvaux and Limozin are not premier cru but Villages-classified vineyards. Recent top vintages include 2008, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990.


With 437ha. of vineyards dedicated to Villages wine or Premier Cru, Meursault has the largest area permitted to be planted in white wine in the Cote-d'Or. Furthermore, despite the fact that the village lacks even one grand cru, Meursault has historically been Burgundy's center for white wine production, in the past even more so than Puligny-Montrachet or Chassagne-Montrachet. While much of those two villages had in the past been planted to red grapes, Meursault has always been white wine territory. In fact, the modern day vineyard of Les Combettes in Puligny-Montrachet, which forms a continuous chain with the premier crus of Meursault, was once considered part of Meursault and not Puligny, where the many nearby vineyards produced red wine. There are several important factors that determine the reputation of Meursault. Primarily, the soil throughout most of Meursault is perfectly suited to the production of chardonnay; it is a mixture of marl and chalk, that when combined with a largely east or southeast exposure creates healthy grapes that are full of character. Another factor correlates to geology, though in a very different way. Meursault's high water table allows its residents to carve deep, cold cellars "perfect for the production of wine" into the chalky, stony soil. So, while large negociants from Beaune dominated the production and marketing of Burgundy throughout time, Meursault remained a wine of its own citizens. Contributing to this, since red wine has been more prized throughout time, these same negociants looked elsewhere for sources because the wine of Meursault has always been white.

What makes the wine so special? The most common descriptors attached to Meursault are hazelnuts, honey and vanilla for its aromas and creamy for its texture. However, this simplifies things quite a bit. In most cases, Meursault despite an almost olive-oil texture is countered by a precise mineral character, stoniness and a more refined overall palate than, for instance, Chassagne-Montrachet. It's the unique stony/mineral character that often gets lost when tasting Meursault, as many concentrate on the ripe, hedonistic primary flavors and aromas. It's the bipolarity of the wine, the interplay of both factors, that makes Meursault one of the most sought after white wines in the world. As mentioned above, there are no grand crus in Meursault, though many would argue that Perrieres, Genevrieres and Charmes can attain these lofty heights in the hands of the best producers. Further, some of the most well-known vineyards of Meursault such as Narvaux and Limozin are not premier cru but Villages-classified vineyards, though again, the best examples are clearly of higher quality. source: http://www.burgundywinecompany.com/wines/display.php?subregion=Meursault
— 12 years ago

Andreas Laible

Kabinett Trocken Weißer Burgunder 2017

Prior notes still mostly apply, decanted +3H. Lighter acidity (👍) and a touch more neutral-ish oak notes, showing beautiful tonight!

Nose has green apple slice, under-ripe pear, garden fresh string beans, cold butter and fresh green apple peel.
Palate has baked green apple with sprinkle of sugar, lemon pith, river stones, lemon zest with medium acidity and a long finish.

+

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, without orchestra or conductor 😉. Three humble souls playing an all BEETHOVEN program (Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor (Opus 1, No. 3) and Symphony No. 2 in D (Opus 36, arr. for piano trio by Beethoven)) with a few of the best players of instruments containing strings, Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Emanuel Ax (piano). A true delight for lovers of Classical music this evening!
— 4 years ago

Uli, Dawn and 28 others liked this
Lyle Fass

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Love that stuff
Severn G

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@Lyle Fass Yeah, it's really showing top level today.

Emilio Ramirez Envinate

Benje Listan Blanco 2018

Seldom is one presented with a wine for which one has no preconceptions, but this was the case for this 100% Listán Blanco from 100 year old vines grown on volcanic soil above 1000m in Tenerife, which I enjoyed this weekend. I had absolutely no idea what to expect.

Deep golden in colour - with a slight pink hue, in fact - this ‘Benjé Blanco’ by the innovative winemakers Envinate is a unique, rich white that strings a medley of peach, apricot and stone fruits across a grippingly dry, mineral finish. There is a strong oaky character to the nose that reminds me of the white wines of Lopez de Heredia. But this is lighter and has a gracefulness on the palate that carries through to a long, thoroughly satisfying finish, alongside an element of sulphur. Excellent. Will no doubt age well.
— 5 years ago

Ira liked this

Mount Pleasant Wines

Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz 2013

Great beginning but no finish. The symphony didn’t get past the strings. Nice dark spice up front but strong green notes took over and didn’t open up into more. Bummer. — 8 years ago

Tammy de Weerd
with Tammy

Vietti

Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2017

Just the best Moscato d'Asti money can buy, you'll never have more enjoyment packed into another bottle!

Our final bottle of the 2017 vintage.

+

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, without orchestra or conductor 😉. Three humble souls playing an all BEETHOVEN program (Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor (Opus 1, No. 3) and Symphony No. 2 in D (Opus 36, arr. for piano trio by Beethoven)) with a few of the best players of instruments containing strings, Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Emanuel Ax (piano). A true delight for lovers of Classical music this evening!
— 4 years ago

Adam, Eric and 28 others liked this
Ming L

Ming L

What a lineup!
Severn G

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@Ming L Encore was Beethoven No. 5, talk about going out with a bang!
Ming L

Ming L

👍👍

Ridge Vineyards

Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Blend 2016

This is the family friend you’ve been attached to all your life but recently realized is not in fact the wisest person you know. As in, you trust them. Some advice is stellar but you just realized that “I’ll love you forever” doesn’t make them the authority on...all. Though Ridge is close to being that. Bright red berries and tannins at least as high as fruit so new world to the core. Alcohol higher—this is obvi new world but the blending varieties make one remember how multiverse Zin is. The grape for all theories string or no. — 7 years ago

Jason, Eric and 24 others liked this
MaJ CappS

MaJ CappS Influencer Badge

This is always on my shelf. Always a lovely, lovely wine, with 0 disappointments.
Ellen Clifford

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@MaJ CappS so far haven’t had a Ridge disappoint!

Cruess

Russian River Valley Fiano

Bright, refreshing, and full bodied without any Sauvignon-blanc-y strings attached — 8 years ago

Paul liked this