Pastiche
Domaine Vacheron
Sancerre Rouge Pinot Noir 2015
The subtle, sneaky concentration of this wine will surprise you. Pretty and delicate in the glass, very transparent garnet with pink hues at the rim. Aromatically it is graceful and expressive. Cherry kirsch, raspberry, pomegranate, orange rind and spiced tea flavors- also showing hints of underbrush and fennel. Surprisingly lush and sappy on the mid palate despite being so silky overall. First impression is like a feather on the palate, but it shows very convincing grip and dimension. Vacheron shows such deft restraint with their Pinot Noirs- opting for subtlety and choosing in favor of neutral barrique to support the delicate structure. I appreciate their commitment to this style, allowing a black skinned varietal to be the pure and unique transmitter of place and soil- not simply a pastiche of Burgundy. Their reds do not display the power and opulence of some others from the region, yet they can easily be mistaken for ethereal red Burgundy in a good vintage. This very well could have come from Volnay or even Chambolle. I opted not to decant, instead watching it unwind slowly over the next couple of nights. This is indeed a great cellaring wine so I’ll be in search of at least one more bottle which is a steal at less than $35. Good luck finding village Volnay with that price tag! — 6 years ago
Cavino
Domaine Mega Spileo Grand Cave Dry Red 2009
This Bordeaux pastiche has textured heft, packed herbaceousness, and bushels of fresh berry flavor. This would be a cab killer as a Greek house red. — 9 years ago
Tellurian
Pastiche Heathcote Shiraz 2017
Mild fragrance of flowers and berries. Slight acidity, but enough punch. Will definitely hold up to burgers tonight! — 3 years ago
Kenwood Vineyards
Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Pastiche has half price wines on Wednesday’s so I went for one of their higher priced ($64) bottles. Haven’t had a Jack London Vineyard in a long time so I thought this was the time to try it. Not very complex and a tad sweet. I’m amazed that they can sell this at the $64 price on other nights. Don’t know the retail for this wine. Don’t think I would order again. — 5 years ago
Guarachi
Sun Chase Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013
Really ripe and super rich, with a gregarious demeanor and an almost larger than life personality. Distinctively unconventional with an unmistakable cadence, and completely infectious. This is the JB Smoove of Pinot Noir (or Leon Black, rather). Massive black cherry, lavender pastiche, and loaded with bramble fruit. It brings the ruckus (to the ladies). — 7 years ago
Pastiche
Red table wine
Though they don't list the vintage, I will say that the 2015 release is amazing. Full fruit with a definite blackberry at mid-palate (blend of Syrah, Grenache and heavy Tempranillo). The finish is smooth and begs for more imbibing. I can't wait to see how this ages. Pairs well with sourdough bread and wounded trumpet players. — 9 years ago
Brian Hearty
Batch 1. Tart, a little funky, a little sweetness on the finish. Fizzy quick-deflating head helped release some orange wine aromas. — 2 years ago