Ralph's Joy Of Wine

Cobb

Joy Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2009

Found this hiding in a far corner of the cellar. I thought it would be dead, but this was very much alive. Ross does some magic in Sonoma. — 7 months ago

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon & 6% Petit Verdot, BV grapes were first planted back in 1900, by founder Georges de Latour. Outstanding! Deep dense Ruby with complex berry fruit aromas wrapped in toasty spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and sweet plum with licorice and cacao, adding cedar and tobacco notes. Soft velvet tannins, still young, long finish, well integrated and nicely balanced, a joy to drink. Will age a long time. A Wow factor wine!! — 2 years ago

Jason, ESF and 5 others liked this

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1990

No surprise this was wine of the Christmas Europe trip. Initially quite high-tones and acid dominated (even after 90 mins’ decant). Nose of graphite and blackcurrant— and soaringly so. Eventually settled to darker fruit. Not fleshy in any way, just plumes of flavor incredibly well-knit. Always a joy for how seemingly *not* powerful it is— that is until the structure registers like a bass blast. — 3 years ago

Ericsson liked this

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Rich, lush red fruit with hints of flint and tobacco. Complex and well structured. It lingers on the mid pallet for an age. High quality and a joy to drink 🍷 — 3 years ago

Jason, Shay and 7 others liked this

Domaine Dujac

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2009

Smokey and resonant. This was a mature joy. Lots of complexity with the fruit. Color was a nice darker red. — 2 years ago

Milissa, Vanessa and 12 others liked this

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2018

Last night we opened the 2018 Barbaresco Produttori del Barbaresco.

On the nose there is cherry, raspberry, plum, licorice, rose petal, herbs, truffle, pepper and earth.

On the palate are the distinctive notes of cherry, raspberry, plum, licorice, spice, herbs, leather, menthol and earth.

This wine is medium to full bodied medium + acidity with medium + firm rounded mouthcoating grippy tannins that moves easily into a long red fruit dry soil finish. This is a beautiful wine that will provide many years of enjoyment. Stay safe and healthy with a weekend full of love and joy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷
— 2 years ago

Paul, Shay and 24 others liked this

Château Cantenac Brown

Margaux Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2017

Tried twice. Blend of 67% Cab Sauv and 33% Merlot, bigger Cab% in ‘17. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, oak and spice. On the palate flavors of fresh blackberry, plum and currants with licorice and cigar box spice adding some cedar and slight floral notes. Fine ripe tannins, long finish ending with layers of fruit, cedar and spice. A joy to drink. Opening now but will last another decade+. Nice! — 3 years ago

Daniel P., Alex and 9 others liked this

Pertimali (Livio Sassetti)

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2012

This 2012 Pertimali is showing a lot better then La Squadra Azzura tonight.
Loads of chocolate and dark ripe fruit. What a pure joy to drink!! Luckily we go into overtime so time for another glass!
— 3 years ago

Dick, Jan and 6 others liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2011

Ruby with complex fruit aromas, spice and oak. Blend of 89% Tempranillo & 11% Graciano, aged 48 months on American oak. On the palate flavors of jammy dark berry fruits with spice & smoky earthy notes on ripe full soft tannins. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with fruit, oak, cigar box spice and mineral earthy tones, a joy to Sip this Fine Wine!! Tasting great, has more aging potential! — 2 years ago

Rob, Ira and 13 others liked this

Taittinger

Comtes de Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay 2007

Oh my, what an absolute joy. This right here sings the song I want to hear. A pale old gold color in the glass. Perfectly precise perlage with a plethora of tiny, fine bubbles and showcasing innate creaminess. The nose is slightly intense opening with aromas of hazelnut, chalk, and lemon zest. Warm buttered brioche takes over for a moment full of bliss then a bit of smoke. Juicy peaches and pears commingle with fresh herbs and spices.

100% Chardonnay from the five Grand Cru villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The tête de cuvée of Champagne Taittinger and it shows. It’s a very noble, prestigious champagne that matches complexity with downright deliciousness. The juxtaposition between luxury and comfort is evident here. Like coming out of a bath and slipping on your finest robe. The racy acidity and exquisitely dry nature of the wine belies the dosage of 9 g/l.

Very creamy in the mouth and though it starts off a bit demanding, it soon becomes so inviting after some time. Every sip demands the proper time and contemplation. Chalky and rich, positively bursting with citrus fruits. Apples and toast everywhere along with gun flint and more smoke. Medium long finish with traces of spice. A powerful, graceful champagne that’s full of finesse. This can go for decades longer but if you open it now sit with it for a while. Give it the proper time. You might fall in love just a little.
— 3 years ago

Douglas, Bob and 16 others liked this
Willie Carter

Willie Carter

@Trixie It’s my favorite glass for sure
Willie Carter

Willie Carter

@Brent Young Appreciate that!
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

Holding on two a few bottles of this vintage for my kids.