Domaine Louis Moreau

Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay 2017

9.3

My new find. Really enjoying the burg GC’s at the moment. No need to spend a kings ransom for excellence, either.
Refer to my prior notes. — 2 years ago

with Anne-marie

Vanessa, Severn and 39 others liked this

Ransom

Willamette Valley Albariño

Erik Longabardi

9.2

Searing acids. Wow. Hard not to take another sip. Very good — 4 years ago

Severn, Peter and 1 other liked this

Ransom

Cattrall Vineyard Pinot Noir

Julia Oktawiec

9.8

Really great May entry for Craft & Barrel’s wine club! Light, citrusy, nice minerality. Reminds me of NZ sauvignon blanc :) — 5 years ago

Jeffrey liked this

Cloudy Bay

Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Ron R

9.3

So good, so exotic. One of the best down-under SB’s in our book. Doesn’t cost a king’s ransom, either. Our prior notes apply. — 5 years ago

with Anne-marie

Martin, Severn and 39 others liked this

Hugh O'Riordan

Kaye and I spent 6 weeks in NZ about 5 years ago. Started out February 1. I was birdwatching but did consult Parker for wineries. I went to about 10 wineries on the north side of the South Island. Nice but not trophies like Napa. It was really fun . Good restaurants too. Kaye found good breweries. Queens town is very pretty and fancy . I think that’s the ski place. NZ is a lot like Oregon with a wet and dry side. The fjords are beautiful. There’s a reR parrot there . I gotta say it rained for 2 days there non stop. I never say rain like that before. ( I am from Tucson) . I didn’t see the parrot either! Aukland has a good wine store I can’t remember name. I brought reds home. If you can fly directly to Auckland . The flight from Sydney to Auckland is about 1,500miles. Hugh 🍷

Ron R

Hugh, thanks for the tips and insights! I’ll send you notes when we get there...

David T

The biggest producer of wine in NZ and everyone else is a very distant second.

Hartford Court

Far Coast Vineyard Chardonnay 2015

Ron R

9.4

Another cellar experiment of ours. This is showing very well at this stage in its evolution. A hazelnut, nutmeg, brine-like nose gives way to a medium bodied, full-throttle palate. Dense and opulent, this is fruit-forward with pineapples and nectarines. Excellent now, and will stay this way for at least another 3 years, easily.
I was discussing with my wife how I’ve decided to return to my moderate wine roots. I’ve grown weary of spending a “kings ransom” on bottles, and for what exactly?
Ultra expensive wines are becoming like fritterware software, which draws in people like us, with a very disproportionately low gain in tasting experience, relative to cost. This cost me $25 a few years back, and I’ve now decided to drink more frugally. Yes, I have a few “trophy” bottles to get thru, but I’m not wasting any more of my hard-earned on penis extensions.
What are your views in this space (and I don’t mean views on PE’s). — 3 years ago

with Anne-marie

Paul, Severn and 43 others liked this

ESF

When I was in the wine biz I was always really excited to find a lower priced wine that over-delivered. Finding those gems makes our habit much more tolerable

Ron R

@Daniel Bloom, thank you for those words. My intent is to inject a little levity into this lofty space that we have decided to occupy.

Daniel Bloom

@Ron R Gracias, and back at you sir.

Ransom

Reds Rouge Valley Malbec Blend 2015

Sam Friedland

8.9

Spicy and jammy. Very nice with couscous. 2015 — 5 years ago

Kevin liked this

Myriad Cellars

McGah Family Vineyard Sémillon 2018

Ron R

9.1

Anne-Marie rated this 92, I gave it 90, so we split the difference. Notes of guava and white melon on the nose. Delicate notes of passion fruit and honeysuckle on the palate. Inoffensive, but lacks a little character and complexity. Having said that, it doesn’t cost a king’s ransom, so, net net, it’s a buy. We purchased this on allocation, so, very pleased with the outcome
Stop Press: That’s my tuna tartare in the foreground... — 6 years ago

with Anne-marie

Severn, James and 26 others liked this

Dawn E.

@Ron R Looks fantastic! Cheers!

Ron R

Thanks guys and gals. I love making this dish, as it has such a visual appeal. Although the sauce is the most difficult element. But I crushed that, too. There’s no way my wife is divorcing me anytime soon! 🙂

Dick Schinkel

Lovely Pairing 😋

Sine Qua Non

Poker Face Syrah 2004

Ron R

Syrah on another logical level. A pure barnstormer. Never tasted a Syrah like this before! Very atypical for the varietal. Perfectly weighted, and so compact. Sandalwood interplay’s with dark chocolate, blueberries and cinnamon.
WNH NY 2021. I think @Bill Bender coughed up the king’s ransom for this gem. Can’t thank you enuf, Bill! — 3 years ago

with David, Diana and 6 others

David, Shay and 79 others liked this

David L

This was a treat said the least. I’ve been blessed enough to have had this a few times. One of if not my favorite SQN of all time. Thank you again for bringing it @Bill Bender

9.8

Bill Bender

You are welcome @David L @Ron R SQN and pizza is a tough pairing to beat

Ron R

When can o storm your cellar, @Bill Bender? Don’t be holding out on yer boy now!!!

Ramey Wine Cellars

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Ron R

9.2

Yes, another Napa cab.
My wife has taken me as a hostage. But my ransom isn’t too much, hence the Ramey tonight. And she’s not even here to blame for my choice.
The nose presents nice oak treatment, along with spice box. Palate shows ripe, fresh fruits, medium tannins, and moderate acidity. Great extraction, without being overly done. This is a well moderated example of the varietal.
On the 93 pt bubble... — 4 years ago

Krystal, Deborah and 56 others liked this

Ransom

Jigsaw Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015

Sally Neal

9.1

2015. Smooth and velvety for a late August evening in NYC. Pairs well with food or as a sipping wine. A winner. — 5 years ago

Rick liked this