Syrah Blend

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 2001

It’s been a couple of years since I last encountered the 2001 vintage of Chave’s Hermitage. That bottle was a library release from the domaine and so is this example. Splash decanted directly before service. The 2001 pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous and a total umami bomb: Koji beef broth, dried and baked brambles, dried purple flowers, black pepper, Kalamata olive, organic and inorganic earth along with fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Looking back on my notes from 2024, there’s a common theme: the 2001 is all about dat bass. Drink now with some patience and through 2041. — a month ago

Brian, Lyle and 15 others liked this

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 2002

Was maybe expecting a bit more from this. Think the bottle might have been just slightly off but still excellent. — 8 days ago

Tom, Peter and 15 others liked this

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Yellow Label Brut Champagne Blend

Somm David T
9.0

Not the champagne I had in mind for tonight, but sometimes circumstances play their part.

This is pleasant enough. It will go well with my almond tart later.

The mouthfeel shows nice mousse, somewhat lively acidity, bruised golden/red/green apple to apple sauce, bruised pear, white citrus blend-grapefruit w/ pith leading, quince, touch of brown sugar, some yeastiness, baguette crust, graham cracker, volcanic minerals w/ clay, white spice, caramel notes, vanillin, sea spray, grippy, grainy chalk, sea fossils-oysters, limestone marl, withering lilies, spring flowers, nice acidity and a well balanced, good length, elegant finish that lasts nearly 90 second and lands on mid intensity minerals and spice.

Photos of; the champagne house of Veuve Clicqoit and the widow herself. You see her under the metal gage and plated over the cork.

#DSLounge
— 24 days ago

Jay, Ming and 7 others liked this

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2001

Dark rubi robe with a purple hue, not showing its 25 years. Nose is very evolved and more on secondary notes. Big disappointment on the mouth, very evolved and lacking complexity for such a stellar reputation. A good bottle that is not worth the price tag… — a month ago

Jose Roberto Palazzoveronique paillardAdriana Pagliano
with Jose, veronique and 1 other
Adriana, Jamie and 7 others liked this

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1990

1990 vintage. Last tasted 10.26.24 (9.3). Bottom neck fill. Opened with a Durand and decanted. Cork about 70% saturated. Throwing a mix of lentil-sized chunky and powdery sediment. Surprisingly dark color. Nose initially had the funk while decanting. Tasting 30 minutes after the open, the funk had blown off. Light body. Coffee grounds and tobacco throughout. Some damp and decaying forest floor matter/earth (but not mud) notes along with a cedilla of lean, dark cherry. Based on this specimen, feel this can hold tight in this phase for another 3-4 years. 2.27.26 — 3 days ago

David, Jeroen and 13 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Much respect for this producer.
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego, thanks for the update, I still have some of these in my cellar.

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

Baron de Pichon-Longueville Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2003

Such different styles...this is definately more fruit forward. Both excellent wines. Great drinking them together — 8 days ago

Douglas, Dave and 29 others liked this

The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend 2016

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Strong nose of black fruits with cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, earth, chocolates and black pepper.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and very fruity on the palate with black currants, black plums, blackberries, cooked cherries, light green vegetables, spices, pencil lead and peppercorn.

Long finish with soft tannins and tangy cherries.

This 10 year old red blend from California is still drinking beautifully. Complex and interesting. Nice to see that it aged nicely.

Showing slight RS on the palate, but I can live with that.

Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbono.

15.2% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$60.
— a month ago

Andrew, Ted and 9 others liked this
Dick Schinkel

Dick Schinkel

Big Cheers dear Winefriend 👌🍷

Krug

Brut Champagne Blend 1988

Light amber. Showing secondary notes- dried apricot, honey, brioche. Good tension still and reasonable fizz. For my palate slightly past the best bottles I’ve had of this — 13 days ago

Paul WoollsMatt LichtenbergBOT
with Paul, Matt and 1 other
Jan, Jay and 5 others liked this

Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia

Unico Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend 2010

Mature brooding excellence. Enjoyed by the riverbank last May on the River Test. — 16 days ago

Ira, Jay and 9 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend 2023

Really well crafted Zinfandel-based blend, clearly reads as Zin without being too overbearingly fruity or jammy. Finish has a lot of nice subtle complexity — 22 days ago

Tom, Neil and 3 others liked this