Weather Report
Austin Hope
Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
At the winery. Needs some time but delicious. Deep ruby, lots of new French oak. Will report back in 5 years — 2 years ago
Quilceda Creek
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Double decanted several hours prior to service (recommended); no formal notes. While probably not my pick for best expression from Columbia Valley, the wines of Quilceda Creek certainly have a massive following for a reason. It has been at least seven years since I last had the 2005 vintage which was probably my favorite from the aughts. Well, I’m happy to report that it is very much alive and well. Big and would still be attractive stuff for many. Balanced. Perhaps a little hot on the finish but that’s pretty common with their wines; at least to my palate. Drink now and through 2030. — 6 months ago
Mas de Boislauzon
Tintot Special Cuvée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015
We pulled this from our cellar and brought it to V. Mertz for dinner. We enjoyed a couple of other wines as aperitifs and then ultimately did what anyone given the opportunity should do: pair it with lamb chops. We poured it into a decanter while we enjoyed the conversation and opening courses. Given the setting, there were no formal notes however, I can confidently report that the 2015 “Tintot” absolutely slaps. From the first sip to the last, it was all balance, power and class. It was also a spectacular showcase for Mourvèdre. It was hard to fully judge color because the lighting was so low but it appeared to be nearly opaque. A touch feral with a slightly gamey element to it but there’s a great big ol’ basket of black and blue fruits with red and purple flowers, garrigue, some black pepper and cedar chest. Structure is still quite firm but totally enjoyable. While this is an unusual assemblage for the region, it still comes across as a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was my first “Tintot” and it has left quite the impression. Drink now with an hour decant or over the next 7-10 years. P.S. it probably goes without saying, but the pairing with lamb chops was sublime. — 2 years ago
Cloudy Bay
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Tonight I was drawn back to the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and I opened the 2020 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. This winery is the epitome of Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. I have had several of their Sauvignon Blanc's and they seem to express what sauvignon blanc is supposed to be.
On the nose there are pungent aromas of grapefruit, lime, white peach, green apple, mango, cut grass and mineral notes.
On the palate there are loads of citrus fruit, grapefruit, white peach, key lime, passionfruit, guava and minerals.
This wine is light to medium bodied with a crisp clean mouthfeel with mouthwatering high acidity that leads to a long citrus mineral finish. These past several days have been very moving with weather that has shaken our area to its very core. Thunderstorms, tornado warnings and tornadoes, and heavy rains over several days and seem that they will continue for at least a few more days. I hope everyone's week is going s bit easier and please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🥂🥂🥂🥂 — 3 years ago
Lagavulin Distillery
Aged 16 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1816
This is a great tipple as the weather cools down in the Southern Hemisphere. From Islay with plenty of peat and smokiness. A maritime seaweed note. Some say Laphroaig is even more peaty but for me, the jury is still out on that one. — 7 months ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Recent notes suggested this wine was declining and the fruit fading.This was cause for concern as have a few of these I’ve been patiently cellaring. Well, I’m very happy to report this bottle, a Martine’s import, was stellar. To my palate, the wine is in a perfect place. Tertiary aromas and flavors dominate. Very complex aromas of sous bois, herbs de provence, wet saddle and red fruits. The palate is vivid and lively. Extraordinary depth and length that never faded. I can’t say enough great things about this wine. There’s no chance this bottle was fading or won’t last several more years. I don’t think it can improve as it’s almost perfection right now. Simply a stunner. — 2 years ago
Laurenz V.
Singing Grüner Veltliner 2018
Straight forward easy drinking cold weather white. Citrus zip with a clean finish. Great with a simple meal of chicken, lemon, and parm. Not too much acid. Cheap and tasty. — 4 years ago
Walter Fahr
Nice bouquet, without a nice light flavor that works well in warm weather. Paired the wine with a BBQ Brisket and it was a perfect pair. The wine enhanced the flavors of the meat. Also drank it with a chicken thigh rolled in bacon and again the wine enhanced the flavor of the dish. Drank in July 2024. — 4 months ago