Two Wines and an Osso Bucco
The Food
I was invited over to Herve’s house but I had to do the cooking. Being Christmas and all, chances are he was in a mood to crack open one of his sexier bottles that he has stashed in his cellar. I decided on a ‘wine friendly’ Osso Bucco, replacing a more classic tomato sauce with wild mushrooms and herbs. In find the acidity in tomatoes often reeks havoc on more delicate reds.
So I browned the beef shanks and braised them with whole garlic cloves for 3 hours over caramelized onions and celery. After removing the cooked shanks, I took the onion mixture and threw it, with all the cooking juices, into the blender. I fried off some chanterelles and shitake mushrooms, then threw them into the onion cream with some thyme.
A nice touch was marinating half a cup of dried mushrooms in the remenants of last night’s bottle, the white Costière de Nimes 2000 Lou Coucardié from Château de Nages.. 100% Grenache Blanc, it was slightly oxidized and over the top oaked. It was a perfect match for the earthiness of the mushrooms, almost like cooking with a rich, buttery dry sherry. I blended this mixture with the onions before adding the sautéed mushrooms..
A polenta with roasted garlic, butternut squash and suage was our side dish (which rocked with the mushroom sauce). Steamed green beans with butter and black pepper added some nice crunch and color.
The Wine
Château La Pointe 1986, Pomerol
This is always one of my favorite moments of any dinner. Crouching in a cool room, gently searching through bottles and imagining if it is the right one. We decided to steer clear of Italians, he had no Piedmont wines (nebbiolo) and I was afraid Sangiovese might be too aggressive and mask the subtle flavours of the mushroom, tyme , suage and roasted garlic. I wanted Pomerol, and I figured an 1986 would be delicate enough for the sauce, rich enough for the meat but still with enough structure to handle the fat of the shanks. This was my first La Pointe and while it had less ’earthiness’ than some other Pomerols that I have tasted, it’s tanins, while soft, where still very present. Not a powerful fine, very elegant in fact. I found it lacked a certain ’fleshiness, ’ length without enough amplitude and richness. Still, it worked magnificently with the mushroom sauce, adding a hint of dark cherry and red plums. Close, but not the home run, at least not yet. We drank down to the last glass and let it sit while we opened the second bottle.
Viña Lanciano 1995, Bodegas Lan, Rioja
Rioja was my second choice. I normally don’t drink Rioja as I find it tends to move rapidly towards a ‘decaying forest’ odour, as if the massive oakiness and the somber and earthy Tempranillo grape morph into a rotting forest floor, eradicating any subtlety in it’s wake. The Lan Rioja was loaded with plum jam, wild mushrooms and of course, vanilla, all in a perfect equilibrium and framed by a gripping acidity. I loved it’s richness, it was alive in your mouth and aside from an attack of massive black fruit, it subsided rather quickly, blending back in with the ensemble. It was very Rioja…. Earthy, rich and ripe. It was less subtle than the Pomerol, but it wasn’t at all out of place.
Back to the Pomerol
Sitting by the fire, bellys filled, it was time to revisit the Pomerol. We became suddenly quiet as we each rolled the remaining wine around our glasses, stopping to smell and taste, and then back to the roll. It was pretty, a very feminine wine. Soft and alluring it stayed elegant down to the last drop. Yet another bottle you wished you had a case of in the basement.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Summer Drinks vol.1
The deck is stained, the vegetable garden is brimming with potential and my health seems to be back on track (without Joe Camel and his merry horde messing with my brain). So here’s a little synopsis of our recent favorites.
White Wine
Schenkenbichl Gruner Veltliner 1999, Trocken, Jurtschitsch ($48)
I’ll start with the best. There isn’t a whole lot of Gruner Veltliner on the market, in fact, Austria as a whole seems to be neglected. Shame because this was the answer to the lobster quandry. We boiled up a couple of seabugs, made the garlic butter, ripped up a baguette and landed in heaven. The Gruner, as opposed to Riesling, has a wonderful herbal quality to it... think of nettle, wheatgrass, a touch of lemon balm. But it is rich, fresh and has a length that any Grand Cru Riesling would love to call it’s own. Fabulous.
Pouilly Fuissé 2000, Juliette la Grande, Domaine Cordier ($84)
This bottle came to my attention because my daughter is a Juliet as well. However this Fuissé has an 84$ price tag, putting it in the same range as good Meursault and Chassagne-Monrachet. Feeling rich I popped for a bottle and a year later, we opened it with my first successful veal roast. The first sip hurt. The wood burned. The acidity stung. So, into the caraffe, and I brought it up to room temperature. A half hour later and it started to open up and blammo....huge Burgundy. Very little in terms of fruit, perhaps a touch of browning apples, but talk to me of butter. Each sip of thick, warmed butter lasted minutes. I bought another bottle and we’ll see in 5 or 6 years.
Red Wine
Merlot 1997, Cuvée Alexander, Casa Lapostolle ($68)magnum)
The last of my three magnums of this wonderful merlot accompanied a braised pork with fennel and ginger. A wonderful mix and the best of the three. Hervé said it could have been St. Emilion. Perhaps in a really ripe year as it still had a touch of that new world jam, but elegant with a wonderful palette of red berries and an interesting vegetative component that worked wonders with the fennel and grilled asparagus.
Hamagne, Combe d’Enfer 1999, Valais Aoc, André Roduit
An interesting Swiss wine with mixed reviews at the table. It reminded me of a Moulin a Vent, but a little flatter on the palette. Manon said it smelt like carpet glue.
The deck is stained, the vegetable garden is brimming with potential and my health seems to be back on track (without Joe Camel and his merry horde messing with my brain). So here’s a little synopsis of our recent favorites.
White Wine
Schenkenbichl Gruner Veltliner 1999, Trocken, Jurtschitsch ($48)
I’ll start with the best. There isn’t a whole lot of Gruner Veltliner on the market, in fact, Austria as a whole seems to be neglected. Shame because this was the answer to the lobster quandry. We boiled up a couple of seabugs, made the garlic butter, ripped up a baguette and landed in heaven. The Gruner, as opposed to Riesling, has a wonderful herbal quality to it... think of nettle, wheatgrass, a touch of lemon balm. But it is rich, fresh and has a length that any Grand Cru Riesling would love to call it’s own. Fabulous.
Pouilly Fuissé 2000, Juliette la Grande, Domaine Cordier ($84)
This bottle came to my attention because my daughter is a Juliet as well. However this Fuissé has an 84$ price tag, putting it in the same range as good Meursault and Chassagne-Monrachet. Feeling rich I popped for a bottle and a year later, we opened it with my first successful veal roast. The first sip hurt. The wood burned. The acidity stung. So, into the caraffe, and I brought it up to room temperature. A half hour later and it started to open up and blammo....huge Burgundy. Very little in terms of fruit, perhaps a touch of browning apples, but talk to me of butter. Each sip of thick, warmed butter lasted minutes. I bought another bottle and we’ll see in 5 or 6 years.
Red Wine
Merlot 1997, Cuvée Alexander, Casa Lapostolle ($68)magnum)
The last of my three magnums of this wonderful merlot accompanied a braised pork with fennel and ginger. A wonderful mix and the best of the three. Hervé said it could have been St. Emilion. Perhaps in a really ripe year as it still had a touch of that new world jam, but elegant with a wonderful palette of red berries and an interesting vegetative component that worked wonders with the fennel and grilled asparagus.
Hamagne, Combe d’Enfer 1999, Valais Aoc, André Roduit
An interesting Swiss wine with mixed reviews at the table. It reminded me of a Moulin a Vent, but a little flatter on the palette. Manon said it smelt like carpet glue.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
An American in Rhone
A Tasting of Easton and Terre Rouge
It was with great pleasure that I finally met Bill Easton, a Sierra Foothills winemaker who specializes in Rhone cépages. Unlike other Californian ‘Rhonaphiles,’ Easton takes it a step further. He only uses French oak. He often compares his wines with their French brethren. He seeks out cooler climates, even planting on northern exposures in order to assure that his grapes don’t over-ripen. The result are some very unique wines that if I were to launch one criticism, it would be that they sometimes seem to fall in the void between the two countries. At times I found myself wanting of that Cali coyness, that instantaneous whahoo of accessibility, that instantaneous gratification. But all in all, an interesting exercise in winemaking and wine drinking, Here’s the rundown.
White Wine
Natoma 2000, Sierra Foothills, Easton Wines ($26)
The Easton name is used for non-Rhone varietals. Here we find a 60-40 Sauvignon, Sémillon blend. We had this wine on a tasting menu around 6 months ago and I remember it having a bit more cut to it. Just 6 months later, I found this 2000 vintage a little less zingy and a little more fat, as if the Semillon was slowly taking over. Still good, not what it was, I liked it less. Maybe with mussels.
Enigma 2000, Sierra Foothills, Terre Rouge ($37)
A blend of Marsanne, Viogner and Roussanne, and one of my favorites of the tasting. An exquisitely complex nose combining floral scents with hints of fruit and stones that carry right through each sip. A wonderful creamy, honey-like texture with enough acidity to keep it fresh. A touch more and it would have been super-fresh.
Red Wine
Mourvèdre 1999, Amador County, Terre Rouge ($40)
I love Bandol and appreciate anyone attempting Mourvèdre. Easton’s effort is pretty good… rich, full bodied, almost like drinking a piece of meat. I couldn’t find much fruit, and that which I did find was infused with that tomato leaf odor one often encounters with this grape. Okay, but I would have gone for a little more of the ‘Bandol Funkiness,’ that he said he was trying to avoid. Perhaps it is still too young but sometimes 'la beauté c'est dans le défaut.'
Noir 1998, Sierra Foothills, Terre Rouge ($36)
Bill’s hommage to Châteauneuf (La Nerthe to be precise). I liked it simply because it wasn’t that. Here the Mourvèdre plays a supporting role to the 45% Grenache, adding depth and complexity to the Grenache’s slightly chewy texture and dark cherry flavors. The Syrah gives it a wonderfully spicey finish and the alchohol and tannins are well integrated. It screams for a piece of meat with a wild mushroom sauce.
Zinfandel 2000, Shenandoah Valley, Estate Bottled, Easton ($55)
My favorite of the day. It is here that the French influence has paid the most dividends. None of that suffocating oak, no over the top jamminess. I can’t remember tasting a Zin with this much class, this much elegance. Expansive, spicey and balanced. Great.
Syrah 2001, Côtes de l’Ouest, Terre Rouge ($27)
We began the Syrah series with what Easton calls his ‘fruit forward,’ bottling. I found it a little austere, in fact lacking a bit of fruitiness. He is the master of spice and subtle layerings of aromas…. But not the wine of the summer bar-b-q.
Syrah 2000, Sierra Foothills, Terre Rouge ($47)
Syrah 1999, Sentinal Oak Vineyard, Pyramid Block, Terre Rouge ($68)
I put these together ‘cuz my critiques are the same. Following the styling of the Côte de l’Ouest, though with greater depth and complexity, these are Syrah’s to keep for awhile. As they drink now, I found them too spicey, with a smokey woodiness that overpowered the fruit that I could sense was in there. Again, very elegant though perhaps a little more of that Californian forwardness would make them a little more hospitable. It’s not that we want the fake tits or anything, perhaps just a tan and a bikini….
Syrah 1999, Sierra Foothills, Ascent, Terre Rouge ($129)
A blend of the best barrels of the vintage and an extremely good wine. Expensive, but very, very good. Here the spices are coupled with dark, luscious berries and held together with razor fine tannins that give length and composure. Sublime and serious, I found it very drinkable for a wine of such concentration, such density of flavors. Too bad I’m a bit broke these days or I would spring for a bottle.
A Tasting of Easton and Terre Rouge
It was with great pleasure that I finally met Bill Easton, a Sierra Foothills winemaker who specializes in Rhone cépages. Unlike other Californian ‘Rhonaphiles,’ Easton takes it a step further. He only uses French oak. He often compares his wines with their French brethren. He seeks out cooler climates, even planting on northern exposures in order to assure that his grapes don’t over-ripen. The result are some very unique wines that if I were to launch one criticism, it would be that they sometimes seem to fall in the void between the two countries. At times I found myself wanting of that Cali coyness, that instantaneous whahoo of accessibility, that instantaneous gratification. But all in all, an interesting exercise in winemaking and wine drinking, Here’s the rundown.
White Wine
Natoma 2000, Sierra Foothills, Easton Wines ($26)
The Easton name is used for non-Rhone varietals. Here we find a 60-40 Sauvignon, Sémillon blend. We had this wine on a tasting menu around 6 months ago and I remember it having a bit more cut to it. Just 6 months later, I found this 2000 vintage a little less zingy and a little more fat, as if the Semillon was slowly taking over. Still good, not what it was, I liked it less. Maybe with mussels.
Enigma 2000, Sierra Foothills, Terre Rouge ($37)
A blend of Marsanne, Viogner and Roussanne, and one of my favorites of the tasting. An exquisitely complex nose combining floral scents with hints of fruit and stones that carry right through each sip. A wonderful creamy, honey-like texture with enough acidity to keep it fresh. A touch more and it would have been super-fresh.
Red Wine
Mourvèdre 1999, Amador County, Terre Rouge ($40)
I love Bandol and appreciate anyone attempting Mourvèdre. Easton’s effort is pretty good… rich, full bodied, almost like drinking a piece of meat. I couldn’t find much fruit, and that which I did find was infused with that tomato leaf odor one often encounters with this grape. Okay, but I would have gone for a little more of the ‘Bandol Funkiness,’ that he said he was trying to avoid. Perhaps it is still too young but sometimes 'la beauté c'est dans le défaut.'
Noir 1998, Sierra Foothills, Terre Rouge ($36)
Bill’s hommage to Châteauneuf (La Nerthe to be precise). I liked it simply because it wasn’t that. Here the Mourvèdre plays a supporting role to the 45% Grenache, adding depth and complexity to the Grenache’s slightly chewy texture and dark cherry flavors. The Syrah gives it a wonderfully spicey finish and the alchohol and tannins are well integrated. It screams for a piece of meat with a wild mushroom sauce.
Zinfandel 2000, Shenandoah Valley, Estate Bottled, Easton ($55)
My favorite of the day. It is here that the French influence has paid the most dividends. None of that suffocating oak, no over the top jamminess. I can’t remember tasting a Zin with this much class, this much elegance. Expansive, spicey and balanced. Great.
Syrah 2001, Côtes de l’Ouest, Terre Rouge ($27)
We began the Syrah series with what Easton calls his ‘fruit forward,’ bottling. I found it a little austere, in fact lacking a bit of fruitiness. He is the master of spice and subtle layerings of aromas…. But not the wine of the summer bar-b-q.
Syrah 2000, Sierra Foothills, Terre Rouge ($47)
Syrah 1999, Sentinal Oak Vineyard, Pyramid Block, Terre Rouge ($68)
I put these together ‘cuz my critiques are the same. Following the styling of the Côte de l’Ouest, though with greater depth and complexity, these are Syrah’s to keep for awhile. As they drink now, I found them too spicey, with a smokey woodiness that overpowered the fruit that I could sense was in there. Again, very elegant though perhaps a little more of that Californian forwardness would make them a little more hospitable. It’s not that we want the fake tits or anything, perhaps just a tan and a bikini….
Syrah 1999, Sierra Foothills, Ascent, Terre Rouge ($129)
A blend of the best barrels of the vintage and an extremely good wine. Expensive, but very, very good. Here the spices are coupled with dark, luscious berries and held together with razor fine tannins that give length and composure. Sublime and serious, I found it very drinkable for a wine of such concentration, such density of flavors. Too bad I’m a bit broke these days or I would spring for a bottle.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
What to drink with a boiled Lobster?
Hey friends, let’s get interactive. The lobster season is now upon us and I would love to get some feedback on your best and most favorite lobster bevy. I am going to try and lobster once a week while they are cheap…. Maybe twice a week now that I am lamed up with a broken rib and I can no longer seek comfort in cigarettes. Mt first effort was the Pinot Blanc 2002, Fougeray de Beauclair (see crabfest post below for details). It was interesting as it showed more of itself against the blander meat of the lobster while with the snowcrab, it was more subdued. Even the occasional dab in the garlic butter didn’t seem to deter it’s freshness and subtle sweetness from invigorating the palette. Anyways, next week I am going to try the 2002 Sancerre from Jolivet. Happy lobstering.
Hey friends, let’s get interactive. The lobster season is now upon us and I would love to get some feedback on your best and most favorite lobster bevy. I am going to try and lobster once a week while they are cheap…. Maybe twice a week now that I am lamed up with a broken rib and I can no longer seek comfort in cigarettes. Mt first effort was the Pinot Blanc 2002, Fougeray de Beauclair (see crabfest post below for details). It was interesting as it showed more of itself against the blander meat of the lobster while with the snowcrab, it was more subdued. Even the occasional dab in the garlic butter didn’t seem to deter it’s freshness and subtle sweetness from invigorating the palette. Anyways, next week I am going to try the 2002 Sancerre from Jolivet. Happy lobstering.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
All About Fred...Hanging with Frederic Blanck at the Montréal Salon des Vins
It’s been a week since the salon ended and I feel as though I was a 10 year old, shit, I have to wait 364 more days until Christmas? With an easy 5000 bottles uncorked and waiting to be sipped, there is almost an understood obligation to go hard, give all the producers their due. Be Zorba the Dègustateur. This year I resisted. To taste a wine with the person who made it is a privilege, an opportunity for insight that can’t be had from a technical sheet. So I found my man Fred, from the great Alsace House of Blanck (http://www.blanck.com/) . Having drunk a couple of millésimes of both his Furstentum Reisling and Gewurztraminer, I already had a decent background with respect to his wines. Consider also that I am the only person to have ordered his Chasselas in North America, I had his curiosity piqued, a good thing to do if you want the vigneron to show you what he’s got (and what bottles are hidden under the table).
He is a passionate winemaker and a great winemaker. With a great respect for the terroir and his environment, Fred showed me with pride a number of his favorite vintages, and some of his most beloved wines. Here are some of my favorites.
Riesling Furstentum 2000 ($36) …. According to Fred it was a challenging year with respect to weather, ie. reduced crop size, and for me the complexity of the wines. Compared to the 1999, this Grand cru, while still in it’s youth is a very acceptable drink. None of that over the top petrol nose, just a delicious and balanced Reisling, though softer than the 99, less mineral and lacking a bit of cut. For the intellectual Reisling crowd, it’s definitely not the 99.
Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vieilles Vignes 2000 ($36)…. Fred loves his gewurz, and so do I. A wonderful combination of roses, citrus peel, and any number of exotic fruits all wrapped up in rich luscious coat. A mere baby, the incredible length finishes with a little too much zest, but with a little age and some food, it will do just fine.
Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vieilles Vignes1997 …. So I found the 2000 a little young, and had recently drunk a 1998, so Fred uncorked the 1997. A big year, a big wine, and a big difference. I confided that I preferred the Cuvée Theo from Weinbach, but that was pretty close. Almost too much flavour, with a density and softness that made you want to flop on a couch and drink it with someone equally soft and elegant.
Pinot Gris Furstentum Selection de Grains Nobles 1996… This was my favorite of the bunch. A super pretty Pinot Gris, still with enough acidity to keep it fresh without taking anything away from it’s honey-like texture. The botrytis is hidden away, acting like a ground wire to the explosion of fruit. Yep.
Riesling Furstentum sélection de grains nobles 1995...Incredible density. If I had a complaint, it was that it wasn’t a 1985. Fred agreed that the pieces were still coming together. It was at this point that I hiked across the convention hall to snag a taster of Tissot’s Vin de Paille for Fred…so there we were Alsace contre Jura…Boy do I love my job.
Next Blog, Salon favorites.
It’s been a week since the salon ended and I feel as though I was a 10 year old, shit, I have to wait 364 more days until Christmas? With an easy 5000 bottles uncorked and waiting to be sipped, there is almost an understood obligation to go hard, give all the producers their due. Be Zorba the Dègustateur. This year I resisted. To taste a wine with the person who made it is a privilege, an opportunity for insight that can’t be had from a technical sheet. So I found my man Fred, from the great Alsace House of Blanck (http://www.blanck.com/) . Having drunk a couple of millésimes of both his Furstentum Reisling and Gewurztraminer, I already had a decent background with respect to his wines. Consider also that I am the only person to have ordered his Chasselas in North America, I had his curiosity piqued, a good thing to do if you want the vigneron to show you what he’s got (and what bottles are hidden under the table).
He is a passionate winemaker and a great winemaker. With a great respect for the terroir and his environment, Fred showed me with pride a number of his favorite vintages, and some of his most beloved wines. Here are some of my favorites.
Riesling Furstentum 2000 ($36) …. According to Fred it was a challenging year with respect to weather, ie. reduced crop size, and for me the complexity of the wines. Compared to the 1999, this Grand cru, while still in it’s youth is a very acceptable drink. None of that over the top petrol nose, just a delicious and balanced Reisling, though softer than the 99, less mineral and lacking a bit of cut. For the intellectual Reisling crowd, it’s definitely not the 99.
Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vieilles Vignes 2000 ($36)…. Fred loves his gewurz, and so do I. A wonderful combination of roses, citrus peel, and any number of exotic fruits all wrapped up in rich luscious coat. A mere baby, the incredible length finishes with a little too much zest, but with a little age and some food, it will do just fine.
Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vieilles Vignes1997 …. So I found the 2000 a little young, and had recently drunk a 1998, so Fred uncorked the 1997. A big year, a big wine, and a big difference. I confided that I preferred the Cuvée Theo from Weinbach, but that was pretty close. Almost too much flavour, with a density and softness that made you want to flop on a couch and drink it with someone equally soft and elegant.
Pinot Gris Furstentum Selection de Grains Nobles 1996… This was my favorite of the bunch. A super pretty Pinot Gris, still with enough acidity to keep it fresh without taking anything away from it’s honey-like texture. The botrytis is hidden away, acting like a ground wire to the explosion of fruit. Yep.
Riesling Furstentum sélection de grains nobles 1995...Incredible density. If I had a complaint, it was that it wasn’t a 1985. Fred agreed that the pieces were still coming together. It was at this point that I hiked across the convention hall to snag a taster of Tissot’s Vin de Paille for Fred…so there we were Alsace contre Jura…Boy do I love my job.
Next Blog, Salon favorites.
Friday, April 23, 2004
2 Cahors and Some Sweet Stuff
I’ve never really understood the wines of Cahors, Madiran and other tannin beasts of their ilk. Everytime I try to drink one, it reminds of a tasting of France’s south west where I guess I got my prejudice. I left with my teeth aching and purple, my mouth dry as Gobi. ‘They mellow with age,’ the vignerons assured me. Well, as we are in spring cleaning mode, and with some quality sausages on the grill, I decided to see how tame were the beasts, how they would deal with some spicey fair, and can you really drink this stuff when it’s hot outside?
Vin Rouge
Cahors 1997, Chateau Les Bouysses ($22)
7 years old, is this long enough? It has been 3 years since I had last tasted this bottle and from what I remember the tannins have certainly mellowed, to the point where it no longer feels like sandpaper in your mouth. Hints of black licorice, earthy and slightly iodine, and a most incredible shade of purple, it was less heavy than expected and while it had a certain length, it lacked depth. Karl and I both agreed that it tasted a bit watery. It did ok with the sausage, perhaps just a little too somber… I would rather have drunk a spicey wine from the Roussillon, or even better, an nice, old Duoro.
Cahors 2000, Clos la Coutale ($16)
A little bit younger, a little more tannic, but with similar gustative traits. Again, alright but lacking anything even remotely resembling ‘fruitiness.’ I think I preferred it to the Bouysses as it didn’t have that diluted feel. In fact, after around an hour in carafe it drank quite reasonably. Not spectacular, but maybe in the winter with deer or some other gamey beast in a stew, after a day of lumberjacking, when you have that aaargh! feeling.
The Sweeties
Domaine du Tariquet 2002, Les Premières Grives, Vin de Pays de Cotes de Gascogne ($20)
Our balcony wine during dinner prep, the Premières Grives once again proved it's consistent excellence. Made entirely with Gros Manseng and harvested as the first Thrushes arrive, this sort of sweet, sort of late harvest has been a staple at our house for years. The sugar is a perfect foil for the raging acidity, keeping it fresh and youthful, a power pack of fruit in every glass.
Brigantino 2003, Casorzo D.o.c., Accornero ($23)
The surprise from last years Italian tasting, my 4 cases finally arrived. Hailing from Piedmont, the Casorzo is made almost entirely from Malvasia Nero. Slightly fizzy, 5% alchohol, an abundance of sugar, strawberries, cassis, roses, you name it, this could be my rosé of choice for the summer (even though it is not technically a rosé). I cracked a bottle for Robert Monday at lunch, and by the time I left that evening, 2 more bottles were empty. Enough said.
Spirale 1999, Vin de Paille, Stephane Tissot ($57…375ml)
Very serious stuff. And while I believe the 98 had a touch more complexity, this is one of the greatest deals in the world of sweet wines. 300 g of residual sugar, 8% alcohol, I would put this up against many of the best sweeties that Sauterne has to offer. The best bunches are harvested when perfectly ripe (not late harvested) and then dried on straw mats. What little juice left ferments for up to a year and then is aged in small barrels for a couple of years. The result is a tropical fruit cocktail combined with over the top richness that is kept in line with a certain mineral, oxidative freshness. Stéphane was nice enough to pour me a glass of his PMG (pour ma gueulle), a kind of super spirale. Here we are talking about 450 g of residual sugar… 1 ounce is enough, 2 makes you think too much.
I’ve never really understood the wines of Cahors, Madiran and other tannin beasts of their ilk. Everytime I try to drink one, it reminds of a tasting of France’s south west where I guess I got my prejudice. I left with my teeth aching and purple, my mouth dry as Gobi. ‘They mellow with age,’ the vignerons assured me. Well, as we are in spring cleaning mode, and with some quality sausages on the grill, I decided to see how tame were the beasts, how they would deal with some spicey fair, and can you really drink this stuff when it’s hot outside?
Vin Rouge
Cahors 1997, Chateau Les Bouysses ($22)
7 years old, is this long enough? It has been 3 years since I had last tasted this bottle and from what I remember the tannins have certainly mellowed, to the point where it no longer feels like sandpaper in your mouth. Hints of black licorice, earthy and slightly iodine, and a most incredible shade of purple, it was less heavy than expected and while it had a certain length, it lacked depth. Karl and I both agreed that it tasted a bit watery. It did ok with the sausage, perhaps just a little too somber… I would rather have drunk a spicey wine from the Roussillon, or even better, an nice, old Duoro.
Cahors 2000, Clos la Coutale ($16)
A little bit younger, a little more tannic, but with similar gustative traits. Again, alright but lacking anything even remotely resembling ‘fruitiness.’ I think I preferred it to the Bouysses as it didn’t have that diluted feel. In fact, after around an hour in carafe it drank quite reasonably. Not spectacular, but maybe in the winter with deer or some other gamey beast in a stew, after a day of lumberjacking, when you have that aaargh! feeling.
The Sweeties
Domaine du Tariquet 2002, Les Premières Grives, Vin de Pays de Cotes de Gascogne ($20)
Our balcony wine during dinner prep, the Premières Grives once again proved it's consistent excellence. Made entirely with Gros Manseng and harvested as the first Thrushes arrive, this sort of sweet, sort of late harvest has been a staple at our house for years. The sugar is a perfect foil for the raging acidity, keeping it fresh and youthful, a power pack of fruit in every glass.
Brigantino 2003, Casorzo D.o.c., Accornero ($23)
The surprise from last years Italian tasting, my 4 cases finally arrived. Hailing from Piedmont, the Casorzo is made almost entirely from Malvasia Nero. Slightly fizzy, 5% alchohol, an abundance of sugar, strawberries, cassis, roses, you name it, this could be my rosé of choice for the summer (even though it is not technically a rosé). I cracked a bottle for Robert Monday at lunch, and by the time I left that evening, 2 more bottles were empty. Enough said.
Spirale 1999, Vin de Paille, Stephane Tissot ($57…375ml)
Very serious stuff. And while I believe the 98 had a touch more complexity, this is one of the greatest deals in the world of sweet wines. 300 g of residual sugar, 8% alcohol, I would put this up against many of the best sweeties that Sauterne has to offer. The best bunches are harvested when perfectly ripe (not late harvested) and then dried on straw mats. What little juice left ferments for up to a year and then is aged in small barrels for a couple of years. The result is a tropical fruit cocktail combined with over the top richness that is kept in line with a certain mineral, oxidative freshness. Stéphane was nice enough to pour me a glass of his PMG (pour ma gueulle), a kind of super spirale. Here we are talking about 450 g of residual sugar… 1 ounce is enough, 2 makes you think too much.
Friday, April 16, 2004
A SnowCrab in Burgundy
The Food
The first, and I what hope to be of many, crab des neiges festivals took place last Monday at Fonduementale. Cheers to all who partook in the festivities and in particular, Fred for hauling 24 live crabs all the way from the Gaspé. While I didn’t expect to be ripping the legs of live crabs (apparently, unlike lobster, snowcrab emit a distasteful ink when cooked whole, sullying the alabaster meat of the legs), what was done was done. The key is to get the right salt content in the boiling water, so as not to either add or remove the salt content in the meat. Scowcrab, fresh Matane shrimp and smoked Sturgeon were on the menu and of course a solid of evening of white wine…
The Wine
Reisling 1999, Muenchberg, Ostertag ($50)
Our aperitif whilst we were removing the legs, it was not at all what I had expected. I am a big fan of both his Gewurztraminer and Sylvaner and expected a Reisling with the same delicate, almost ethereal aromatic and gustative traits. Instead it was what I call ‘Full Beyer,” solid and mineral with an almost desert like dryness. It didn’t have that characteristic petrol nose, but it’s richness was almost too much for that hint of flowers and tropical fruits that tried to escape. Interesting, maybe in a couple more years, but I think I have become accustomed to German styling.
Marsannay 2002, Saint-Jacques, Pinot Blanc, Fougeray de Beauclair ($32)
Our wine to accompany the crab feast. An oddity in that while the appellation of Marsannay allows for up to 10% Pinot Blanc in it’s Chardonnay, I have never seen or tasted a 100% Pinot from anywhere in Burgundy. Big thanks to Jean-Phillipe for importing it for me. The wine was perfect for the crab… the delicate balance of peaches, rosehips, minerality and sweetness was a perfect support for the richness of the crab, cleansing the palette while not losing a single iota of it’s character. A sure bet.
Reisling 2001, Cuvée Ste-Catherine, Weinbach ($47)
One more bottle to round out the evening. Probably my favorite producer in Alsace, the Cuvée Ste-Catherine, while less complex that the Ostertag, it had a beautiful focus. That touch of residual sugar is just enough the cut the minerality which often leads to that bitter aftertaste I find disagreeable with young Reisling.
The Food
The first, and I what hope to be of many, crab des neiges festivals took place last Monday at Fonduementale. Cheers to all who partook in the festivities and in particular, Fred for hauling 24 live crabs all the way from the Gaspé. While I didn’t expect to be ripping the legs of live crabs (apparently, unlike lobster, snowcrab emit a distasteful ink when cooked whole, sullying the alabaster meat of the legs), what was done was done. The key is to get the right salt content in the boiling water, so as not to either add or remove the salt content in the meat. Scowcrab, fresh Matane shrimp and smoked Sturgeon were on the menu and of course a solid of evening of white wine…
The Wine
Reisling 1999, Muenchberg, Ostertag ($50)
Our aperitif whilst we were removing the legs, it was not at all what I had expected. I am a big fan of both his Gewurztraminer and Sylvaner and expected a Reisling with the same delicate, almost ethereal aromatic and gustative traits. Instead it was what I call ‘Full Beyer,” solid and mineral with an almost desert like dryness. It didn’t have that characteristic petrol nose, but it’s richness was almost too much for that hint of flowers and tropical fruits that tried to escape. Interesting, maybe in a couple more years, but I think I have become accustomed to German styling.
Marsannay 2002, Saint-Jacques, Pinot Blanc, Fougeray de Beauclair ($32)
Our wine to accompany the crab feast. An oddity in that while the appellation of Marsannay allows for up to 10% Pinot Blanc in it’s Chardonnay, I have never seen or tasted a 100% Pinot from anywhere in Burgundy. Big thanks to Jean-Phillipe for importing it for me. The wine was perfect for the crab… the delicate balance of peaches, rosehips, minerality and sweetness was a perfect support for the richness of the crab, cleansing the palette while not losing a single iota of it’s character. A sure bet.
Reisling 2001, Cuvée Ste-Catherine, Weinbach ($47)
One more bottle to round out the evening. Probably my favorite producer in Alsace, the Cuvée Ste-Catherine, while less complex that the Ostertag, it had a beautiful focus. That touch of residual sugar is just enough the cut the minerality which often leads to that bitter aftertaste I find disagreeable with young Reisling.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Australia
A tasting of the latest releases from Southcorp
After last weeks Californian debacle, I approached this tasting with fear and hesitancy. It was not so much that I would be let down by the wines, but maybe, just maybe, the problem is me and more precisely that I just don't like these kind of wines anymore. I' ve always liked Taltarni Cabernet, most of Coldstream's output (again the french oak gang) and Penfold's Grange is great. Well... in the end...g'day!
White Wine
I ran into alot of the expected woody, watery chardonnay... including an awful Chardonnay-Viogner mix from Talomas ($22) (a Mondavi-Rosemount Sonoma effort). Viogner is tough, and to boisé it up, you must be a master (see Yves Cuilleron or Francois Villard in Condrieu). And then to dull it up even more by adding Chardonnay... it just doesn't work. I don't understand. I was beginning to believe after the first ten wines or so that I was spiralling.
Red Wine
Pinot Noir 2002, Coldstream Hills ($30)
A perennial favorite, I found the 2002 a little too fruit driven. A touch more acidity to freshen it up would have been nice, but a fine drink nonetheless.
Shiraz-Mourvedre 2001, Bin 2, Penfolds ($19)
A 60-40 mix, nothing too complex but with nice spice and herb notes, and a touch of that barnyard stink that only Mourvèdre can deliver. All at a very reasonable price.
GSM 2001, Rosemount ($35)
An excellent mix of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Again, not complex, but with a ton of fruit, slightly jammy, loads of pepper and just a hint of chocolate. A nice level of acidity cuts right through it's chewy texture.
Shiraz 2000, Show Reserve, McLaren Vale, Rosemount ($30)
My favorite of the tasting. Shiraz as only Australia can do it. Classic pepper with hints of cassis and a touch of rhubarb jam. Rich and fruity but with just enough tanin and wood to create a nice, fat but elegant big wine.
Fifth Leg Red 2001, Margaret River, Devil's Lair ($24)
Cab, Merlot, Shiraz and Cab Franc all packaged into a wonderfully light, spicy, fruit driven wine. Can you say Bar-b-Q.
Balmoral Syrah 2000, McLaren Vale, Rosemount Estate ($60)
A monster of a Shiraz, uncomfortable to drink and probably will be fantastic in a decade or so. Elusive fruit but you can sense that it will give more with time. My tastebuds were a bit blown out by this point.
Sorry, no Grange to taste. If they had a bottle hidden somewhere I didn't find it. We'll see at the Salon des Vins next week.
A tasting of the latest releases from Southcorp
After last weeks Californian debacle, I approached this tasting with fear and hesitancy. It was not so much that I would be let down by the wines, but maybe, just maybe, the problem is me and more precisely that I just don't like these kind of wines anymore. I' ve always liked Taltarni Cabernet, most of Coldstream's output (again the french oak gang) and Penfold's Grange is great. Well... in the end...g'day!
White Wine
I ran into alot of the expected woody, watery chardonnay... including an awful Chardonnay-Viogner mix from Talomas ($22) (a Mondavi-Rosemount Sonoma effort). Viogner is tough, and to boisé it up, you must be a master (see Yves Cuilleron or Francois Villard in Condrieu). And then to dull it up even more by adding Chardonnay... it just doesn't work. I don't understand. I was beginning to believe after the first ten wines or so that I was spiralling.
Red Wine
Pinot Noir 2002, Coldstream Hills ($30)
A perennial favorite, I found the 2002 a little too fruit driven. A touch more acidity to freshen it up would have been nice, but a fine drink nonetheless.
Shiraz-Mourvedre 2001, Bin 2, Penfolds ($19)
A 60-40 mix, nothing too complex but with nice spice and herb notes, and a touch of that barnyard stink that only Mourvèdre can deliver. All at a very reasonable price.
GSM 2001, Rosemount ($35)
An excellent mix of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Again, not complex, but with a ton of fruit, slightly jammy, loads of pepper and just a hint of chocolate. A nice level of acidity cuts right through it's chewy texture.
Shiraz 2000, Show Reserve, McLaren Vale, Rosemount ($30)
My favorite of the tasting. Shiraz as only Australia can do it. Classic pepper with hints of cassis and a touch of rhubarb jam. Rich and fruity but with just enough tanin and wood to create a nice, fat but elegant big wine.
Fifth Leg Red 2001, Margaret River, Devil's Lair ($24)
Cab, Merlot, Shiraz and Cab Franc all packaged into a wonderfully light, spicy, fruit driven wine. Can you say Bar-b-Q.
Balmoral Syrah 2000, McLaren Vale, Rosemount Estate ($60)
A monster of a Shiraz, uncomfortable to drink and probably will be fantastic in a decade or so. Elusive fruit but you can sense that it will give more with time. My tastebuds were a bit blown out by this point.
Sorry, no Grange to taste. If they had a bottle hidden somewhere I didn't find it. We'll see at the Salon des Vins next week.
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Touch Wood
if i were a beaver and went to a californian wine tasting, i would be a happy beaver
I went in to this trying to be positive. I tried. But I'm sorry I just don't get it. And I don't think they really get it. Just look at my tasting notes. For the whites, too much wood, not enough acidity. Which one to buy? The cheapest cuz they all taste kinda the same. Wood with pear, wood with apple, wood with caramel, wood with water.... get it? For the reds, too sweet, too chewy, too vanillalee. Big fat woody viogners with little or no acidity.... over-ripe, gunky sauvignons and don't even start me on chardonnay. As I said to the lovely and voluptuously charming Connie at the Esser table.. you are cursed with good weather. But here are the ones that shone, sort of.
White Wine (all quick sips)
Monterey Chardonnay 2001, Morgan Winery Nice touch of exotic fruits followed by a bit of toffee. French Oak, so you can maybe see where I am headed here.
Chardonnay 2002, Markham Very fresh, classic entry level chardonnay... green apples, slightly florale, probably really old barrels so the wood just rounds out the corners.
Chardonnay 2002, Arroyo seco, Riverstone Estates, J. Lhor This one surprised me. A nice mix of green apples, melon and exotic fruits, florale and reasonably oaked.
Chardonnay 2001, Cuvée Sauvage, Carneros, Franciscan Oakville Estate My favorite white of the day... could it be the cooler micro-climate? Burgundy-esque but with that caramelly richness that kills so many Cali Chards. Here it works because of the acidity, it stays fresh despite the richness.
Dolce, Far Niente Winery I can't tell you the year because the guy pouring the wine was to quick to through it back under the table. At $125 the 375ml, i can understand, but at least let me see the bottle. Dude. Enobled by botrytis, it has the classic semillon exotic twang, rich and sweet mixed with that wonderful odor of decay that botrytis adds to the best dessert wines. Not Yquem, but pretty impresssive.
Red Wines
Merlot 2001, Napa Valley, Franciscan Oakville Estates Another great effort, nice concentration of blue and blackberry, just slightly jammy, and slightly spicey on the finish.
Merlot 2001, Napa Valley, Duckhorn Vineyards Must admit that i have a penchant for cali Merlot, but only if the jam is counterbalanced with a bit of tannin.The Duckhorn had a ton of fruit (plums, strawberry, blackberry), a hint of chocolate, a touch of herbs with a finale of roasted caramel.
Profile 1999, Merryvale Expensive at $160 a bottle but with length and elegance. Another of the under the table bottles, but most of my buds that i shared with all thought i had snuck a bottle of Bordeaux into the tasting. It had a bit too much warmth for Bordaeux, but the tanins are real... I bought a couple to see how they'll age.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Napa Valley, carneros, Shafer The best true Cali cab that i tasted, loads of vanilla, blackberry jam with a beautifully spicey finish. Cool.
IO 2000, Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara County, Byron Vineyard This type of wine makes sense for California... the assemblage of Syrah, grenach and Mourvèdre bring loads of pepper, a hint of fennel and rich, integrated tanins. One whiff and you can feel the Mouvèdre ripening.
Pinot Noir... no one really got it right, either too much wood for the meager acidity or just way too much fruit for the meager amount of acidity. The Schug Carneros 2002 or La Crema Russian River 2002 were probably the best.
if i were a beaver and went to a californian wine tasting, i would be a happy beaver
I went in to this trying to be positive. I tried. But I'm sorry I just don't get it. And I don't think they really get it. Just look at my tasting notes. For the whites, too much wood, not enough acidity. Which one to buy? The cheapest cuz they all taste kinda the same. Wood with pear, wood with apple, wood with caramel, wood with water.... get it? For the reds, too sweet, too chewy, too vanillalee. Big fat woody viogners with little or no acidity.... over-ripe, gunky sauvignons and don't even start me on chardonnay. As I said to the lovely and voluptuously charming Connie at the Esser table.. you are cursed with good weather. But here are the ones that shone, sort of.
White Wine (all quick sips)
Monterey Chardonnay 2001, Morgan Winery Nice touch of exotic fruits followed by a bit of toffee. French Oak, so you can maybe see where I am headed here.
Chardonnay 2002, Markham Very fresh, classic entry level chardonnay... green apples, slightly florale, probably really old barrels so the wood just rounds out the corners.
Chardonnay 2002, Arroyo seco, Riverstone Estates, J. Lhor This one surprised me. A nice mix of green apples, melon and exotic fruits, florale and reasonably oaked.
Chardonnay 2001, Cuvée Sauvage, Carneros, Franciscan Oakville Estate My favorite white of the day... could it be the cooler micro-climate? Burgundy-esque but with that caramelly richness that kills so many Cali Chards. Here it works because of the acidity, it stays fresh despite the richness.
Dolce, Far Niente Winery I can't tell you the year because the guy pouring the wine was to quick to through it back under the table. At $125 the 375ml, i can understand, but at least let me see the bottle. Dude. Enobled by botrytis, it has the classic semillon exotic twang, rich and sweet mixed with that wonderful odor of decay that botrytis adds to the best dessert wines. Not Yquem, but pretty impresssive.
Red Wines
Merlot 2001, Napa Valley, Franciscan Oakville Estates Another great effort, nice concentration of blue and blackberry, just slightly jammy, and slightly spicey on the finish.
Merlot 2001, Napa Valley, Duckhorn Vineyards Must admit that i have a penchant for cali Merlot, but only if the jam is counterbalanced with a bit of tannin.The Duckhorn had a ton of fruit (plums, strawberry, blackberry), a hint of chocolate, a touch of herbs with a finale of roasted caramel.
Profile 1999, Merryvale Expensive at $160 a bottle but with length and elegance. Another of the under the table bottles, but most of my buds that i shared with all thought i had snuck a bottle of Bordeaux into the tasting. It had a bit too much warmth for Bordaeux, but the tanins are real... I bought a couple to see how they'll age.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Napa Valley, carneros, Shafer The best true Cali cab that i tasted, loads of vanilla, blackberry jam with a beautifully spicey finish. Cool.
IO 2000, Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara County, Byron Vineyard This type of wine makes sense for California... the assemblage of Syrah, grenach and Mourvèdre bring loads of pepper, a hint of fennel and rich, integrated tanins. One whiff and you can feel the Mouvèdre ripening.
Pinot Noir... no one really got it right, either too much wood for the meager acidity or just way too much fruit for the meager amount of acidity. The Schug Carneros 2002 or La Crema Russian River 2002 were probably the best.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Loire to Loire
White Wine
Sancerre 1999, Pascal Jolivet
I recently stumbled upon a 99 from Jolivet and as the 2002 was one of my favorite wines from the past year, i was intrigued as to how it held up. The 02 is classic, toe curling acidity, grassy and mineral. Consumately rich and ripe. Manon and i drank the 99 with a grilled halibut steak served with a pineapple, melon and cucumber salsa. The verdict... would have preferred the 02 with it's aromatique punch. What to do with the 99... mussels.
price:$24
rating: getting tired
Quick sips
La Segreta 2002, Planeta: A $17 sicilian cocktail of Greccanico, Viogner and Semillon offer consistently one of the better bargains in the domaine of white wine. While the red dissappoints, the white shines.
Vouvray 2002, Riche, Marc Brédif consistently one of my low price faves. The 02 has 17g of residual sugar and already has that mushroomy aromatique quality of aged chenin.Great for cheese and a complicated seafood dish
Red Wines
Sancerre 2001, Domaine Vacheron
An incredible pinot noir from the Loire. This isn't the limpid little pinot that i have usually encountered outside of Burgundy. A mass of fruit, a phenomenal amplitude and a caressing texture culminate in a joyful wow... only great Pinot can do this. I can't wait to try La Belle Dame, his grand cuvée.
price:$30
rating: grand
Quick sips
Gevrey-Chambertin 2000, Clos St-Jacques, Sylvie Esmonin: The Vacheron Pinot brought back memories of Miss Esmonins Vieille Vignes,, a fantastic bargain. The Clos is it's antithesis, tightly wound, a mass of acidity, a couple of hours in a caraffe is recommended... we'll see in a few years
White Wine
Sancerre 1999, Pascal Jolivet
I recently stumbled upon a 99 from Jolivet and as the 2002 was one of my favorite wines from the past year, i was intrigued as to how it held up. The 02 is classic, toe curling acidity, grassy and mineral. Consumately rich and ripe. Manon and i drank the 99 with a grilled halibut steak served with a pineapple, melon and cucumber salsa. The verdict... would have preferred the 02 with it's aromatique punch. What to do with the 99... mussels.
price:$24
rating: getting tired
Quick sips
La Segreta 2002, Planeta: A $17 sicilian cocktail of Greccanico, Viogner and Semillon offer consistently one of the better bargains in the domaine of white wine. While the red dissappoints, the white shines.
Vouvray 2002, Riche, Marc Brédif consistently one of my low price faves. The 02 has 17g of residual sugar and already has that mushroomy aromatique quality of aged chenin.Great for cheese and a complicated seafood dish
Red Wines
Sancerre 2001, Domaine Vacheron
An incredible pinot noir from the Loire. This isn't the limpid little pinot that i have usually encountered outside of Burgundy. A mass of fruit, a phenomenal amplitude and a caressing texture culminate in a joyful wow... only great Pinot can do this. I can't wait to try La Belle Dame, his grand cuvée.
price:$30
rating: grand
Quick sips
Gevrey-Chambertin 2000, Clos St-Jacques, Sylvie Esmonin: The Vacheron Pinot brought back memories of Miss Esmonins Vieille Vignes,, a fantastic bargain. The Clos is it's antithesis, tightly wound, a mass of acidity, a couple of hours in a caraffe is recommended... we'll see in a few years
New World Treats
White Wine
Gewurztraminer-Reisling Fusion 2002, Pillitteri Estates
Something new and exciting from Ontario, Canada. An cocktail of Gewurz, Reisling and the juice of Late harvest Gewurz is perhaps the juiciest little wine that I have tasted in awhile. Layers and layers of tropical fruits with just enough sweetness to render the whole thing irresistable. Works well with cheese and of course as an aperitif... lacks a touch of acidity but that is the price to pay for super-ripe gewurtz.
price:$17
rating: superb
Red Wine
Shiraz 1999, Reserve, Greg Norman Estates
A monster from the land down under. It is rare that i enjoy drinking this style of wine, but this is so over the top, it merits notice. Up front fruit is an understatement, a jammy mix of blackberry, cassis and raspberry and vanilla is followed by spices that would put some curries to shame. I don't know if I could do the whole bottle, but with a nice blade roast in a sweet marinade (bring on a touch of curry)... could be the bomb.
price:$47
rating: daunting
White Wine
Gewurztraminer-Reisling Fusion 2002, Pillitteri Estates
Something new and exciting from Ontario, Canada. An cocktail of Gewurz, Reisling and the juice of Late harvest Gewurz is perhaps the juiciest little wine that I have tasted in awhile. Layers and layers of tropical fruits with just enough sweetness to render the whole thing irresistable. Works well with cheese and of course as an aperitif... lacks a touch of acidity but that is the price to pay for super-ripe gewurtz.
price:$17
rating: superb
Red Wine
Shiraz 1999, Reserve, Greg Norman Estates
A monster from the land down under. It is rare that i enjoy drinking this style of wine, but this is so over the top, it merits notice. Up front fruit is an understatement, a jammy mix of blackberry, cassis and raspberry and vanilla is followed by spices that would put some curries to shame. I don't know if I could do the whole bottle, but with a nice blade roast in a sweet marinade (bring on a touch of curry)... could be the bomb.
price:$47
rating: daunting
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
From Anjou to Piedmont.
It was a pretty good week (ie. short) as I returned from a week in Jamaica with the Foam Riders. Fooooooam Riders! But already I digress.
The highlight this week was once again a white.
The Whites.
Anjou 2001, Les Bonnes Blanches, Domaine Mosse
An extraordinary white from the Loire. 100% Chenin Blanc and while I normally go for a hint of sweetness in my better Chenins, this bottle blew me away. Rich, dry and ripe with none of that overly lemony acidity that one often encounters with concentrated Chenin Blancs in their youth. There was a hint of oxidation that I believe was totally intended and that's what keeps it fresh and beautifully offsets the almost creamy texture. A definite white to drink at night with perhaps a thick sauced fish dish.
price: around $40
rating:exceptional
Saint-Bris 2002, Domaine Goisot
The only Sauvignon Blanc in Burgundy, the appelation of Saint-Bris was confirmed only a couple of years ago. This was my first time and I will gladly lead the bandwagon. Not quite the toe curling acidity of good Sancerre but with enough to keep it fresh, especially considering the ripeness of it's fruit (pears, pears, pears). It reminded me of a Sauvignon from Italy with none of that oppressive wood one finds in the Californians. Elegant, rich and fresh... try with goat cheese and asparagus (it's got just enough grassiness)... would be great with a plate of oysters.
price:$20
rating: very worthy
Quick Sips highlights
Champagne, Bruno Paillard 1995... never been a massive fan of Champagne but this relatively inexpensive Grand Cuvée is well worth the cash.
Were Dreams Now it is Just Wine 1999, Silvio Jermann... I tried the 99 a year ago and found the wood a little too over the top. A great 100% Chardonnay from North Eastern Italy, slightly fennel in the nose but deceptively rich, almost fat. A bit too expensive for the oddity that it is but I look forward to tasting it again this summer.
Malvasia Bianca 2002, Ca del Solo I found a bottle in our fridge...Nice as an apero but a bit too busy to drink with food. Slighly yahoo, very californian.
The Reds
Langhe D.o.c., Sito Moresco 1996, Gaja It's not often that I taste (or enjoy) Nebbiolo, but after discovering this a couple of weeks ago, I have a new found interest in the region. Nebiolo is a tough piece of beef of a grape and takes a while to tenderize(even when mixed with cab and merlot). The 96 Sito Moresco has a wild cherry nose with a mushroomy earthiness in the mouth... both exciting if not slighty incongruate. Still with good tannins, I tried it with lamb but really wanted a piece of deer or caribou in a juniper berry sauce.
price(back in 99):$40
rating: worth the cellar time
Fleurie 2002, Yvon Métras
The 2001 redefined the way I percieve Beaujolais and while my first bottle of the 2002 did not quite have the same impact (perhaps transportation shock or just the feeble year that 02 was), it's still great. With almost no sulfites, natural yeasts, this is Gamay in it's purest expression... tons of fruit, almost an animal quality but still soft and flowery. I like to drink it around a campfire at night but i drank a 2001 with a not too spicy merguez plate and it held it's own
price:around $30
rating: very worthy
Quick Sips Highlights
Ninquen, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, Vina Montgras A Chilean wine to surprise those folks who say they don't like Chilean wine. French Oak, not overly jammy but with rich cassis and red berry flavors and a hint of kirsch for a finale... I've been tasting this vintage for almost a year now and I found the last bottle a bit soft... time to drink em up.
Chianti Classico 1999, Riserva, Tenute Marchese Antinori The Chianti Antinori makes with the rest of the Super Tuscan grapes... Caraffed it for an hour before drinking and found it less tannic than previous tastings but still a bit thin on the fruit.
Okay the first is done... if you have any ideas or comments on how to better structure this .... please feel free.
It was a pretty good week (ie. short) as I returned from a week in Jamaica with the Foam Riders. Fooooooam Riders! But already I digress.
The highlight this week was once again a white.
The Whites.
Anjou 2001, Les Bonnes Blanches, Domaine Mosse
An extraordinary white from the Loire. 100% Chenin Blanc and while I normally go for a hint of sweetness in my better Chenins, this bottle blew me away. Rich, dry and ripe with none of that overly lemony acidity that one often encounters with concentrated Chenin Blancs in their youth. There was a hint of oxidation that I believe was totally intended and that's what keeps it fresh and beautifully offsets the almost creamy texture. A definite white to drink at night with perhaps a thick sauced fish dish.
price: around $40
rating:exceptional
Saint-Bris 2002, Domaine Goisot
The only Sauvignon Blanc in Burgundy, the appelation of Saint-Bris was confirmed only a couple of years ago. This was my first time and I will gladly lead the bandwagon. Not quite the toe curling acidity of good Sancerre but with enough to keep it fresh, especially considering the ripeness of it's fruit (pears, pears, pears). It reminded me of a Sauvignon from Italy with none of that oppressive wood one finds in the Californians. Elegant, rich and fresh... try with goat cheese and asparagus (it's got just enough grassiness)... would be great with a plate of oysters.
price:$20
rating: very worthy
Quick Sips highlights
Champagne, Bruno Paillard 1995... never been a massive fan of Champagne but this relatively inexpensive Grand Cuvée is well worth the cash.
Were Dreams Now it is Just Wine 1999, Silvio Jermann... I tried the 99 a year ago and found the wood a little too over the top. A great 100% Chardonnay from North Eastern Italy, slightly fennel in the nose but deceptively rich, almost fat. A bit too expensive for the oddity that it is but I look forward to tasting it again this summer.
Malvasia Bianca 2002, Ca del Solo I found a bottle in our fridge...Nice as an apero but a bit too busy to drink with food. Slighly yahoo, very californian.
The Reds
Langhe D.o.c., Sito Moresco 1996, Gaja It's not often that I taste (or enjoy) Nebbiolo, but after discovering this a couple of weeks ago, I have a new found interest in the region. Nebiolo is a tough piece of beef of a grape and takes a while to tenderize(even when mixed with cab and merlot). The 96 Sito Moresco has a wild cherry nose with a mushroomy earthiness in the mouth... both exciting if not slighty incongruate. Still with good tannins, I tried it with lamb but really wanted a piece of deer or caribou in a juniper berry sauce.
price(back in 99):$40
rating: worth the cellar time
Fleurie 2002, Yvon Métras
The 2001 redefined the way I percieve Beaujolais and while my first bottle of the 2002 did not quite have the same impact (perhaps transportation shock or just the feeble year that 02 was), it's still great. With almost no sulfites, natural yeasts, this is Gamay in it's purest expression... tons of fruit, almost an animal quality but still soft and flowery. I like to drink it around a campfire at night but i drank a 2001 with a not too spicy merguez plate and it held it's own
price:around $30
rating: very worthy
Quick Sips Highlights
Ninquen, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, Vina Montgras A Chilean wine to surprise those folks who say they don't like Chilean wine. French Oak, not overly jammy but with rich cassis and red berry flavors and a hint of kirsch for a finale... I've been tasting this vintage for almost a year now and I found the last bottle a bit soft... time to drink em up.
Chianti Classico 1999, Riserva, Tenute Marchese Antinori The Chianti Antinori makes with the rest of the Super Tuscan grapes... Caraffed it for an hour before drinking and found it less tannic than previous tastings but still a bit thin on the fruit.
Okay the first is done... if you have any ideas or comments on how to better structure this .... please feel free.
Me
My name is Bill Zacharkiw, a fan of food and wine. I love great meals, the Allman Brothers, the Laurentians, my family, and numerous other things. I'm the caviste and sommelier at the restaurant L'Eau a la Bouche in Ste-Adele, Quebec, and part-owner of Fonduementale in Montreal. In keeping with my duties, I've been exposed to great food and wine and a great group of bon vivants, gourmandes and cooks. This blog started with the intention to loosely critique the wines that I get an opportunity to drink.
The world of critiquing wine relies too much on snap judgements. Wine was made to go with food. When the choice of both is right on, when you get that harmony of flavours, textures and smells, it's a great thing. Bonus!
So the newer entries will try and transribe some of these meals, hopefully with the intention of exploring the thought that went into it. Please comment, send and email, or just enjoy it. Thanks for reading.
My name is Bill Zacharkiw, a fan of food and wine. I love great meals, the Allman Brothers, the Laurentians, my family, and numerous other things. I'm the caviste and sommelier at the restaurant L'Eau a la Bouche in Ste-Adele, Quebec, and part-owner of Fonduementale in Montreal. In keeping with my duties, I've been exposed to great food and wine and a great group of bon vivants, gourmandes and cooks. This blog started with the intention to loosely critique the wines that I get an opportunity to drink.
The world of critiquing wine relies too much on snap judgements. Wine was made to go with food. When the choice of both is right on, when you get that harmony of flavours, textures and smells, it's a great thing. Bonus!
So the newer entries will try and transribe some of these meals, hopefully with the intention of exploring the thought that went into it. Please comment, send and email, or just enjoy it. Thanks for reading.
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