Right, what are we/you drinking now .. tonight

[felixp21]

Hi Felix was it the regular vintage Charlemagne or the Mesnillesime? The latter is a great qpr for Le Mesnil.

Hi Mike,
it was the mesnillesime. bloody good drop!!!

And it’s only EUR28 at CD! I bought a couple of cases of the 2008 but haven’t tried it yet

yea, amazing value. Beautiful wine, would love to have a look alongside Salon one day.

[rooman]

The Jacobs Creek Steingarten Riesling 2006. Definitely the only wine in the Jacobs range worth collecting. At 11 years old the 2006 has taken on a lovely light sunshine yellow but the fruit is still remarkably youthful with minimal development. I also believe it is in something of a dormant phase and yet to show its full potential.

[conformistpete]

A variety of Mexican wines that I am unlikely to ever see again so not taking note of the producers. Mostly from the Valle de Guadalupe, which is in the north of Mexico in Baja California, just south of the border. The valley has an altitude of 350-400m where the wine grows. Lots of Cabernet on offer, however I have avoided and gone for grapes which grow better in the heat. Had a couple carnigan and Shiraz blends. A couple of rosés yesterday also went down well. They were dry and had good acid.

These wines seem well made and go pretty well with the food. Lots of Spanish and Argentine wine on lists in restaurants here too.

Food is amazing... I can't get enough of it.

[Ian S]

Any nebbiolo? I had a surprisingly good LA Cetto Nebbiolo a few years ago, and would happily try again.

[conformistpete]

Haven't seen it on any lists. One more night will keep a lookout. Our guide from a food tour we took mentioned lots of nebbiolo up there.

[JamieBahrain]

Bistro dinner and took a bottle of Torbreck Run Rig 2005 and Chapoutier Thalabert Crozes Hermitage 2010.

Tough environment to get the best from a wine. The RR seems ready to go. Typical Barossan, not as big as you may expect though serving temperature critical, quite spherical in the mouth and with an attached, crafted structure. Thalabert is my standard wine these days. So cheap and available over 10 vintages +. Trials and tribulations in style and hygiene, always a good value vinous blast.

[Craig(NZ)]

96 Grange for me for our 23rd wedding anniversary

Was quite good actually

[JamieBahrain]

Willows Bonesetter 2002- dark, layered, spicy fruit on a good length. 90pts drink up as I recall more fruit complexity a few years back.

Battely Syrah 2004- very nice, complex syrah. Lots happening. Just starting to fade on the edges. Drink up. 92pts

St Hallet's Butchers Shiraz 2014-felt like a quaffer compared to the above. Decanted for a hour to unstrangle the screw cap's hold but pretty drab and unexpressive.

[Michael McNally]

96 Grange for me for our 23rd wedding anniversary

Was quite good actually

Shouldn't that have been the '94 then?

Rave review by the way Craig!

Cheers (and congratulations!)

Michael

[phillisc]

2013 Yalumba FDR EV Cabernet Shiraz...fantastic wine, will be certainly getting some, plush and rich, fantastic fruit profile with tannins, oak and fruit all harmonious.
Cheers
Craig.

[Craig(NZ)]

96 Grange for me for our 23rd wedding anniversary

Was quite good actually

Shouldn't that have been the '94 then?

Rave review by the way Craig!

Cheers (and congratulations!)

Michael

I was tempted to go 94 Bin 707 which I still have half a doz of, but we went BYO at a very flash restaurant and the temptation to lay the wank factor on really thick was too much lol

[sjw_11]

96 Grange for me for our 23rd wedding anniversary

Was quite good actually

Shouldn't that have been the '94 then?

Rave review by the way Craig!

Cheers (and congratulations!)

Michael

I was tempted to go 94 Bin 707 which I still have half a doz of, but we went BYO at a very flash restaurant and the temptation to lay the wank factor on really thick was too much lol

[dave vino]

Mini rant, took some 2013 Picardy chardy up to qld for a visit. Lugged it up on carry-on, open it and corked. I bought a mixed 6-pack after a tasting with the winemaker in Sydney. (Where ironically one wine he brought was corked, after telling us why he still used them) and 2 of the 6 have been corked. So am I expected to lug it back and then see if I can get a replacement, or as will be the case just don't buy them anymore. So frustrating why they continue on with them.

[Scotty vino]

Headed downstairs into the lair last night and selected a 2008 tim adams cab malbec.
blackcurrant, asphalt, tobacco, coffee and a hint of menthol on the nose.
There was a touch of greenness but it seemed to fade fairly rapidly.
Oak seemed quite intergrated. Tannins were structured well and I think I opended this just at the right time.
A really nice drop overall and it just kept improving with some time in the conical.
When all was said and done I gave the conical another sniff and the coffee/tobacco component was still unfurling. Great stuff.
There were a lot of characteristics in this wine that had me thinking Wendouree Cab Mal.
Funny that...

[rooman]

After last night's effort, absolutely nothing!!

[Michael McNally]

I was tempted to go 94 Bin 707 which I still have half a doz of, but we went BYO at a very flash restaurant and the temptation to lay the wank factor on really thick was too much lol

Never underestimate the wank factor. I hope the waitstaff were suitably overwhelmed by your general awesomeness!

We are funny creatures....

Cheers

Michael

[conformistpete]

Haven't had wine in about a week since coming to Detroit. On the upside every Main Street and little town has at least one micro or nano brewery. Some good and some god awful beer. Reminds me of some of the natural wine, skin contact etc etc experiments some winemakers are doing.

[Ian S]

1999 Monte Bernardi Tzingana - their supertuscan Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
It does hint at Italy, with a balsamic element that some Tuscan wines made from International grape varieties can show, but very true to the Merlot in the softness it gives the palate. Tasty and enjoyable, a really good wine, albeit some will view it as a 'sell-out' wine, and arguably it lacks a little soul / character.

[michel]

1999 Monte Bernardi Tzingana - their supertuscan Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
It does hint at Italy, with a balsamic element that some Tuscan wines made from International grape varieties can show, but very true to the Merlot in the softness it gives the palate. Tasty and enjoyable, a really good wine, albeit some will view it as a 'sell-out' wine, and arguably it lacks a little soul / character.

Had a younger version in Italy
Isnt it significantly cheaper than the big boys?
Still a v good wine

[Ian S]

Much cheaper than Sassicaia and Ornellaia, though there are other such blends that are cheaper. I've not had Sassicaia, but would take the Ornellaia if the price were the same. Sadly it isn't.

[Chuck]

Haven't had wine in about a week since coming to Detroit. On the upside every Main Street and little town has at least one micro or nano brewery. Some good and some god awful beer. Reminds me of some of the natural wine, skin contact etc etc experiments some winemakers are doing.

The Yanks have come a long way since Bud and other bland beers of 20 years ago. Was there last year and they are doing some really good craft beers. My thirst for IPAs was well sated although there was just too many to get through them all.

Carl

[Matt@5453]

A few impressions worth mentioning from wines consumed on the weekend:

2017 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley

A few months in bottle now and looking fantastic. Lemon/lime, a touch of talc, granny smith apple tartness with a very good line of acidity. For about $15 – this is a cracker.

2016 Serafino Bellissimo Tempranillo, McLaren Vale

For under $20 is a very smart wine. It is a well structure wine with good balance between the fruit and tannin. Plump, darker spectrum of fruits with a long lingering finish. An excellent food wine.

2004 Ross Estate Old Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley

Picked up by a friend at a bargain price (the current owners Hemera were clearing out all back vintages for next to nothing).
Cork was in excellent condition, decanted, cleaned out bottle and poured back into the bottle. Expectations were not high – but on first smell I was pleasantly surprised. The wine took about 30 mins to really open up. The wine displayed a touch of leather, with raspberry liquorice and spices to the fore, with a nuance of marzipan. The palate had a great depth of flavour with a touch of dusty type tannin on the finish. Overall, drinking very well, a superb match with lamb.

[Matt@5453]

Headed downstairs into the lair last night and selected a 2008 tim adams cab malbec.
blackcurrant, asphalt, tobacco, coffee and a hint of menthol on the nose.
There was a touch of greenness but it seemed to fade fairly rapidly.
Oak seemed quite intergrated. Tannins were structured well and I think I opended this just at the right time.
A really nice drop overall and it just kept improving with some time in the conical.
When all was said and done I gave the conical another sniff and the coffee/tobacco component was still unfurling. Great stuff.
There were a lot of characteristics in this wine that had me thinking Wendouree Cab Mal.
Funny that...

The 2012 is a very smart wine also

[felixp21]

2002 Krug magnificent 95+
2002 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne excellent 94
2002 Louis Roederer Cristal excellent 94
2002 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon outclassed in the above company, but still v good 91

2010 Jean Claude Bachelet St Aubin 1er Cru "Sous le Puits" smart wine 92
2006 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series excellent, powering along 92
2010 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay lost in this company, but still good 89
2005 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc absolutely stunning 97
2005 Haut Brion Blanc wonderful, but shadowed by the much cheaper wine above 95
2010 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne tight and needs a lot of time 92+
2009 Leflaive PM 1er Cru Pucelles premox (as usual) NR

2009 Peby Faugeres St Emilion brilliant 96+
2005 Leoville Las Cases St Julien three decades too early, but should be legendary 94+++
2001 La Fleur de Gay Pomerol excellent 94
1998 Henschke Mt Edelstone yee haaa, brett city 84
1996 Penfolds Bin 707 still young, great wine 94+
1991 de Montille Volnay Taillepieds lots of cigar box action, just ok 87
2000 Clos des Papes very good, ready now 90
2002 Rousseau Clos de la Roche still young, but beautiful. Not as good as other producers here. 92

2003 Chateau d'Yquem stunning, a real surprise for an 03. 94

[michel]

2002 Krug magnificent 95+
2002 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne excellent 94
2002 Louis Roederer Cristal excellent 94
2002 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon outclassed in the above company, but still v good 91

2010 Jean Claude Bachelet St Aubin 1er Cru "Sous le Puits" smart wine 92
2006 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series excellent, powering along 92
2010 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay lost in this company, but still good 89
2005 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc absolutely stunning 97
2005 Haut Brion Blanc wonderful, but shadowed by the much cheaper wine above 95
2010 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne tight and needs a lot of time 92+
2009 Leflaive PM 1er Cru Pucelles premox (as usual) NR

2009 Peby Faugeres St Emilion brilliant 96+
2005 Leoville Las Cases St Julien three decades too early, but should be legendary 94+++
2001 La Fleur de Gay Pomerol excellent 94
1998 Henschke Mt Edelstone yee haaa, brett city 84
1996 Penfolds Bin 707 still young, great wine 94+
1991 de Montille Volnay Taillepieds lots of cigar box action, just ok 87
2000 Clos des Papes very good, ready now 90
2002 Rousseau Clos de la Roche still young, but beautiful. Not as good as other producers here. 92

2003 Chateau d'Yquem stunning, a real surprise for an 03. 94

dyquem 2003 double blind two weeks ago in full bottle was stunning
The 2014 is a blinder!

[Mike Hawkins]

2002 Krug magnificent 95+
2002 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne excellent 94
2002 Louis Roederer Cristal excellent 94
2002 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon outclassed in the above company, but still v good 91

2010 Jean Claude Bachelet St Aubin 1er Cru "Sous le Puits" smart wine 92
2006 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series excellent, powering along 92
2010 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay lost in this company, but still good 89
2005 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc absolutely stunning 97
2005 Haut Brion Blanc wonderful, but shadowed by the much cheaper wine above 95
2010 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne tight and needs a lot of time 92+
2009 Leflaive PM 1er Cru Pucelles premox (as usual) NR

2009 Peby Faugeres St Emilion brilliant 96+
2005 Leoville Las Cases St Julien three decades too early, but should be legendary 94+++
2001 La Fleur de Gay Pomerol excellent 94
1998 Henschke Mt Edelstone yee haaa, brett city 84
1996 Penfolds Bin 707 still young, great wine 94+
1991 de Montille Volnay Taillepieds lots of cigar box action, just ok 87
2000 Clos des Papes very good, ready now 90
2002 Rousseau Clos de la Roche still young, but beautiful. Not as good as other producers here. 92

2003 Chateau d'Yquem stunning, a real surprise for an 03. 94

Nice line up !

I'd rate the Comtes the best of those champers. Sensational wine.

Glad to read the d'Yquem is in good nick. I bought some some 750s but have read some TNs indicating it's a touch flabby

[felixp21]

good call, Mike. The Comtes took the early lead, but after 30 mins or so, the Krug's power and energy really shone. Might agree that the Comtes is actually better for drinking now. Champers were all tasted blind.

[Dragzworthy]

Much cheaper than Sassicaia and Ornellaia, though there are other such blends that are cheaper. I've not had Sassicaia, but would take the Ornellaia if the price were the same. Sadly it isn't.

Had a Guidalberto 2012 that was great on the weekend. Can't recall the price as it was restaurant consumed and I didn't pay but I remember it being reasonable on the list.

[Dragzworthy]

2002 Krug magnificent 95+
2002 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne excellent 94
2002 Louis Roederer Cristal excellent 94
2002 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon outclassed in the above company, but still v good 91

2010 Jean Claude Bachelet St Aubin 1er Cru "Sous le Puits" smart wine 92
2006 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series excellent, powering along 92
2010 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay lost in this company, but still good 89
2005 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc absolutely stunning 97
2005 Haut Brion Blanc wonderful, but shadowed by the much cheaper wine above 95
2010 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne tight and needs a lot of time 92+
2009 Leflaive PM 1er Cru Pucelles premox (as usual) NR

2009 Peby Faugeres St Emilion brilliant 96+
2005 Leoville Las Cases St Julien three decades too early, but should be legendary 94+++
2001 La Fleur de Gay Pomerol excellent 94
1998 Henschke Mt Edelstone yee haaa, brett city 84
1996 Penfolds Bin 707 still young, great wine 94+
1991 de Montille Volnay Taillepieds lots of cigar box action, just ok 87
2000 Clos des Papes very good, ready now 90
2002 Rousseau Clos de la Roche still young, but beautiful. Not as good as other producers here. 92

2003 Chateau d'Yquem stunning, a real surprise for an 03. 94

Some serious wines there. Impressive! Do you like the Chateauneuf with a fair bit of age on it? I'm going that way with some Pegau - ie firmly shut away for a decade on 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages.

I have an '06 Fleur de Gay that I was thinking about having soon, maybe too early if you can judge from the '01...? Or just a healthy decant..?

[JamieBahrain]

I'm drinking 2000 Clos des Papes from magnum and it's right where mature CNP should be.

Henschke will exchange the Mt Ed 98 btw.