I can see the cork issues…however, my 2016 Harvest Moon Pinot Noir was still delicious. It’s quite cloudy, delivered today though. I’m devouring some barely buzzed cheese with it and getting a bright cherry profile upfront(not quite candied but getting there) followed by that PN taste(I hate saying that but it’s my only way to explain it at my level with PN) with a hint of earthy funk lingering. It has a wonderful tartness with just enough acidity.
Upon PnP I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, after a few hours in the fridge it all came together. And here I am. I’m not a Pinot Noir kinda guy at all. This is strangely growing on me. Knowing Harvests Moon reputation and a kick ass deal along with it, I just went for it. Glad I did. Cheers.
With a Flannery California Reserve Dry Aged Club Roast, finishing off
2001 P. Licht-Bergweiler Brauneberger Mandelgraben Riesling Spätlese
2000 Seavey Vineyard Merlot
Sampling
2016 Roblar Syrah; even at $5, a huge pass from the GO sale, run (away), don’t walk.
and finishing with
2008 Fonseca Porto Vintage Quinta do Panascal
that cleared out the awful Roblar.
@bolligra Too funny.
Actually some is stored in the freezer at work as well as I’m out of room at home.
That was the first, but won’t be the last, club roast I’ve purchased.
We won’t talk about the cases I also have stored there, and elsewhere.
Tonight sashimi with
Hakutsuru Junmai Dai Ginjo “Sho-Une” from a masu.
@jmdavidson1@ScottW58
I have some 2014 Sleight of Hand The Conjurer in my UC cloud cellar. Someone brought a bottle of The Illusionist to the 10 year Wine.Woot gathering anniversary party in NoVA a year ago. I don’t recall specifics but I do remember liking it.
@chipgreen@jmdavidson1
It was fantastic! Great purity of fruit and the perfect amount of the rocks funk to add complexity really balanced wines. I had heard about them and earlier this year and was told they were opening up a club offering 2 bottles each of there 3 rocks vineyard wines so I jumped on it. A bit expensive but i’m glad I did. I got Psychedelic Stoney Vine Vineyard 2016 Spiders from Mars and 2016 The Funkadelic.
@jmdavidson1@ScottW58
Re: Full Pull, you guys sucked me in as well. I just got the last 2 bottles allocated that I was waiting on, giving me exactly 24 bottles. Do I just sit back and wait for them to ship?
@chipgreen@jmdavidson1
Ha! I think I emailed them last time when it cooled off down here? But I think they watch the weather and ship automatically, I would email them just to make sure. Thanks for reminding me
@karenhynes My choice is Ty Caton Desert Wine, 2009…no doubt purchased from that now-defunct on-line wine place…what was it called? With some 86% Dark Chocolate. A good choice for celebrating or drowning my sorrows.
It’s Champagne tonight because win or lose it’s good to see so many people actually voting…will pop it as soon as I get home from work
2012 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grand Cellier d’Or
Kicking off this evening’s extra-long-weekend festivities with a 2009 Denier-Handal Zinfandel, Alexander Valley. Ah, Peter Wellington, what wonderful wines you have wrought! The wine is in beautiful condition. Was.
Did some roast chicken broccoli puree with spinich and onions and roasted duck fat potatoes hmmm. Also a nice Champagne and Gonon white. Man I love duck fat potatoes
@ScottW58
Duck fat potatoes sound delicious! I’ve had bacon fat potatoes - an old g/f used to make them. So good and good for you! Ok, not the last thing.
@ScottW58 Yum. How do you do the duck fat roast? Just melt some fat and toss the raw potatoes in it? I keep lots of tasty animal fats for just this reason. I currently have a bowl of lamb rack fat…
I just decanted a 2008 WineSmith Cab Franc. My CT tells me I shouldn’t have any of this vintage left, which tells you a lot about the accuracy of my CT record-keeping.
@jmdavidson1@ScottW58@rjquillin
Question for you guys about Full Pull. I have accumulated 24 bottles “Ready for pickup/shipping” and it is within their shipping window, so do I just sit back and wait for them to ship or is there a way to initiate the process? I do not have any bottles waiting for allocation, as I purposely got up to exactly 24 with nothing else pending.
@karenhynes The NV Momokawa Ruby Junmai Ginjo was earlier with supper.
This is dessert, with some almond sea-salt dark chocolate bark. A crossover meal if you will, for multiple stomachs.
@hscottk the 11 regular is pretty great but needs a lot of air to open up. I’m looking forward to trying the 11 coombsville! I already know the 08 and 09 are fantastic.
@rjquillin
Excellent! I love those Spanna’s pretty good I bet. How was the 71? I heard one of the attendees was bringing that from his own stash? Can’t say I’m not really jealous were they all drinking well?
@ScottW58 The Spanna was a real treat, a nose that wouldn’t quit.
The 52 was right on the edge. Pale, but expected, Sherried but lemon tart, and bordering on nail polish.
The 71 Giuseppe was also Sherried in the nose but otherwise tasty. The 71 Francesco lacked that but started out with a bit of prune that went away after an hour or so. The '47 and '61 were both singing. The '61 was shy for nearly an hour, and then really came to life. The '89 and '91 could use some additional time, and the '06 and '14 ~absolutely require~ patience and years.
I was really surprised how much these opened up over the 2.5 hours we had with them. Tasting began at noon, bottles decanted earlier in the morning and poured at 11.
You can’t even imagine the aroma in a smallish room with 117 glasses of Barolo polluting the air.
I wish my cellar smelled like that!
@rjquillin nice! Man I’m jealous… little secret Vallana wines are very reasonable and as you found out they age forever! You can even find the older ones for a song when they come up. They usually don’t release them until they are 10 anyways.
@klezman@ScottW58
Just a Verano Parrano cheese risotto that wasn’t on the schedule but was a treat for all.
The chef came and chatted about it all; surprised even the Somm.
Superb match for the Barolo; didn’t overpower any of them.
I can remember the details on the meat tray, but all were Italian. One was boar, I do recall.
@chipgreen@klezman
Interestingly, at ~10 this morning tix were still available, but there were 12+ attending.
Had to pay $15 to park tho…
Tomorrow and Saturday also look to be interesting, but not like this was!
@chipgreen@klezman@rjquillin
Empire has the 08 Gattinara right now, at least that’s where i got mine, they might still have the Boca left too which is a little cheaper
Visiting the Grand Decant, and while not like Thursday, there were some nice bottles. Freemark Abby was pouring some Bosché. In the interest of science, and since I have some '73, '83 and '99, thought I’d sample their '93, '98, '08 and '14. Hope my '99 is as good as the '98.
@winedavid49 and the launch party T got raves from well over a dozen wineries and attendees.
@rpm At least five of the Lodi producers were all lined up, few needed more than a casual mention of the tour to recall our visit.
@CorTot Last night we had '10 Harvest Moon PN. I have to say I didn’t like it as much as the '14 we had recently. Nicely made, but a little too tart for me. I do have a bottle of his Zin tucked away in some box somewhere.
A producer that the old woot turned me on too. This Sangiovese I would not be able to guess this blind as a new world Sangio it’s a dead ringer for an Italian.
2014 Tomarecso Neprica, a blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cab Sauv, hailing from Puglia. Fine with the superb, authentic neapolitan pizza we had for dinner.
2014 Iron Horse Vineyards Chardonnay Estate
with some broiled sheepshead, but those recently picked chanterelle mushrooms in a risotto with saffron kinda stole the show tonight.
Also some
2011 Peltier Teroldego Reserve
at the wine and food shindig this afternoon.
New variety for me that was pretty tasty.
Over the past several days…
2007 Mount George Vineyards Red Wire
2013 WineSmith Meritage
2010 Plush Wine Company Pinot Noir Reserve
N.V. Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Rosé
@rjquillin I’m on the same boat. PnP had a note I did not like that I find in some Pinot Noirs. The second day that off note mellowed out, but nothing jumping out at all. Day 2-3 it’s done for. I’m wondering if it’s just in a funky stage or is it going downhill?? Are you pairing yours with food or just trying it out?
We have pork belly prepping for tomorrow. I’ll rid 2 bottles for dinner and gift some. I’ll hold onto enough to see where it goes, Im not impressed so far. I like the 2014 Bakers Lane cuvée a lot more.
@rjquillin better with dinner. A good in between/filler wine for a party. That’s not necessarily bad, but I guess I had higher expectations for this wine in comparison to the 14’ cuvée. Cheers!
@klezman@ScottW58 Im so far removed from anything like this that I have no idea what it is. I think I saw something with a french label at trader joes once…
Tonight, I usually provide about 1/2 of the bottles for thanksgiving.
TJs brut rose for my bride
2014 Bernardus Winery Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2012 Harvest Moon Estate & Winery Zinfandel Russian River Valley
@CorTot yeah. My buddy got a NV Gewertz at the tasting room that ended up being a leaker. But we didn’t notice until the bottle flew all the way home. Crazy how many cork problems, yet we keep buying cuz it’s good! (Usually)
@ScottW58 100% right. I’ve had a perceived much higher number of bad bottles due to cork failure from harvest moon than any other producer. The CO2 is a different issue.
@CorTot@ScottW58 I keep seeing these reports and wonder how I’ve managed to be so lucky! I think I had one bottle with secondary fermentation from them, and one truly corked wine. The other rate of cork failure hasn’t been notably high for us. And even those didn’t have problems with the contents of the bottle.
@klezman@ScottW58
Like I said it’s perceived, don’t have any hard data to back it up. Still love the winery and Randy is awesome but I wouldn’t mind if he moved to screw caps.
@CorTot@klezman@ScottW58 Only a seeker of profound wisdom drinks wine over collecting trophies. I must profess a small collection of heads in the basement.
Last night was a 2010 Buttonwood Cabernet Franc. I’m glad I saw on these for 4 years since getting them at the winery. They’ve evolved very nicely.
The 2006 was one of my first wine.woot purchases and one of my favourites. @WineDavid49 please get them back! $15/bottle was way nicer than nearly $30!
@ScottW58 The Sojourn, when paired with turkey, was excellent. Day 1 of Bedrock=needs more time to open up. Last night, with a wedge salad (the usu. blue cheese, bacon, etc.), the edges had smoothed out and was an excellent pairing.
Late Thanksgiving with friends…
2017 Woodbridge Winemaker’s Selection Vermentino
2009 Kendrick Pinot Noir Marin County
2013 Roche Late Harvest Chardonnay (meh)
2014 Jules Taylor Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) YUM. Drank like an icewine.
While watching the Ohio State Buckeyes humiliate the Michigan Wolverines yesterday;
Our own Ohio State vs. Michigan contest featured a 2013 South River Vineyards Exodus (50/50 Syrah/Merlot blend) from NE Ohio vs. a 2013 12 Corners Vineyards Marquette from SW Michigan. Exodus won by a much closer margin than the Buckeyes, as both wines were very good, or so it seemed until we broke open a 2012 Sandler Wine Company Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch. That was in a whole different league, as was the 2007 Laura Zahtila Cabernet Sauvignon Barlow Vineyards we opened next.
Then, it was on to dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. Paired a 2009 WineSmith Chardonnay Penny Farthing with some spicy Asian noodles. Since the Sandler Pinot was such a big hit earlier, I opened a couple more for dinner; a 2012 Sandler Pinot Noir SLH Peterson Vineyard and a 2012 Sandler Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard. Seven of us at dinner and we all ordered different entrees but the Sandler Pinots were wonderful with everything on the menu!
Personally, I went with the lobster ravioli but others had various meat and seafood entrees such as pork roulade, panko crusted grouper, roasted boneless chicken breast, honey-glazed salmon, etc. Gotta love the versatility of Pinot w/food.
2007 Marion Cabernet IGT Veneto
with our 2nd Thanksgiving Dinner.
Wow! Amazing. One of the best Cabernet
Sauvignon’s I’ve ever had. Deep, rich,
vanilla, chocolate, tobacco. Beautiful
wine. Think Shafer one point five, but
better. Wish I had more!
Sister in law is in town so went to a nice Italian restaurant last night and had these both were great. The Fontallaro was a Garagiste buy and god know where I got the Sammarco? The Sammarco won by a nose, a literal nose
@ScottW58 I didn’t know they made a Merlot! I picked up a couple Viognier from K&L they had it on clearance. Looking forward to trying more of their stuff.
@jmdavidson1 It was delicious, very smooth. Believe it is probably around peak but no rush to drink. My friend and I drank it on its own over a couple of hours after a 30 / 45 minute decant - would have gone well with a nice New York. Lot of sediment so filter. At TSO price a good buy, I wouldn’t be in at winery price.
OMFG!
I pulled a bottle at random out of the auxiliary cellar.
I’ve never liked Pinot Noir…too weak, not enough flavor…etc.
2016 Esoterica Pinot Noir by Kent Rasumssen.
Heavenly!
I’m a changed man.
Twisted Oaks 2008 Syrah voiginer
I was a bit concerned when I poured it. The color was a bit brickish and the cork was weird. One taste, and my concerns were gone.
2010 Ty Caton Cab Sauv - Caton Vineyard
Egg nog
So good!
I can see the cork issues…however, my 2016 Harvest Moon Pinot Noir was still delicious. It’s quite cloudy, delivered today though. I’m devouring some barely buzzed cheese with it and getting a bright cherry profile upfront(not quite candied but getting there) followed by that PN taste(I hate saying that but it’s my only way to explain it at my level with PN) with a hint of earthy funk lingering. It has a wonderful tartness with just enough acidity.
Upon PnP I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, after a few hours in the fridge it all came together. And here I am. I’m not a Pinot Noir kinda guy at all. This is strangely growing on me. Knowing Harvests Moon reputation and a kick ass deal along with it, I just went for it. Glad I did. Cheers.
2012 Onesta Cinsault Bechthold Vineyard. My last bottle of it, sorry to see it go.
@InFrom If I’d known then what I know now of that vineyard then I’d have a few of those as well! Instead, I passed. Oh well.
Out for dinner with my much better half tonight…
2011 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel
Clicked the buy button while delayed at DCA, thus missing my connection. The odd memories i have about Woot purchases…
2014 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir RRV, Eastside Road Neighbors
With a Flannery California Reserve Dry Aged Club Roast, finishing off
2001 P. Licht-Bergweiler Brauneberger Mandelgraben Riesling Spätlese
2000 Seavey Vineyard Merlot
Sampling
2016 Roblar Syrah; even at $5, a huge pass from the GO sale, run (away), don’t walk.
and finishing with
2008 Fonseca Porto Vintage Quinta do Panascal
that cleared out the awful Roblar.
Missing Cortot.
@rjquillin missed you too buddy. Although it looks like you threw your own party there.
@rjquillin You must have a freezer full of Flannery beef!
@bolligra Too funny.
Actually some is stored in the freezer at work as well as I’m out of room at home.
That was the first, but won’t be the last, club roast I’ve purchased.
We won’t talk about the cases I also have stored there, and elsewhere.
Tonight sashimi with
Hakutsuru Junmai Dai Ginjo “Sho-Une” from a masu.
2012 Laura Michael Zin w/smoked chicken, mac n’ cheese, salad. Very good wine!
2004 Nicholas Cole Reserve
@jmdavidson1 I just opened a 2004 Camille on Saturday night. Still good, but seems like it is on the down slope.
@otolith Thanks for the posting. I have some of the '02, so I’d better open at least one to see where it is. Now, if I had a Coravin…
Leftovers!
Finishing off scotts '10 Alturas mag
2008 Roessler Blue Jay Pinot Noir
About to throw a spatchcocked chicken on the grill.
Really great Syrah from Sleight of Hand cellars the rocks AVA.
@ScottW58 Just picked up some 13 The Illusionist. Never had a S of H, so looking forward to it. How was the Spiders?
@jmdavidson1 @ScottW58
I have some 2014 Sleight of Hand The Conjurer in my UC cloud cellar. Someone brought a bottle of The Illusionist to the 10 year Wine.Woot gathering anniversary party in NoVA a year ago. I don’t recall specifics but I do remember liking it.
@chipgreen @jmdavidson1
It was fantastic! Great purity of fruit and the perfect amount of the rocks funk to add complexity really balanced wines. I had heard about them and earlier this year and was told they were opening up a club offering 2 bottles each of there 3 rocks vineyard wines so I jumped on it. A bit expensive but i’m glad I did. I got Psychedelic Stoney Vine Vineyard 2016 Spiders from Mars and 2016 The Funkadelic.
@chipgreen @ScottW58 I got mine from Full Pull(thank you SW for introducing me to yet another wine site.)
@chipgreen @jmdavidson1
whoops and woman!
I try to help my fellow man
@chipgreen @jmdavidson1 Yup them are making some damn good wine. Names from my past but good wine
@jmdavidson1 @ScottW58
Re: Full Pull, you guys sucked me in as well. I just got the last 2 bottles allocated that I was waiting on, giving me exactly 24 bottles. Do I just sit back and wait for them to ship?
@chipgreen @jmdavidson1
Ha! I think I emailed them last time when it cooled off down here? But I think they watch the weather and ship automatically, I would email them just to make sure. Thanks for reminding me
Trader Joe’s brut rose
@CorTot How’s this year’s release? We haven’t had one of ours yet.
@klezman Candace wasted no time in popping one open!
Feels a little lighter in style, but maybe a bit more acidity. Good bottle.
@CorTot @klezman I picked up a two pack to start with… Certainly go back later and get more if I like it
@klezman @radiolysis We buy a case and the last couple years have gone back for additional bottles.
2016 Ridge Three Valleys
@chipgreen One of my “go-to” wines!
2008 Montepoloso Eneo Toscana IGT.
Finished a bottle of 2015 NxNW Rosé we opened yesterday
2013 Beringer Vineyards Quantum Red Wine
Not all that impressed @ PnP
So, what’s a good election returns watching wine? Suggestions?
@karenhynes Depends if you think you’ll be celebrating or drowning sorrows?
@klezman
That remains to be seen. I need to start earlier than the results will flow in.
@karenhynes My choice is Ty Caton Desert Wine, 2009…no doubt purchased from that now-defunct on-line wine place…what was it called? With some 86% Dark Chocolate. A good choice for celebrating or drowning my sorrows.
@FritzCat
I went with the 2012 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon offered here a while back.
@FritzCat @karenhynes @klezman
Could be a Wellington Victory, or perhaps a Stallman Black Zeppelin.
It’s Champagne tonight because win or lose it’s good to see so many people actually voting…will pop it as soon as I get home from work
2012 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grand Cellier d’Or
2004 Kistler Chardonnay Cuvée Cathleen
2007 Ardente CS, sous vide tenderloin, roasted potatoes, asparagus
Finishing off a bottle of Mentida.
Trader Joe’s Brut Rosé. That is a fine wine for a Hamilton.
1999 Pierre-Jacques Druet Chinon Clos de Danzay
a 12.5% AbV Cab Franc
@rjquillin Did you actually take a Garagiste shipment?! Or get some from K&L?
How is it? I have some pending.
Kicking off this evening’s extra-long-weekend festivities with a 2009 Denier-Handal Zinfandel, Alexander Valley. Ah, Peter Wellington, what wonderful wines you have wrought! The wine is in beautiful condition. Was.
Did some roast chicken broccoli puree with spinich and onions and roasted duck fat potatoes hmmm. Also a nice Champagne and Gonon white. Man I love duck fat potatoes
@ScottW58
Duck fat potatoes sound delicious! I’ve had bacon fat potatoes - an old g/f used to make them. So good and good for you! Ok, not the last thing.
@chipgreen hey duck fat is the healthy fat, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it
@chipgreen @ScottW58 If you’re on a keto diet, both are probably on the menu! (But not the potatoes.)
@ScottW58 Yum. How do you do the duck fat roast? Just melt some fat and toss the raw potatoes in it? I keep lots of tasty animal fats for just this reason. I currently have a bowl of lamb rack fat…
I just decanted a 2008 WineSmith Cab Franc. My CT tells me I shouldn’t have any of this vintage left, which tells you a lot about the accuracy of my CT record-keeping.
@InFrom Mmmm…
@jmdavidson1 @ScottW58 @rjquillin
Question for you guys about Full Pull. I have accumulated 24 bottles “Ready for pickup/shipping” and it is within their shipping window, so do I just sit back and wait for them to ship or is there a way to initiate the process? I do not have any bottles waiting for allocation, as I purposely got up to exactly 24 with nothing else pending.
@chipgreen just email them I’m sure they will take care of you.
2009 La Réserve de Léoville Barton
@rjquillin That doesn’t sound at all like Sake.
@karenhynes The NV Momokawa Ruby Junmai Ginjo was earlier with supper.
This is dessert, with some almond sea-salt dark chocolate bark. A crossover meal if you will, for multiple stomachs.
Last night: rib steaks on the charcoal grill, Brussels sprouts, broccolini, and 2007 Winesmith RRV Pinot Noir
2014 Winesmith Grenache with jambalaya last night. Worked fantastically.
Last night with a NY strip.
Madigral '13 Cabernet napa valley
Baker lane '14 Syrah Sonoma cuvee
All prepped for a nice dinner
@ScottW58 That’s one hell of a selection!
@ScottW58 that must be some dinner you’re planning!
@ScottW58 But, but…
You got a leaker on the right.
It’s already empty!
@InFrom
It was…the 45 Barolo and 59 CDP Mount Redon were both really really singing, some of the other wines of the night.
2009 Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut
Wellington The Duke 2010. Plenty of fruit left in it, sipping delightfully.
Tondonia Rosado 2008
Sin Qua Non And an Eight Track 2013
Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste 1999
Chateau Bibian 2012
@jermfish Are you competing with @ScottW58?
@klezman @ScottW58 Ha, I don’t have the cellar for that but tonight was a good one
@jermfish @klezman
I’ll say! pretty jealous of that LDH rosado.
2014 Woot Cellars Large Bold Text Zin
Last night;
2014 St. Supéry Rosé
2010 Harvest Moon Gewürztraminer Brut
@chipgreen How is the St Supery rose? Not a big rose drinker but trying to find a nice one.
Nothing fancy here either
2014 Iron Horse Vineyards Chardonnay Estate
@ScottW58 Ah! That explains a shipping notice from a place I don’t recognize.
My mixed case in in transit!
@ScottW58 How is the 11? @25/bottle, I had to pick up a few but haven’t tried them yet.
@rjquillin
new stuff was just shipped yesterday.
This one is from a previous buy
@hscottk the 11 regular is pretty great but needs a lot of air to open up. I’m looking forward to trying the 11 coombsville! I already know the 08 and 09 are fantastic.
It was a very good afternoon!
1947 Borgogno, Giacomo & Figli, Barolo Cannubi Riserva
1952 Natale Mascarello Barolo
1961 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo
1971 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo
1971 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli
1989 Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra
1990 Aldo Conterno Barolo Colonnello
2006 Brovia Barolo, Ca’ Mia
2014 Burlotto’s Monvigliero
Bonus wine: 1964 Vallana Spanna di Montalbano
1947 Borgogno, Giacomo & Figli, Barolo Cannubi Riserva
1952 Natale Mascarello Barolo
1961 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo
1971 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo
1971 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli
1989 Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra
1990 Aldo Conterno Barolo Colonnello
2006 Brovia Barolo, Ca’ Mia
2014 Burlotto’s Monvigliero
1964 Vallana Spanna di Montalbano
The wine was much better than the pic.
@rjquillin
were they all drinking well?
Excellent! I love those Spanna’s pretty good I bet. How was the 71? I heard one of the attendees was bringing that from his own stash? Can’t say I’m not really jealous
@ScottW58 The Spanna was a real treat, a nose that wouldn’t quit.
The 52 was right on the edge. Pale, but expected, Sherried but lemon tart, and bordering on nail polish.
The 71 Giuseppe was also Sherried in the nose but otherwise tasty. The 71 Francesco lacked that but started out with a bit of prune that went away after an hour or so. The '47 and '61 were both singing. The '61 was shy for nearly an hour, and then really came to life. The '89 and '91 could use some additional time, and the '06 and '14 ~absolutely require~ patience and years.
I was really surprised how much these opened up over the 2.5 hours we had with them. Tasting began at noon, bottles decanted earlier in the morning and poured at 11.
You can’t even imagine the aroma in a smallish room with 117 glasses of Barolo polluting the air.
I wish my cellar smelled like that!
@rjquillin nice! Man I’m jealous… little secret Vallana wines are very reasonable and as you found out they age forever! You can even find the older ones for a song when they come up. They usually don’t release them until they are 10 anyways.
@rjquillin @ScottW58 So you’re going to let us know when you find them around and share the wealth?
@klezman @rjquillin @ScottW58 I want to know the name of the song they go for.
@rjquillin That looks like an amazing tasting!!!
Nicely done Ron!
How was the food? Was that white truffle risotto?
@klezman @ScottW58
Just a Verano Parrano cheese risotto that wasn’t on the schedule but was a treat for all.
The chef came and chatted about it all; surprised even the Somm.
Superb match for the Barolo; didn’t overpower any of them.
I can remember the details on the meat tray, but all were Italian. One was boar, I do recall.
@klezman @rjquillin
Yes, well done! Were all 12 spots filled?
@chipgreen @klezman
Interestingly, at ~10 this morning tix were still available, but there were 12+ attending.
Had to pay $15 to park tho…
Tomorrow and Saturday also look to be interesting, but not like this was!
@chipgreen @klezman @rjquillin
Empire has the 08 Gattinara right now, at least that’s where i got mine, they might still have the Boca left too which is a little cheaper
Unlike Ron, my afternoon drinking was not great.
2011 Riverlot Orchards Rhubarb wine from Saskatchewan.
I had never had rhubarb, either in wine or pie form and this didn’t help the cause. Bitter and sweet in a terrible way.
@radiolysis hmm love the pie but not sure I would even try the wine! You are a brave man
@radiolysis @ScottW58
Agreed on the pie. My late Grandmother in Donalda, Alberta made a mean strawberry/rhubarb pie.
@chipgreen @radiolysis @ScottW58 Rhubarb pie and jam are both fantastic. Doubly so when paired with strawberries.
Sunce
2016 Barbera
The other night with some Holy Grail waygu steaks, hope some of you bought the Notre Vin cause it’s fantastic!
@ScottW58 And you made a souffle??
We just went in on some Holy Grail American Wagyu…hope they are worth it!
Tonight is 2013 Patricia Green Berserkers Cuvee…for charity!
Visiting the Grand Decant, and while not like Thursday, there were some nice bottles. Freemark Abby was pouring some Bosché. In the interest of science, and since I have some '73, '83 and '99, thought I’d sample their '93, '98, '08 and '14. Hope my '99 is as good as the '98.
@winedavid49 and the launch party T got raves from well over a dozen wineries and attendees.
@rpm At least five of the Lodi producers were all lined up, few needed more than a casual mention of the tour to recall our visit.
Last night with pizza
'12 harvest moon zin, really a nice bottle for what we paid for these.
@CorTot Last night we had '10 Harvest Moon PN. I have to say I didn’t like it as much as the '14 we had recently. Nicely made, but a little too tart for me. I do have a bottle of his Zin tucked away in some box somewhere.
A producer that the old woot turned me on too. This Sangiovese I would not be able to guess this blind as a new world Sangio it’s a dead ringer for an Italian.
2014 Tomarecso Neprica, a blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cab Sauv, hailing from Puglia. Fine with the superb, authentic neapolitan pizza we had for dinner.
2014 Iron Horse Vineyards Chardonnay Estate
with some broiled sheepshead, but those recently picked chanterelle mushrooms in a risotto with saffron kinda stole the show tonight.
Also some
2011 Peltier Teroldego Reserve
at the wine and food shindig this afternoon.
New variety for me that was pretty tasty.
2006 Palladian Cab Sauv - Napa
2011 Rudius Syrah - Hudson Vineyard
With Flannery hanger steak (25% off now), sauteed baby bello mushrooms and mashed garlic sweet potato.
Over the past several days…
2007 Mount George Vineyards Red Wire
2013 WineSmith Meritage
2010 Plush Wine Company Pinot Noir Reserve
N.V. Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Rosé
Sunce 2015 Zin old vines
I really hope they make another appearance here. I do like their wines
Drinking here and there some…
2015 NxNW Rose
2013 Wellington Victory
2012 Bakers Lane Syrah
@TechnoViking
I’m a solid meh on this at PnP.
Does it improve with decant time?
@rjquillin I’m on the same boat. PnP had a note I did not like that I find in some Pinot Noirs. The second day that off note mellowed out, but nothing jumping out at all. Day 2-3 it’s done for. I’m wondering if it’s just in a funky stage or is it going downhill?? Are you pairing yours with food or just trying it out?
We have pork belly prepping for tomorrow. I’ll rid 2 bottles for dinner and gift some. I’ll hold onto enough to see where it goes, Im not impressed so far. I like the 2014 Bakers Lane cuvée a lot more.
@rjquillin better with dinner. A good in between/filler wine for a party. That’s not necessarily bad, but I guess I had higher expectations for this wine in comparison to the 14’ cuvée. Cheers!
@TechnoViking Got mine in a decanter now; hoping a few hours will help it out.
Otherwise…
2013 Vino Noceto Barbera Linsteadt
and/or
2015 Campesino Baybos
2013 Charles Smith Viognier with grilled salmon, mushroom fettucine and brussels sprouts (bacon, sun dried tomatoes)
End of a 2015 Scott Harvey Vineyard 1869 Zin
Start of a 2013 Domain de Cebene Faugeres les Bancels
Sabbatinos had a sale half off white truffles from Alba sooo did a simple pasta dish. Man were they good!
@ScottW58 Jaw dropped.
I’d love to get some of those. You think they’ll have more tomorrow? Still on sale? Price?
@klezman code was thanks2018. $200 per ounce but half off. It was fantastic! They overnight them from New York.
@klezman @ScottW58 That code did not work.
@jmdavidson1 @klezman sorry JM maybe it was only a one day thing?
@klezman @ScottW58 Im so far removed from anything like this that I have no idea what it is. I think I saw something with a french label at trader joes once…
TJs brut rose
With baked ziti.
@CorTot Planning on opening one of those today.
Tonight, I usually provide about 1/2 of the bottles for thanksgiving.
TJs brut rose for my bride
2014 Bernardus Winery Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2012 Harvest Moon Estate & Winery Zinfandel Russian River Valley
Add to this a '14 harvest moon pinot noir RRV
The HM zin had a cork stained all the way up and was definitely off.
The HM Pinot had a slight bit of effervescence to it. Still tasty but noticeable.
The man has cork troubles. I have had bad luck with harvest moon bottles.
The bernardus Pinot was great though.
@CorTot yeah. My buddy got a NV Gewertz at the tasting room that ended up being a leaker. But we didn’t notice until the bottle flew all the way home. Crazy how many cork problems, yet we keep buying cuz it’s good! (Usually)
@CorTot fwiw fizzy is a wine making problem not a cork problem.
@ScottW58 100% right. I’ve had a perceived much higher number of bad bottles due to cork failure from harvest moon than any other producer. The CO2 is a different issue.
@CorTot @ScottW58 I keep seeing these reports and wonder how I’ve managed to be so lucky! I think I had one bottle with secondary fermentation from them, and one truly corked wine. The other rate of cork failure hasn’t been notably high for us. And even those didn’t have problems with the contents of the bottle.
@klezman @ScottW58
Like I said it’s perceived, don’t have any hard data to back it up. Still love the winery and Randy is awesome but I wouldn’t mind if he moved to screw caps.
@CorTot @klezman @ScottW58 Yup if it isn’t going to lay down for a long winter’s nap… screw it.
@CorTot @klezman maybe because cortot actually drinks his wine
@CorTot @klezman @ScottW58 Only a seeker of profound wisdom drinks wine over collecting trophies. I must profess a small collection of heads in the basement.
@CorTot @foxrunner @klezman damn it looked like for a minute that your emoji was this
and I was going to be happy…but alas 
@ScottW58
@CorTot Ya see it’s the little things in life! Miss you cortot
The Pavi 2013 Dolcetto from Casemates is amazing with our Thanksgiving dinner (1st of two meals today).
Last night was a 2010 Buttonwood Cabernet Franc. I’m glad I saw on these for 4 years since getting them at the winery. They’ve evolved very nicely.
The 2006 was one of my first wine.woot purchases and one of my favourites. @WineDavid49 please get them back! $15/bottle was way nicer than nearly $30!
2013 Wellington Chardonnay
Trader Joe’s Brut Rosé NV
2006 Jana Cathedral
With boneless leg of lamb and eggplant casserole.
Roasting a duck tonight!
NV Trader Joe’s Brut Rose (2018 release)
1998 Clos Salomon Givry 1er Cru
1994 Wellington Cabernet Sauvignon 3 liter. Its beautiful.
https://imgur.com/gallery/a6WDmTm
2009 Sojourn PN Sangiacomo Vyd
2011 Bedrock Syrah Hudson Vyd South, T’ n 'S
@jmdavidson1 how were these?
@ScottW58 The Sojourn, when paired with turkey, was excellent. Day 1 of Bedrock=needs more time to open up. Last night, with a wedge salad (the usu. blue cheese, bacon, etc.), the edges had smoothed out and was an excellent pairing.
Yesterday…
2015 La Tordera Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brunei Brut
2013 Knot Wines Halyard Brut
2011 Arizona Stronghold Vineyard Tazi
2011 Hunt Country Vineyards Seyval Blanc
2006 Roessler Pinot Noir Peregrine (1.5L)
2016 Vigilance Pinot Noir Rosé
N.V. Villa Sandi Prosecco Brut Il Fresco
Last Night…
2005 Eagles Trace Latitude 38
2008 Winesmith Cabernet Franc
2011 Scott Harvey Zin - Old Vines White label
2008 Roessler Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard
how can I still have 5 of these…?
2007 Agharta Black Label
2006 Wellington Victory
2010 Mount Veeder Winery Cab Sauv
2011 Clayhouse Vineyards Tempranillo
Late Thanksgiving with friends…
2017 Woodbridge Winemaker’s Selection Vermentino
2009 Kendrick Pinot Noir Marin County
2013 Roche Late Harvest Chardonnay (meh)
2014 Jules Taylor Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) YUM. Drank like an icewine.
While watching the Ohio State Buckeyes humiliate the Michigan Wolverines yesterday;
Our own Ohio State vs. Michigan contest featured a 2013 South River Vineyards Exodus (50/50 Syrah/Merlot blend) from NE Ohio vs. a 2013 12 Corners Vineyards Marquette from SW Michigan. Exodus won by a much closer margin than the Buckeyes, as both wines were very good, or so it seemed until we broke open a 2012 Sandler Wine Company Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch. That was in a whole different league, as was the 2007 Laura Zahtila Cabernet Sauvignon Barlow Vineyards we opened next.
Then, it was on to dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. Paired a 2009 WineSmith Chardonnay Penny Farthing with some spicy Asian noodles. Since the Sandler Pinot was such a big hit earlier, I opened a couple more for dinner; a 2012 Sandler Pinot Noir SLH Peterson Vineyard and a 2012 Sandler Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard. Seven of us at dinner and we all ordered different entrees but the Sandler Pinots were wonderful with everything on the menu!
Personally, I went with the lobster ravioli but others had various meat and seafood entrees such as pork roulade, panko crusted grouper, roasted boneless chicken breast, honey-glazed salmon, etc. Gotta love the versatility of Pinot w/food.
2007 Marion Cabernet IGT Veneto
with our 2nd Thanksgiving Dinner.
Wow! Amazing. One of the best Cabernet
Sauvignon’s I’ve ever had. Deep, rich,
vanilla, chocolate, tobacco. Beautiful
wine. Think Shafer one point five, but
better. Wish I had more!
Grey Cup game!
2013 Domaine de l’Idylle Vin de Savoie Cruet (the grape is Jaquere)
1999 Vincent Arroyo Napa Valley Petite Sirah
And smoked short rib slab
Sister in law is in town so went to a nice Italian restaurant last night and had these both were great. The Fontallaro was a Garagiste buy and god know where I got the Sammarco? The Sammarco won by a nose, a literal nose
2012 Tobias CS
2015 Bodegas Avancia Cuvee de O, Godello. Paired with grilled barramundi.
2016 Sandler Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
Last one (most likely) for Laura’s House!
@klezman It’s easy to help a good cause!
A little Merlot with some short ribs.
@ScottW58 I didn’t know they made a Merlot! I picked up a couple Viognier from K&L they had it on clearance. Looking forward to trying more of their stuff.
@klezman
They only made it once I think and it was pretty nice! 12.9 abv. Have not tried there Viognier but liked the Semillion a lot.
2008 Charles Woodsen TwentyFour Cab Sauv
2015 Qupe Syrah Central Coast
@rc70 I grabbed a couple (Woodson) when they were up on TSO. What are your thoughts about this wine?
@jmdavidson1 It was delicious, very smooth. Believe it is probably around peak but no rush to drink. My friend and I drank it on its own over a couple of hours after a 30 / 45 minute decant - would have gone well with a nice New York. Lot of sediment so filter. At TSO price a good buy, I wouldn’t be in at winery price.
2004 Borgogno & Figli Barolo Reserva Pinin
2008 Whitehall Lane Cab Sauv Reserve (casemate purchase)
In Houston with friends, a 2013 Halcon Tierra Petite Sirah and a 2015 Bella Grace Bella’s Red from the Tour.
Fridays offer…
Unlike others here I know or admit.
@rjquillin I’m drinking Friday’s offer tonight when I get back from my work travels.
@klezman It needs air time (imo)…
Might want to consider having swmbo pull a cork.
OMFG!
I pulled a bottle at random out of the auxiliary cellar.
I’ve never liked Pinot Noir…too weak, not enough flavor…etc.
2016 Esoterica Pinot Noir by Kent Rasumssen.
Heavenly!
I’m a changed man.
@FritzCat we opened the same thing! Very nice, though a bit fruit-forward for my tastes. Which is not to say that there’s anything left in the bottle.
2008 Bugay CS Incline One-Nine Reserve
2015 Ca’Rozzeria Barbera d’Alba from Garagiste. Went well Spaghetti & meatballs.
@jmdavidson1 I’ve got 4 of those coming. Glad they’re solid.
@klezman For $13, they are good.
Twisted Oaks 2008 Syrah voiginer
I was a bit concerned when I poured it. The color was a bit brickish and the cork was weird. One taste, and my concerns were gone.
Tonight I’m sampling my tester batch of home dry-aged NY strip. With 2002 Iron Horse T-bar-T Cabernet Sauvignon.
@klezman In case you hadn’t noticed, with all the activity; December is now upon us!
2010 X Winery Syrah Amicus Quercus Block
I noticed and don’t care!
/giphy boom!
Hands up folks if you’re struggling towards being sportive…
@InFrom
Looks like that explosion was Vanile’s account privileges.
Is it November already? Who won the election?