@bunnymasseuse
Peter’s Roussanne, Marsanne, and Chardonnay are all drinking wonderfully. I was worried they’d be going downhill by now, but they are very enjoyable.
Funny story… I originally only ordered one case and it sadly got damaged during shipment. So FedEx sent it back to WCC before it ever got into my hands. It took a while to resolve that issue. In the meantime an identical offer had become available so I placed an order (thinking I’d end up with a refund for the first order) but it ended up getting fulfilled. So in the end I got TWO of the Wellington mixed white cases. Way back when, I thought that was too much, but now I’m actually glad it worked out that way because these are delicious. *To clarify, it was not a BOGO since I was charged in full for both orders. But it was worth it.
@klezman I’m not sure I can commit to “ kill a Wellington Wednesdays” lol, I look at my bottles and cry… “ I don’t wanna drink you , I can’t replace you!” : (
Thanks to very little self control when Peter was offloading his inventory, and very strict self control ever since then, I have even more than bottles than @klezman has stashed away haha.
@bunnymasseuse
I feel ya. Despite my healthy stash, I still feel a little sad each time I pull a cork, knowing these bottles can’t be replaced. But that makes 'em all the more special and I’m sure Peter appreciates the fact that we enjoy and respect all of the hard work that he put into crafting these lovely wines.
@bunnymasseuse@kawichris650@klezman 15 bottles left. At one time, Wellington was over 40% of my cellar. Now, it’s just over 5. But I’ll keep popping those in a prime drinking window and toasting Peter, wherever he may be. Wines are not trophies.
Drove up to see Kelley and Dustin today, fantastic visit! Ended in disaster she started opening all of her wines including the new vermouth and champagne. Then she made us take home all the leftovers kind of screws up my plans for what to open up the next 2 days, yeah first world problems I know
Anniversary dinner. Got a wagyu porterhouse in the oven reverse searing at 225, finishing up the PrevView (i.e. labrat) bottle for DivvyUp and then opening a 2002 Corison.
@ScottW58 OK, you gotta tell me how it is, seeing as how I dragged it halfway across the world!
Also, great way to enjoy it! I hope the cow pies didn’t get in the way of the aromatics
@klezman
Really a brilliant bottle, intense mineral, intense acidity honeyed fruit but still dry with just a faint hint of petrol (which I prefer) great depth and a long finish. All that being said it’s only 8 years old and in another 28 years it might be perfect
Gotta love traveling to beautiful and remote Oregon coast and being welcomed by danandlisa! Thanks for the lovely dinner and I hope you guys enjoyed the wines opened amongst many a bucket list wine for me anyways a Sami-Odi syrah.
@karenhynes@ScottW58 I do too. It was such a beautiful evening. Thanks Scott for your hospitality and letting us taste wines we have never had. The company was stellar as well.
We have some very exciting news to share in our team spotlight this month!
It is with great pride we announce that after 6 years of working side-by-side with Scott, we have promoted Mollie Haycock to Head Winemaker for Scott Harvey Wines. We believe strongly that women are transforming the wine industry and we are thrilled for Mollie to take the reins fully and lead the Scott Harvey wine program. The future is bright!
@chipgreen@kawichris650@rjquillin That was super sneaky! I deleted that email because I knew I wasn’t going to buy any wine. And they buried it at the bottom!
My last night on the beautiful Oregon coast and of course the salt of the earth couple danandlisa offered to make a home cooked meal for us, or did I invite myself over you can’t overstate how wonderful a home cooked meal is when you are far from home while on vacation! Cannot thank you two enough, and of course we opened bottles and thanks for opening a Souzer which I had never tried it was fantastic!
On vacation in Colorado, staying with friends. Gone through a good number of bottles, and more to come in the next few days.
Pedroncelli Rose
Iron horse unoaked Chardonnay
J Albin Lorelle Pinot Noir
Woot Cellars bonus level
Trust Riesling
Wellington victory
And a couple more…
Yes. Year in, year out, one of the best values in Zinfandel. Almost always tastes like Zin is supposed to with bright red fruit flavors, not too heavy a body and a nice long finish that has enough tannin, but doesn’t taste like wood.
@karenhynes@kawichris650@rc70@rjquillin
I note this bottle is 2011, the specific vintages I recommended on the Tours were the 2009 on the 2012 Tour and the 2012 on the 2014 Tour.
@karenhynes@kawichris650@rc70@rjquillin@rpm
I still have my bottle of 2009 Heritage Zin from the 2012 tour. I should probably drink up! On the 2014 tour, I fell in love with The Mariner.
@losthighwayz@tercerowines Larry, awesome offer! I have all of these already either directly from you or from retail. Even still I’m considering getting a set.
@chipgreen
If you recall, this one was quite controversial on release/inital CaseMates offer. Folks were quite put-off by the Acacia wood influence (including me). Clark was pretty devastated by the reviews/comments and ended up offering refunds to a lot of people (I think). I passed on the refund…I had faith that Clark knew what he was doing and I just needed to be patient. That was roughly 2 years ago. I think I have only opened a total of 3 of the bottles from my case (one on release, one about a year later, and one last night). I would say that at this point, it is much more drinkable than it was on release. There is still a somewhat “funky” nose. I still find it far more herbal than any rose I’ve ever had. Outside of the herbalness, the nose doesn’t have much of the fruit/floral character I typically expect in a rose. On the palate, it is very smooth and has some nice acid and Clark’s zingy “minerality” (would hold up well to food). I opened it towards the end of Clark’s Friday Night Zoom so I didn’t mention it, but may pick his brain next Friday evening (if I make it home in time). I suspect this can lounge around in the “to drink” pile for quite a few more years and may continue to evolve. I still don’t love it, but I definitely don’t hate it. I am drinking the last glass this evening, so no dumping involved! I should go back and revisit that thread and read back through the comments…
@chipgreen@karenhynes I did not have an opp to buy at the time, or passed due to bulging bunny den of carrot juice, what my friends call an unhealthy hoarding situation!! I really like funky, earthy alcohol (ie: Cachaça ) that has some uniqueness to it, but my orders history tell me this wasn’t one I got. I think there is some patience needed to creatives, folks that know what they did is worth it even if not immediately rewarding on drink or pop) and I get some want a now drinker vs a later drinker.
@bunnymasseuse@chipgreen
I’m happy to continue sitting on it. It’s definitely evolving, slowly. Some things take longer than others. Still might pick Clark’s brain on this next weekend, if I’m home in time. Summer (and post-COVID) traffic has returned to Chicago. It took me over 1.5 hrs to get home last Friday night.
PS: I may have to start configuring the unopened wine boxes into furniture. You’re not alone with your bulging bunny den!
@bunnymasseuse@karenhynes
Thanks. I haven’t had one in 13 months. It still wasn’t doing it for me at that time. Perhaps it’s time to try another. Or not… I have other Roses that are 5 and 6 years older than that!
Well, my text disappeared…
Tonight’s menu:
2016 Kent Rasmussen Esoterica Cabernet Sauvignon
Morgan Ranch hunk of tri-tip (my first attempt!)
Brown butter corn and lima beans
Salad (generic mixed, not pictured)
I took a leap into the fancy beef realm on BD back in January (or is it February?). I love a good steak, but don’t often cook them for myself. Well, that’s gonna have to change. Holy crap!
This is, by far, the tastiest steak I’ve ever had. I’m quite pleased with how it turned out. I did nothing to it other than a sprinkle of salt about 30 minutes, maybe a bit more, before cooking. Towel dried and tossed into a hot pan. I didn’t really time it but I’m guessing about 4 minutes/side. Got a nice crust on the outside and tender deliciousness inside. Took it out of the pan to rest, added some butter to the pan and let it get a bit brown…tossed in veggies for a few minutes…dinner is served!
@karenhynes@ScottW58 The wagyu porterhouse we had last night was epic. It had clearly been next to some hunks of beef that were dry ageing, too, because the filet side picked up just a bit of funk.
Do yourself a favour and get a bigger hunk of meat and do the dry brine then reverse sear method. Hard to beat it.
@hscottk@FritzCat
Young, as one would expect, gobs of fruit (not my normal wheelhouse) but after a few days open (fridge, no Ar) it really kinda grew on me. A ‘high end’ party/picnic bottle with good fruit/acid/tannin balance that should please most. First impression, despite the improvement over a few days, doesn’t seem like a long term ager.
@rjquillin
I’m generally not a chard fan, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this one. Honestly, I bought it with Christmas gifting in mind (for the non-red lovers). I need to remember not to drink it all!
Planning on opening the one 2000 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva that I have (seems like the 2001s might be preferred, so I’ll save them) for my 40th Father’s Day dinner (in my 70th year) of braised short ribs.
Worked the cork most of the way out with my Ah-So and then made the mistake of trying to pull it out the rest of the way by hand, and the top part promptly broke off. Further attempts were pushing it down into the neck, but I managed to get a corkscrew into what remained and pulled it out. I did pour through a strainer (when shouldering the bottle) to get a few remnants of cork – firsts tastes are everything I hoped this bottle would be.
Had some people over now that most/all in our circles are vaccinated.
NV Albert Lebrun Champagne Grand Cru
2018 Immich-Anker Riesling Eschewingert Feinherb (surprisingly dry for this category)
2019 Triennes Rosé
2016 Harvest Moon Pinot Noir
2017 San Simeon Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Had some ex-co-workers over, since I lost my job…well, I didn’t lose it, I know where it is, it’s just that when I go there someone else is doing it.
2016 Scott Harvey Barbera
2018 Winesmith Dry Rose of Grenache
2019 Long Point Sweet Lissy Riesling
2018 Conundrum White
2016 Mollydooker The Boxer
2015 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec
1997 Quinta do Infantado Vintage Port
With Burgers and Tube Steaks
The Scott Harvey Barbera was fantastic. The Winesmith was a Dry Rose, and Maxx loved it. The Conundrum and Mollydooker were on-point, just what one would expect (did the “Mollydooker Shake”, of course). The Port was very good, and the cork was perfect. I experimented by sealing up half in a 375 ml, and aerating and decanting the rest for 12 hrs. Both were good. The only disappointment was the Trivento; not as fruity as I expected, too much age?
@klezman@rjquillin@ScottW58
Nikki sent an email about the shipping a few days ago and I received a notice from FedEx. She was shipping different areas at different times so be on the lookout. Mine is scheduled to arrive on Monday. Looking forward to it.
@FritzCat@Winedavid49 I think they do their deals with wine spies.
Obviously I think they’d do better here. That site is less than honest about some things and their customer service is terrible.
Well, nothing as classy as the posts above, but I opened the 2015 Altue Chardonnay from the mystery case. While there is nothing particularly distinctive about it, it is eminently drinkable. At the Vivino supposed value of $5.24, I would also call it great QPR. I’m feeling better about the mystery case already
2013 Wind Gap Wines Grenache Old Vine Sceales Vineyard
2019 Jana Winery Riesling Old Vine Mendocino
The Riesling needs to be a fair bit warmer than fridge temperature to really show its stuff…
You started the thread but didn’t drink?!
We finished off a Bedrock Gewurztraminer and E11even Petit Verdot. Then had an Acacia 2014 RRV Pinot and a 2007 Pedroncelli Port for dessert.
Sitting in central Missouri enjoying watching the Cubs sweep the Cards (hey, I’m a Chicago-area transplant!) while finishing a 2016 Pedroncelli Barrel Select. What a great night!
@radiolysis I’ve trusted CH for years, so I can spring for a case here and there, especially the even hundreds…those were always special. I’ve bought…several.
@FritzCat I’ve picked up the CH stuff when it was at Costco. The Lot 678 Willamette Pinot was a work favorite – we probably did that by the case. Good to know that he’s still doing a good job with the “new” venture.
What pushed me over the edge was the Central Coast Syrah mixed case. I’m a sucker for Syrah and the different bottlings made it more interesting.
@karenhynes not wrong, I got totally cidered up when Cider Con came to Baltimore… but if I had a choice it would be Vermont Stowe’s Safety Meeting (a hopped cider), but right now I’m swimming in Downeast Cider Aloha Friday, a pineapple cider.
Happy hour in my back yard. Not sure what’s getting opened, but we’ve got a bubbly, a mixed drink made with home grown peaches, and a few bottles of red to choose from. And somebody is bringing a bottle of Clos Solene, I think.
@radiolysis popped tonight but then changed to a double Downeast Cider (OG & last years peach) blended peach frozen smoothie drink, but soon switching back to it.
@radiolysis I don’t think it hurt, softer mouth feel, berry not on the forefront but not bad, just different and I could see how some would like day 1 vs day 2 but still delicious !
End of a Domaine de la Terre Rouge Garrigue - excellent deal for $19 at K&L.
2020 Turley Zinfandel rose. Damn this is good pink wine. Even better than the Pedroncelli!
Saw one of these at K&L and jumped to grab it: 2014 Wind Gap Wines Pinot Noir Woodruff Vineyard
It’s very nice. Softer than I expected, but very transparent.
2007 Turkey Zin.
Howell Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge
The cork was compromised, but the up front flavor was fabulous with plenty of fruit, but the back end seemed to be lacking a little.
2015 Qupé Syrah Saywer Lindquist Vineyard in 375mL. I seem to either have terrible taste, or I’ve been very fortunate that my set of bottles hasn’t been bad.
@FritzCat IDK, not really thick…I do think it’s a property of the tannins, that just makes me want to masticate the wine. Maybe it has to do with the acid? You know how a cat nuzzles up to you and chews and drools…kinda like that.
@FritzCat@rjquillin@ScottW58
I have six rescues currently and none chew and drool. They nuzzle and knead so I don’t understand the cat reference. I’m not sure I understand thick. Is it texture? Tannins relate to the dryness, correct? Does it suck out the moisture. How does that relate to thick? Or chewy? I’m just trying to learn what all of this means and how it is described. Thank you for trying to explain. I appreciate it.
@FritzCat Yeah, that’s it. I love the Cheeky Vino description. It describes the KVR perfectly. It is a little young, and the tannins are ever so slightly harsh, and I like that.
2005 Qupé Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate
With truffle burgers we picked up at the Eataly sale (those sales are the only reason to ever shop there, imo)
2016 Bottaia Vermentino (Temecula). It was enjoyable, but non-descript. Not as acidic as I was hoping, but also not a lot of soft fruit. Just “white wine”?
After a brutal 10 hour drive I just need a drink in Newport Oregon. Tomorrow visit Kelley Fox wines
@ScottW58 What a view.
@ScottW58 Nicely done, as always!
@kawichris650 never bought, dare I ask about how good it was and what I missed?
@bunnymasseuse
Peter’s Roussanne, Marsanne, and Chardonnay are all drinking wonderfully. I was worried they’d be going downhill by now, but they are very enjoyable.
Funny story… I originally only ordered one case and it sadly got damaged during shipment. So FedEx sent it back to WCC before it ever got into my hands. It took a while to resolve that issue. In the meantime an identical offer had become available so I placed an order (thinking I’d end up with a refund for the first order) but it ended up getting fulfilled. So in the end I got TWO of the Wellington mixed white cases. Way back when, I thought that was too much, but now I’m actually glad it worked out that way because these are delicious. *To clarify, it was not a BOGO since I was charged in full for both orders. But it was worth it.
2012 Wellington Vineyards Zinfandel Meeks Hilltop Ranch
@klezman I’m not sure I can commit to “ kill a Wellington Wednesdays” lol, I look at my bottles and cry… “ I don’t wanna drink you , I can’t replace you!” : (
@bunnymasseuse same here, but I’ve still got somewhere between 9-10 cases.
Thanks to very little self control when Peter was offloading his inventory, and very strict self control ever since then, I have even more than bottles than @klezman has stashed away haha.
@bunnymasseuse
I feel ya. Despite my healthy stash, I still feel a little sad each time I pull a cork, knowing these bottles can’t be replaced. But that makes 'em all the more special and I’m sure Peter appreciates the fact that we enjoy and respect all of the hard work that he put into crafting these lovely wines.
@bunnymasseuse @kawichris650 @klezman 15 bottles left. At one time, Wellington was over 40% of my cellar. Now, it’s just over 5. But I’ll keep popping those in a prime drinking window and toasting Peter, wherever he may be. Wines are not trophies.
@hscottk @kawichris650 @klezman per my CellarTracker it says I have ~41? So it maybe a year to start the pop and reminiscing…
2014 Corison cs with A5 waygu. Just because.
@hscottk
it’s a good way to end the week.
@rjquillin Just wanted to add this bottle was Coravin’d in late February with no signs of oxidation. It’s the real deal.
@hscottk Yup, however you get it in, Ar just works
@hscottk
I like the way you think!
Drove up to see Kelley and Dustin today, fantastic visit! Ended in disaster she started opening all of her wines including the new vermouth and champagne. Then she made us take home all the leftovers
kind of screws up my plans for what to open up the next 2 days, yeah first world problems I know 
@ScottW58
Maybe RJ can swing on up the coast with his Ar to help you out.
/giphy argon-gas-man
@ScottW58 The Farmer’s market tomorrow morning will have Oregon strawberries that will go with your leftovers. Hope you enjoy my corner of the world.
@danandlisa
Love your corner of the world! Are you near us? I have plenty of wine!
@chipgreen yeah looking forward to seeing him
@ScottW58 Yes, I am near you. 8 miles north. I live in Otter Rock. I would love to meet you. I also have lots of wine.
@chipgreen @ScottW58
I’d be gassed at that opportunity, but I didn’t get an invite.
@danandlisa
Okay looking forward to meeting you guys if possible, and knocking back some bottles
Enjoying a few bottles with Joel and Michelle!
Wellington Friday
@rc70
Ran out years ago, my salute, and hope it was everything it was. Wish I didn’t treat it like it would last forever.
Anniversary dinner. Got a wagyu porterhouse in the oven reverse searing at 225, finishing up the PrevView (i.e. labrat) bottle for DivvyUp and then opening a 2002 Corison.
@klezman
Happy Anniversary!
@klezman congrats!
@klezman
Happy anniversary!!!
@klezman
Happy Belated Anniversary!
First night on vacation and decided to pop a bucket list wine and drink with the cows in Bodega bay, all I’m missing is a paper cup
@ScottW58 OK, you gotta tell me how it is, seeing as how I dragged it halfway across the world!
Also, great way to enjoy it! I hope the cow pies didn’t get in the way of the aromatics
@klezman
Really a brilliant bottle, intense mineral, intense acidity honeyed fruit but still dry with just a faint hint of petrol (which I prefer) great depth and a long finish. All that being said it’s only 8 years old and in another 28 years it might be perfect
@ScottW58 hahaha…yeah, it’s young for a top notch riesling! Glad it lives up to the hype!
Gotta love traveling to beautiful and remote Oregon coast and being welcomed by danandlisa! Thanks for the lovely dinner and I hope you guys enjoyed the wines
opened amongst many a bucket list wine for me anyways a Sami-Odi syrah.
@ScottW58 @danandlisa
Love this community!
@karenhynes @ScottW58 I do too. It was such a beautiful evening. Thanks Scott for your hospitality and letting us taste wines we have never had. The company was stellar as well.
@danandlisa @karenhynes @ScottW58 he must have been on his best behavior!
@CorTot @danandlisa @karenhynes
that is not the case here!
Hey! I have to be ass around you people just to survive
2011 Wellington Cabernet, Sonoma county
2015 Westwood legend
These two wines could not be more different!
BD offering. Sabelli-Frisch. Very nice.
Yeah, know it’s Wednesday, but…
2013 Scott Harvey Zinfandel Mountain Selection
another good friend.
@rjquillin
A great friend indeed!!! It’ll be a sad day when Scott makes the decision to retire.
@kawichris650 @rjquillin
Yes, I see that Mollie Haycock is now the head winemaker for Scott Harvey wines. The transition period begins…
@chipgreen @kawichris650 @rjquillin Whaaa? Missed that announcement…
@chipgreen @kawichris650 @klezman
Yeah, I was just reading the email announcement earlier, before I had to do airport p/u duty.
Mollie
@chipgreen @kawichris650 @rjquillin That was super sneaky! I deleted that email because I knew I wasn’t going to buy any wine. And they buried it at the bottom!
My last night on the beautiful Oregon coast and of course the salt of the earth couple danandlisa offered to make a home cooked meal for us, or did I invite myself over
you can’t overstate how wonderful a home cooked meal is when you are far from home while on vacation! Cannot thank you two enough, and of course we opened bottles 
and thanks for opening a Souzer which I had never tried it was fantastic!
@ScottW58 two nice nights! Well done!
On vacation in Colorado, staying with friends. Gone through a good number of bottles, and more to come in the next few days.
Pedroncelli Rose
Iron horse unoaked Chardonnay
J Albin Lorelle Pinot Noir
Woot Cellars bonus level
Trust Riesling
Wellington victory
And a couple more…
With hot dogs hatch chili Mac and cheese it seemed like the right thing to do when it’s hot.
2008 Roessler Pinot Noir Brosseau
with Flannery pork cap and grilled/roasted veggies & shishito.
2017 Iron Horse Vineyards Chardonnay Two Clones
2013 Provenace Merlot
2011 Wellington Syrah, Englandcrest
@kawichris650 @rc70 @karenhynes
Isn’t this the one @rpm liked on tour?
@karenhynes @kawichris650 @rc70 @rjquillin
Yes. Year in, year out, one of the best values in Zinfandel. Almost always tastes like Zin is supposed to with bright red fruit flavors, not too heavy a body and a nice long finish that has enough tannin, but doesn’t taste like wood.
@karenhynes @kawichris650 @rc70 @rjquillin
I note this bottle is 2011, the specific vintages I recommended on the Tours were the 2009 on the 2012 Tour and the 2012 on the 2014 Tour.
@karenhynes @kawichris650 @rc70 @rjquillin @rpm
I still have my bottle of 2009 Heritage Zin from the 2012 tour. I should probably drink up! On the 2014 tour, I fell in love with The Mariner.
I know what some of you may be driving soon . . .
@tercerowines like 2+ hours or so soon?
@rjquillin @tercerowines they drive a “hard” bargain…
@tercerowines in for a case. Blind.
@bunnymasseuse @rjquillin if only you knew…
@losthighwayz rare air this time brother!
@losthighwayz @tercerowines Larry, awesome offer! I have all of these already either directly from you or from retail. Even still I’m considering getting a set.
OWLS! TOWELS! JOWLS! AWESOME!
Noceto Rosato di Sangiovese 2020 with a scallop, peas, mushroom pasta dish. Really good!
2018 WineSmith Grenache Dry Rosé, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains
@karenhynes
Thoughts?
@chipgreen
If you recall, this one was quite controversial on release/inital CaseMates offer. Folks were quite put-off by the Acacia wood influence (including me). Clark was pretty devastated by the reviews/comments and ended up offering refunds to a lot of people (I think). I passed on the refund…I had faith that Clark knew what he was doing and I just needed to be patient. That was roughly 2 years ago. I think I have only opened a total of 3 of the bottles from my case (one on release, one about a year later, and one last night). I would say that at this point, it is much more drinkable than it was on release. There is still a somewhat “funky” nose. I still find it far more herbal than any rose I’ve ever had. Outside of the herbalness, the nose doesn’t have much of the fruit/floral character I typically expect in a rose. On the palate, it is very smooth and has some nice acid and Clark’s zingy “minerality” (would hold up well to food). I opened it towards the end of Clark’s Friday Night Zoom so I didn’t mention it, but may pick his brain next Friday evening (if I make it home in time). I suspect this can lounge around in the “to drink” pile for quite a few more years and may continue to evolve. I still don’t love it, but I definitely don’t hate it. I am drinking the last glass this evening, so no dumping involved! I should go back and revisit that thread and read back through the comments…
@chipgreen @karenhynes I did not have an opp to buy at the time, or passed due to bulging bunny den of carrot juice, what my friends call an unhealthy hoarding situation!! I really like funky, earthy alcohol (ie: Cachaça ) that has some uniqueness to it, but my orders history tell me this wasn’t one I got. I think there is some patience needed to creatives, folks that know what they did is worth it even if not immediately rewarding on drink or pop) and I get some want a now drinker vs a later drinker.
@bunnymasseuse @chipgreen
I’m happy to continue sitting on it. It’s definitely evolving, slowly. Some things take longer than others. Still might pick Clark’s brain on this next weekend, if I’m home in time. Summer (and post-COVID) traffic has returned to Chicago. It took me over 1.5 hrs to get home last Friday night.
PS: I may have to start configuring the unopened wine boxes into furniture. You’re not alone with your bulging bunny den!
@bunnymasseuse @karenhynes
Thanks. I haven’t had one in 13 months. It still wasn’t doing it for me at that time. Perhaps it’s time to try another. Or not… I have other Roses that are 5 and 6 years older than that!
Well, my text disappeared…
Tonight’s menu:
2016 Kent Rasmussen Esoterica Cabernet Sauvignon
Morgan Ranch hunk of tri-tip (my first attempt!)
Brown butter corn and lima beans
Salad (generic mixed, not pictured)
I took a leap into the fancy beef realm on BD back in January (or is it February?). I love a good steak, but don’t often cook them for myself. Well, that’s gonna have to change. Holy crap!
This is, by far, the tastiest steak I’ve ever had. I’m quite pleased with how it turned out. I did nothing to it other than a sprinkle of salt about 30 minutes, maybe a bit more, before cooking. Towel dried and tossed into a hot pan. I didn’t really time it but I’m guessing about 4 minutes/side. Got a nice crust on the outside and tender deliciousness inside. Took it out of the pan to rest, added some butter to the pan and let it get a bit brown…tossed in veggies for a few minutes…dinner is served!
My fear of cooking steak may be coming to an end!
@karenhynes
Great job! Damnit now I’m hungry
@karenhynes @ScottW58 The wagyu porterhouse we had last night was epic. It had clearly been next to some hunks of beef that were dry ageing, too, because the filet side picked up just a bit of funk.
Do yourself a favour and get a bigger hunk of meat and do the dry brine then reverse sear method. Hard to beat it.
@klezman @ScottW58
Baby steps…
@karenhynes @klezman
Yes and reverse sear changed my life
@karenhynes @klezman
The brown butter thing is something I have to try!
@karenhynes @ScottW58 like basting with brown butter during the sear?
@karenhynes @klezman
Yes!
@klezman @ScottW58
That does sound like a good idea! Next time…
Leftovers, mostly…
ribs, brussels sprouts, artichoke (not leftover)
2011 Wellington Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mohrhardt Ridge
de Négoce Cabernet Sauvignon OG N.100
2018 WineSmith Meritage, Humboldt Co.
@rjquillin How was the 100? Mine is on summer hold.
@rjquillin My 100 got delivered. How is it?
@hscottk @FritzCat
Young, as one would expect, gobs of fruit (not my normal wheelhouse) but after a few days open (fridge, no Ar) it really kinda grew on me. A ‘high end’ party/picnic bottle with good fruit/acid/tannin balance that should please most. First impression, despite the improvement over a few days, doesn’t seem like a long term ager.
Since we have Wellington Wednesdays, why not Two Jakes Thursdays? I decided to open a 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah.
@Mark_L
I’m curious as to your thoughts on how it’s drinking.
@kawichris650 Like I opened it 10 years early. But very nice.
2016 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
2017 Iron Horse Chardonnay, Two Clones.
@karenhynes I’ve got a bottle of WS Zin from 2001 I guess I should go looking for. That IH, imo, was quite nice.
@rjquillin
I’m generally not a chard fan, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this one. Honestly, I bought it with Christmas gifting in mind (for the non-red lovers). I need to remember not to drink it all!
Planning on opening the one 2000 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva that I have (seems like the 2001s might be preferred, so I’ll save them) for my 40th Father’s Day dinner (in my 70th year) of braised short ribs.
Worked the cork most of the way out with my Ah-So and then made the mistake of trying to pull it out the rest of the way by hand, and the top part promptly broke off. Further attempts were pushing it down into the neck, but I managed to get a corkscrew into what remained and pulled it out. I did pour through a strainer (when shouldering the bottle) to get a few remnants of cork – firsts tastes are everything I hoped this bottle would be.
Happy Wellington Wednesday!
@kawichris650 Ditto
Finishing off the last of this.
@kawichris650 #truth
Seven Deadly Zins
I know…but it was a 2010 that has been patiently
waiting in my cellar for all these years…and it gave
its all for our pleasure.
2015 Suzor The Tower Pinot Noir
Awesome BD wine!
FOOLS! TOOLS! JEWELS! AWESOME!
@klezman Yes it is. I have been hoarding it.
A white Pinot Noir. Sounds crazy, no?
Another pleasant surprise, courtesy of Berserker Day 2021.
@InFrom interest perked, tell me more!?!
2019 Pedroncelli Rosè and deNegoce OG n.16 Sauvignon Blanc.
With hot dogs and some green stuff
@ScottW58 Hot Dogs and Pinot, interesting pairing! I haven’t tried the Maresh but need to remedy that soon.
@hscottk
Not worried about pairing headed up to Oregon tomorrow
@hscottk @ScottW58 Weather is great come on up. Maybe a few showers (need more.)
I’m not familiar with that winery, I need to look it up.
@hscottk @ScottW58 hiatus?
2013 Scherrer Syrah with a grilled Flannery hanger
@jml326 I’ve got one of those waiting for the right occasion. Hopefully it will be worth it.
Headed back down the coast, top of Mount Shasta is in the clouds but my first 16 Brunello shows great promise.
@ScottW58 Sounds lovely.
2013 Bedrock Wine Co. Grenache Gris Gibson Ranch
The CT 88.5 is an insult to this bottle.
2016 Rose of Cab Franc
Delicious. @winedavid49 maybe you can score some of this lovely wine this summer
A white while cooking and a red for that beautiful steak, a sexy 28 ounce Flannery Jorge
@ScottW58 Those Jorge rib steaks are awesome. They need to have a sale on them again…
DIPLOMAT! RAT-A-TAT! FAT CAT! AWESOME!
Had some people over now that most/all in our circles are vaccinated.
NV Albert Lebrun Champagne Grand Cru
2018 Immich-Anker Riesling Eschewingert Feinherb (surprisingly dry for this category)
2019 Triennes Rosé
2016 Harvest Moon Pinot Noir
2017 San Simeon Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Had some ex-co-workers over, since I lost my job…well, I didn’t lose it, I know where it is, it’s just that when I go there someone else is doing it.
2016 Scott Harvey Barbera
2018 Winesmith Dry Rose of Grenache
2019 Long Point Sweet Lissy Riesling
2018 Conundrum White
2016 Mollydooker The Boxer
2015 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec
1997 Quinta do Infantado Vintage Port
With Burgers and Tube Steaks
The Scott Harvey Barbera was fantastic. The Winesmith was a Dry Rose, and Maxx loved it. The Conundrum and Mollydooker were on-point, just what one would expect (did the “Mollydooker Shake”, of course). The Port was very good, and the cork was perfect. I experimented by sealing up half in a 375 ml, and aerating and decanting the rest for 12 hrs. Both were good. The only disappointment was the Trivento; not as fruity as I expected, too much age?
Made some crab cakes and this fell off the truck today.
@ScottW58 Nice…how is it? Ron and I split an order.
@klezman
It’s delicious I will try the Mouved one next.
@klezman @ScottW58
I thought that looked familiar.
It was shipping to you, has it arrived?
@klezman @rjquillin @ScottW58 I have crab cakes to cook this week, now I’ll have to search for the perfect companion…
@rjquillin @ScottW58 No shipping notification or anything, no.
@klezman @rjquillin @ScottW58
Nikki sent an email about the shipping a few days ago and I received a notice from FedEx. She was shipping different areas at different times so be on the lookout. Mine is scheduled to arrive on Monday. Looking forward to it.
@chefjess @klezman @ScottW58
Ours is shipping, wx permitting, GLS/GSO on Monday.
Louis Latour Henry Fessy Red (recent purchase from CM) & cold herb salmon from last nights dinner
Day 2 of Wilson red wine, 2014
Zin based.
Wilson makes some very tasty wines
This one is chewy, Prisoner-like.
@FritzCat Wilson has never returned my calls for some reason.
@FritzCat @Winedavid49 I think they do their deals with wine spies.
Obviously I think they’d do better here. That site is less than honest about some things and their customer service is terrible.
@kawichris650 @winedavid49 I’d enjoy more Gersing around here.
@kawichris650 @radiolysis did we run this? first blush, i honestly don’t remember this one. i’ll look it up later.
@kawichris650 @Winedavid49 you haven’t done the viognier but you had the merlot, syrah, and nebbiolo
Night 2 before we head up to Newport Oregon. Really love this stuff!
@ScottW58 Another great choice! Wow! I’ve been considering opening a 2010 (I think) Scrio one of these days.
2017 WINEXYZ Alicante Bouschet le artishasic Tamayo Vineyard
Image from CT
2009 Iron Horse Vineyards Summer’s Cuvée
2010 Kent Rasmussen Sauvignon Blanc Esoterica
Well, nothing as classy as the posts above, but I opened the 2015 Altue Chardonnay from the mystery case. While there is nothing particularly distinctive about it, it is eminently drinkable. At the Vivino supposed value of $5.24, I would also call it great QPR. I’m feeling better about the mystery case already
I know it’s Wellington Wednesday, but I opted for Scott’s Syrah instead.
2015 Tercero Mourvèdre Rosé Vogelzang Vineyard
2013 Wind Gap Wines Grenache Old Vine Sceales Vineyard
2019 Jana Winery Riesling Old Vine Mendocino
The Riesling needs to be a fair bit warmer than fridge temperature to really show its stuff…
WineSmith 2018 Saint Laurent, Carneros 11.3 AbV from a 375.
With Costco prime Tri-Tip & a chipotle rub. Beef and wine were all tasty.
You started the thread but didn’t drink?!
We finished off a Bedrock Gewurztraminer and E11even Petit Verdot. Then had an Acacia 2014 RRV Pinot and a 2007 Pedroncelli Port for dessert.
@klezman I posted in May then started June! Lol.
Not my photo, but my sip for the eve, not a big fan but diluted it with water and more lemon so now it’s a strong lemonade:)
2019 Orr Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Another souvenir of Berserker Day 2021.
@InFrom Orr’s are amazing. We’ve enjoyed every bottle from BD
@losthighwayz I have not had occasion to use any of those nifty sharpened pencils she tucked into the box, have you?
@InFrom @losthighwayz
Agreed and that Chenin is outstanding IMHO.
@InFrom @losthighwayz
Love the pencils use them all the time
@InFrom @ScottW58
We’ve got an “Orr” at work; gifted mine to her.
Got some very interesting looks and comments.
@InFrom @ScottW58 Orr and Suzor revealed themselves to me in January. My favorite BD purchases though Stars and Dust were delivered today
@losthighwayz @ScottW58 I missed that one. But agreed on the Suzor and Orr.
@InFrom @losthighwayz @ScottW58 Haven’t tried any of my Suzor yet, but they’re in the queue.
Margherita pizza at a local BYOB joint and Zeppelin 2019 Zinfandel
@bunnymasseuse for the critics yet again, me and my silicone unbreakable wine glass, not classy by any means but damage free!
@bunnymasseuse we use the GoVino tumblers. Thin enough and shaped well imo
@bunnymasseuse @losthighwayz
Love my GoVinos!
@bunnymasseuse @karenhynes @losthighwayz
Ditto on the GoVinos!
Earlier, some Chateau Ste Michelle Horse Heaven vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.
Now, WineSmith Saint Laurent, paired with grilled burgers and asparagus.
[Hmm, hot dogs and burgers seems like a theme tonight; it’s Monday and we got stuff to do!]
Opened my last 2012 Stewart Cellars Napa CS – an early purchase here.
2015 Apriori Pinot Noir
2018 Acquiesce Grenache Blanc
2013 Scott Harvey Zinfandel Mountain Selection
Sue was the surprise stop for me on the last tour,
and Scott is, well Scott.
Sitting in central Missouri enjoying watching the Cubs sweep the Cards (hey, I’m a Chicago-area transplant!) while finishing a 2016 Pedroncelli Barrel Select. What a great night!
Opened my second 2017 Spellbound Petite Sirah. Definitely worth the $6.25 price of admission.
2015 Sportoletti Umbria Rosso Villa Fidelia
2018 Tercero aberration
2020 Campesino Isa
2019 Gård Vintners Grenache Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards
After a great week+ in Denver/Boulder, back home with a 2017 Dirty & Rowdy Viognier, Alder Springs Vineyard
@klezman
Business or pleasure? Or some of both
@ScottW58 An actual - gasp! - vacation!
2011 Sojourn Rodgers Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
OG N.135 Mendocino Carignane
Very good nights 1 and 2, lots of flavor, a tad tart,
good legs @ 14%. Great QPR at $8/bottle.
OK, $11 w/tax & shipping.
@FritzCat agree. Enjoyable bottle of wine.
@FritzCat I bought my first OG case last week. It’s really hard for me to commit to a full case of things, much less sight unseen.
@radiolysis I’ve trusted CH for years, so I can spring for a case here and there, especially the even hundreds…those were always special. I’ve bought…several.
@FritzCat I’ve picked up the CH stuff when it was at Costco. The Lot 678 Willamette Pinot was a work favorite – we probably did that by the case. Good to know that he’s still doing a good job with the “new” venture.
What pushed me over the edge was the Central Coast Syrah mixed case. I’m a sucker for Syrah and the different bottlings made it more interesting.
Last one for the month. Today’s offer has me picking a 2007 Twisted Oak Petite Sirah Calaveras County
Well sadly I got another show to work on so cut a couple of lobster tails in half and put them on a stick. Will finish with a whole lot of butter
Apparently, today is World Cider Day (who knew???).
Off to go find a cider…
@karenhynes dag seriously? Well fudge…
@bunnymasseuse
Settled on Island Orchard Cider, Apple-Ginger.
I figured if anyone knew about World Cider Day, it would be you!
@karenhynes not wrong, I got totally cidered up when Cider Con came to Baltimore… but if I had a choice it would be Vermont Stowe’s Safety Meeting (a hopped cider), but right now I’m swimming in Downeast Cider Aloha Friday, a pineapple cider.
Happy hour in my back yard. Not sure what’s getting opened, but we’ve got a bubbly, a mixed drink made with home grown peaches, and a few bottles of red to choose from. And somebody is bringing a bottle of Clos Solene, I think.
Winter is ending, so some Courvoisier and a local independent brew.
Infidel, I know, but saving most else.
2018 Miro Grenache Rose, Chevalier Vineyard, Mendocito County
2014 Qupé Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard - Last of the 375s from CM. These are spotty at best.
2017 J. Dusi Escandalosa. More fruity than I expected, but I should have expected since it’s a Paso red
@radiolysis hit some from a fellow mate, hope to pop a bottle this week!
@bunnymasseuse we also poured via Coravin so the sediment was a challenge. Be warned with that regardless of how you pour.
@radiolysis popped tonight but then changed to a double Downeast Cider (OG & last years peach) blended peach frozen smoothie drink, but soon switching back to it.
@bunnymasseuse How did it turn out? I’m also curious how extra air helped/hurt since we didn’t get that benefit.
@radiolysis I don’t think it hurt, softer mouth feel, berry not on the forefront but not bad, just different and I could see how some would like day 1 vs day 2 but still delicious !
@radiolysis bottle killed! Either 2J RR CF tomorrow or something new, hesitating on letting that decant go over 2 weeks…
End of a Domaine de la Terre Rouge Garrigue - excellent deal for $19 at K&L.
2020 Turley Zinfandel rose. Damn this is good pink wine. Even better than the Pedroncelli!
@klezman
Considering the likely price difference, I’d expect so!
@rjquillin SRP difference is smaller than you’d expect: $0.
Saw one of these at K&L and jumped to grab it: 2014 Wind Gap Wines Pinot Noir Woodruff Vineyard
It’s very nice. Softer than I expected, but very transparent.
@klezman I’m a fan of the ‘15.
@hscottk Wine Spies lost my order of 4 of the 2015. Thankfully Ron had enough on order that he consented to passing a few on to me.
2016 Gulfi Sicilia Nerosanlorè Nero D’avola
Waaaay to early! Don’t know what I was thinking…
@rjquillin
LoL I don’t think I have ever heard or read anyone saying it’s too early to drink a Nero D’avola!
2007 Turkey Zin.
Howell Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge
The cork was compromised, but the up front flavor was fabulous with plenty of fruit, but the back end seemed to be lacking a little.
@FritzCat
Ha Ha, Turkey Zin.
2015 Qupé Syrah Saywer Lindquist Vineyard in 375mL. I seem to either have terrible taste, or I’ve been very fortunate that my set of bottles hasn’t been bad.
2018 Hess Collection Allomi Cab Sauv
2019 Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel
Stars & Dust Rose of Grenache. Final arrival from BD. Delicious. Today was day two and it held up very nicely
2017 KVR (night 2, on the counter with a cork).
Dark, Rich, Balanced, Chewy, Fantastic!
Makes me wanna buy more Knights Valley Cabernet.
@FritzCat
What does chewy describe? I always hear people use that term, but I am unsure of what that means with wine.
@chefjess @FritzCat
Thick in most cases?
@chefjess @FritzCat @ScottW58
I was thinking how the tannins integrated, or not…
@FritzCat IDK, not really thick…I do think it’s a property of the tannins, that just makes me want to masticate the wine. Maybe it has to do with the acid? You know how a cat nuzzles up to you and chews and drools…kinda like that.
@chefjess @FritzCat @rjquillin
although I use it to describe thick.
Hence the question mark
@FritzCat @rjquillin @ScottW58
I have six rescues currently and none chew and drool. They nuzzle and knead so I don’t understand the cat reference. I’m not sure I understand thick. Is it texture? Tannins relate to the dryness, correct? Does it suck out the moisture. How does that relate to thick? Or chewy? I’m just trying to learn what all of this means and how it is described. Thank you for trying to explain. I appreciate it.
@chefjess @FritzCat @ScottW58
Try this from winefolly or this from the cheeky vino.
@FritzCat Yeah, that’s it. I love the Cheeky Vino description. It describes the KVR perfectly. It is a little young, and the tannins are ever so slightly harsh, and I like that.
2017 Metrick Albariño Paragon Vineyard
1995 Flora Springs Trilogy
With some dry-aged steaks I picked up for half price at the Eataly sale today.
Wow…at 13.2% alcohol the Trilogy is drinking splendidly. Excellent buy!
Tried my 2nd bottle from the case and gave the last 10 to my daughter’s.
@ScottW58
Ringing endorsements on this one; not!
Has he taken a position yet on how to address the issue?
@rjquillin
Address the issue??
@ScottW58 I’ll retract that, only looked at the first page of unhappy CT notes; 3 of 4 reported flawed.
Haven’t tried any of mine yet.
@rjquillin
Ahh, no the two I have tried are not flawed it’s I’m just not currently enjoying or drinking zins.
@rjquillin @ScottW58 Was this the one rumoured to be Pedroncelli?
@klezman @rjquillin
Yes
2013 Ridge Zinfandel Hooker Creek
Ridge’s take on Bedrock Vineyard? Don’t mind if I do…
2015 Substance Vineyard Collection Klein Vineyard. Good. No hurry, plenty of time.
Pax Wine Cellars Trousseau Gris 2019
2005 Qupé Syrah Bien Nacido Hillside Estate
With truffle burgers we picked up at the Eataly sale (those sales are the only reason to ever shop there, imo)
With smoked chicken thigh quarters.
This is the Mourvèdre version of Nikki’s new rose and I think I like the Grenache one better, this is a little to meaty for me right now?
@ScottW58 These just showed up today…looking forward to trying them in the next couple months.
@klezman @ScottW58
At least they finally made it…
Ice packs do their job well?
Clearing out to buy more…
@bunnymasseuse
Chateau Bonnet Saint-Amour from the mystery case. Nothing outstanding, but not objectionable.
2016 Bottaia Vermentino (Temecula). It was enjoyable, but non-descript. Not as acidic as I was hoping, but also not a lot of soft fruit. Just “white wine”?