Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds D’Armand 2012
From the famed La Crau lieu dits—but from the western end of the parcel. Rounder, silkier tannins from the sand-heavy soils standout in this substantive wine. Gorgeous, layered notes of black cherry, game, roasted coffee, bay leaf, and savory herbs can be found on both the nose and palate. The finish is gratifyingly lengthy and […]
Tor Kenward Family TOR Durell Chardonnay 2009
From the acclaimed Durell Vineyard, the 2009 TOR Chardonnay is all from the Wente Clone fruit, grown in a mix of Goulding clay loam and diatomaceous earth, the effect of which is startling. This is a big, brooding Chardonnay, with complex aromas of hazelnuts, vanilla, coffee bean, chocolate liquor, and praline. Silky on entry, quite […]
Méo-Camuzet Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Aux Boudots 2002
2002 was a very good vintage in Burgundy, with uniform ripening. This 2002 Meó-Camuzet Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Boudots is drinking admirably. Garnet-hued and opaque, I’m quite certain it it was neither fined nor filtered. Layered aromatics of rose petal and forest in early fall. Damp earth, roasted game, wild strawberries, raspberries and anise. It’s still vibrant and […]
Shrimp with Wild Mushrooms and Pancetta in a Cream Sauce
We paired this with an aged Burgundy, the 2002 Meó-Camuzet Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Boudots proved to be a heavenly match. Woodsy notes work beautifully with the mushrooms and pancetta. Meó-Camuzet is pricey, though I suggest sticking with the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC as the Pinot Noir from this region tends to have a lovely earthy, foresty character. [amd-yrecipe-recipe:11]
Dönnhoff Nahe Oberhäuser Leistenberg Kabinett Riesling 2011
I have long loved Dönnhoff, and will continue to extoll its virtues. The Nahe Oberhäuser Leistenberg Kabinett Riesling 2011 is simply put, a pulse-quickening example, with complex aromas of white flowers, Asian pear, shale, mint, and clover honey. On the palate, a tensile, arching backbone interlaced with peach pit and white grapefruit pith adds tension […]
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne Special Club Millesimé de Collection 2002
The Gimonnet Special Club Millesimé de Collection 2002 is the very picture of refinement. Crisp, classical notes freshly cut apples, pear, honeysuckle, and a wispy touch of smoke. The attack is lively, with brisk bubbles carving a wide swath trough richly textured layers. The flavors are quite understated, rather, it’s more about subtlety and balance—a […]
Larmandier-Bernier Champagne Vieille Vigne De Cramant Grand Cru NV
The Vieille Vigne De Cramant Grand Cru NV is a rounder, fuller Larmandier-Bernier, brimming over with with ripe fruit character. Luscious notes of red apple skins, buttered croissant, rum cake and smoke. Dark gold in the glass, with a fine, fine mousse and a lovely touch of age. It’s quite sensual, modestly fleshy and graced […]
J.K. Carriere Blanc De Noir 2011
Kudos to winemaker, Jim Prosser for turning out this utterly charming sparkling Pinot Noir. 2011 was the inaugural vintage, and was whole-cluster pressed then slowly fermented in neutral oak using native yeast. Crafted in the Méthode Champenoise tradition, the nose is delicately perfumed with hibiscus, rose hips, wild strawberries, blowsy fresh linen, and mint. Elegant […]
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Champagne Premier Cru NV
Larmandier-Bernier is a small, biodynamic producer, and one that has impressed me as of late—the Terre de Vertus Premier Cru NV boasts attractive aromas of buttered toast, marzipan, baklava, golden delicious apples, and stone fruit. This is a zero-dosage Champagne, that is light on it’s feet, as one might expect, with limestone, chalk and lemon […]
Meulenhof Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese Alte Reben 2012
Rich and unctuous, the Meulenhof Mosel Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese Alte Reben 2012 is ripe, juicy apricot, golden Opal apple and paraffin, a twinkling top note of kerosene. Soft and silky on entry, with a medium level of acidity that leans towards bright citrus fruit, candied lemon peel and dried pineapple. I found my self […]