Florida Jim
Florida Jim
Wine impressions 11-22-22
N/V Gruet, Brut - it’s been awhile since I’ve had one of these and, I’m sorry to say, it is not what it once was. Anemic bead, more RS (or at least the impression of more) than Brut would suggest and pedestrian in flavors and delivery. Make Bellini’s and it will be fine but this is not for drinking on its own. A shame; once upon a time this bottling was pretty good.
2020 Desvignes, Morgon Javernieres - glorious Morgon, balanced, full, intense, harmonious and structured; a wine for aging or drinking or, should the spirit move, bathing in. ‘Love it!
2018 Chateau de la Cree, Montagny Les Tourelles Premier Cru - pure, crystalline Chardonnay without any wood influence; a beautiful, joyful wine that I could drink anytime.
2017 Sandlands, Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands - on the pretty end of the Syrah spectrum and without artifice or manipulation; the kind of Syrah that will never be first in my heart but that I could drink regularly and enjoy. Especially with pasta and ground almond/fresh tomato sauce.
2020 Louis Michel, Chablis Butteaux (not VV) - I have been thru half a case of this and while the first couple bottles showed well, I have finally decided l’ll drink the rest of the case sooner, not later. Further, I will not be buying any more 2020 Chablis from this house.
There is an asparagus note in the nose and in the mouth which seems to get worse if a partial bottle is refrigerated overnight. Whether the culprit is pyrazines or passerillage or some other factor I can’t figure out, these do not appear to be wines to age and, IMO, are not worth the money. They are passable now but only barely.
This house is usually so reliable . . . ah well, perhaps the exception that proves the rule . . .
2016 A Tribute to Grace, Luke (mag.) - 55% Graciano/45% Grenache; a little tired on opening but “youngs up” quickly to become a medium weight, intricate and smooth wine with individuality. I did not know Luke but I know Angela; a lovely tribute.
To Luke!
2019 Extradimensional Wine Co., Hold Me Tight - Mourvèdre from heaven knows where; I was determined to let this last bottle go long term but, the best laid plans . . .
Not the depth of Evangelho but all of the power, cut and focus with a bit more structure; a wonderful wine with a tomato sauced pasta but also, beginning to show well by itself. And the clarity and complexity here is next level.
I don’t know who the best winemaker in CA is but I know that I am always pleased to see one of Hardy’s wines on the table.
This was really good!
Best, Jim
N/V Gruet, Brut - it’s been awhile since I’ve had one of these and, I’m sorry to say, it is not what it once was. Anemic bead, more RS (or at least the impression of more) than Brut would suggest and pedestrian in flavors and delivery. Make Bellini’s and it will be fine but this is not for drinking on its own. A shame; once upon a time this bottling was pretty good.
2020 Desvignes, Morgon Javernieres - glorious Morgon, balanced, full, intense, harmonious and structured; a wine for aging or drinking or, should the spirit move, bathing in. ‘Love it!
2018 Chateau de la Cree, Montagny Les Tourelles Premier Cru - pure, crystalline Chardonnay without any wood influence; a beautiful, joyful wine that I could drink anytime.
2017 Sandlands, Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands - on the pretty end of the Syrah spectrum and without artifice or manipulation; the kind of Syrah that will never be first in my heart but that I could drink regularly and enjoy. Especially with pasta and ground almond/fresh tomato sauce.
2020 Louis Michel, Chablis Butteaux (not VV) - I have been thru half a case of this and while the first couple bottles showed well, I have finally decided l’ll drink the rest of the case sooner, not later. Further, I will not be buying any more 2020 Chablis from this house.
There is an asparagus note in the nose and in the mouth which seems to get worse if a partial bottle is refrigerated overnight. Whether the culprit is pyrazines or passerillage or some other factor I can’t figure out, these do not appear to be wines to age and, IMO, are not worth the money. They are passable now but only barely.
This house is usually so reliable . . . ah well, perhaps the exception that proves the rule . . .
2016 A Tribute to Grace, Luke (mag.) - 55% Graciano/45% Grenache; a little tired on opening but “youngs up” quickly to become a medium weight, intricate and smooth wine with individuality. I did not know Luke but I know Angela; a lovely tribute.
To Luke!
2019 Extradimensional Wine Co., Hold Me Tight - Mourvèdre from heaven knows where; I was determined to let this last bottle go long term but, the best laid plans . . .
Not the depth of Evangelho but all of the power, cut and focus with a bit more structure; a wonderful wine with a tomato sauced pasta but also, beginning to show well by itself. And the clarity and complexity here is next level.
I don’t know who the best winemaker in CA is but I know that I am always pleased to see one of Hardy’s wines on the table.
This was really good!
Best, Jim