Florida Jim
Florida Jim
Wine impressions 10-6-23
2019 Louis Michel, Chablis Forets - a complete and nuanced Chablis that is still open and reflective of its vineyard. A level up from the Montmain of the same vintage.
Excellent.
2019 Vincent, Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge - Ribbon Ridge often reminds me of the structure from the Côte de Beaune but with greater generosity; this is the epitome of that balance. A lovely Pinot that always feels special.
Excellent.
2021 Cortese, Carricante - a fine accompaniment to lighter fare with character and balance. Not the complexity of some wines made with this grape but not the price tag either.
Good.
2022 Domaine Wachau, Weissenkirchen Gruner Veltliner Federspiel - not the weight or depth of the best wines in the Wachau but a charming rendition of Federspiel and more complex than expected.
Very good.
2021 Domaine Wachau, Weissenkirchen Gruner Veltliner Smaragd - not the same verve as the preceding wine and does not feel like a step up in depth or structure.
Good.
2019 Barbacan, Valtellina Rosso - the first bottle from the case that did not have a spritz to it. Clean, pure Nebbiolo with Valtellina character; it will not be confused with the Lange but it stands well on its own.
Very good.
1991 Dunn, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - bottle stink blows off in about 30 minutes and despite some very present tannins, the wine is balanced with an hour in the decanter. Bought on release, this was a better than expected showing.
(Aside: my wife, who usually shares my distain of Cabernet Sauvignon, liked it a lot.)
Very good.
2022 Bruno Giacosa, Arneis - 14% abv makes a difference; it’s generous, viscous and flavorful but a bit too heavy for my tastes and not very typical to the variety.
Good.
2022 Salindini Pilastri, Falerio - a blended white that is delicious, moderately complex, withstands even refrigerator cold and goes with just about anything.
Very good.
2022 Hermes, Nemea - a Greek red made from the Agiorgitiko grape that is simple at first pour and anything but by second glass. Well structured, excellent red fruit flavors, good length and everything in balance.
Very good.
2022 Cortese, Nerello Mascalese - a Sicilian red that has that volcanic soil “tang” with good fruit and savoriness.
Very good.
2022 Cortese, Catarratto Lucido - another white from Sicily that is bright, crisp, layered and fresh.
Very good.
2022 TerrAmore, Nero d’Avola - quite light in delivery and weight, pure fruit flavors and some complexity; perfect with summer fare.
Good.
2021 Vecchia Cantina, Umbria Rosso - by all accounts this is described as a Merlot and Sangiovese blend - baloney. This is Sagrantino or somebody knows how to make a blend taste like Sagrantino. Excellent balance, prominent but not overbearing tannins, good depth and some complexity - an entry level Sagrantino made well, if you ask me. And it’s about $10.
Excellent.
2021 Domaine Wachau, Weissenkirchen Riesling Federspiel - a solid, typical Austrian Riesling that is good but no more.
Good.
2022 Clos du Gravillas, emmenez-moi au bout de terret - made from Terret Gris which is indigenous to the Minervois, this is a lightweight, complex, mineral driven, savory wine that is utterly electric in the mouth. Plenty of finish with no weight and the lasting impression that you just tasted something unique and wonderful.
Even better and more complete on day two!
Retail is less than $20.
Superb.
(A tip of the cap to Zachary Ross for this suggestion.)
Best, Jim
2019 Louis Michel, Chablis Forets - a complete and nuanced Chablis that is still open and reflective of its vineyard. A level up from the Montmain of the same vintage.
Excellent.
2019 Vincent, Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge - Ribbon Ridge often reminds me of the structure from the Côte de Beaune but with greater generosity; this is the epitome of that balance. A lovely Pinot that always feels special.
Excellent.
2021 Cortese, Carricante - a fine accompaniment to lighter fare with character and balance. Not the complexity of some wines made with this grape but not the price tag either.
Good.
2022 Domaine Wachau, Weissenkirchen Gruner Veltliner Federspiel - not the weight or depth of the best wines in the Wachau but a charming rendition of Federspiel and more complex than expected.
Very good.
2021 Domaine Wachau, Weissenkirchen Gruner Veltliner Smaragd - not the same verve as the preceding wine and does not feel like a step up in depth or structure.
Good.
2019 Barbacan, Valtellina Rosso - the first bottle from the case that did not have a spritz to it. Clean, pure Nebbiolo with Valtellina character; it will not be confused with the Lange but it stands well on its own.
Very good.
1991 Dunn, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - bottle stink blows off in about 30 minutes and despite some very present tannins, the wine is balanced with an hour in the decanter. Bought on release, this was a better than expected showing.
(Aside: my wife, who usually shares my distain of Cabernet Sauvignon, liked it a lot.)
Very good.
2022 Bruno Giacosa, Arneis - 14% abv makes a difference; it’s generous, viscous and flavorful but a bit too heavy for my tastes and not very typical to the variety.
Good.
2022 Salindini Pilastri, Falerio - a blended white that is delicious, moderately complex, withstands even refrigerator cold and goes with just about anything.
Very good.
2022 Hermes, Nemea - a Greek red made from the Agiorgitiko grape that is simple at first pour and anything but by second glass. Well structured, excellent red fruit flavors, good length and everything in balance.
Very good.
2022 Cortese, Nerello Mascalese - a Sicilian red that has that volcanic soil “tang” with good fruit and savoriness.
Very good.
2022 Cortese, Catarratto Lucido - another white from Sicily that is bright, crisp, layered and fresh.
Very good.
2022 TerrAmore, Nero d’Avola - quite light in delivery and weight, pure fruit flavors and some complexity; perfect with summer fare.
Good.
2021 Vecchia Cantina, Umbria Rosso - by all accounts this is described as a Merlot and Sangiovese blend - baloney. This is Sagrantino or somebody knows how to make a blend taste like Sagrantino. Excellent balance, prominent but not overbearing tannins, good depth and some complexity - an entry level Sagrantino made well, if you ask me. And it’s about $10.
Excellent.
2021 Domaine Wachau, Weissenkirchen Riesling Federspiel - a solid, typical Austrian Riesling that is good but no more.
Good.
2022 Clos du Gravillas, emmenez-moi au bout de terret - made from Terret Gris which is indigenous to the Minervois, this is a lightweight, complex, mineral driven, savory wine that is utterly electric in the mouth. Plenty of finish with no weight and the lasting impression that you just tasted something unique and wonderful.
Even better and more complete on day two!
Retail is less than $20.
Superb.
(A tip of the cap to Zachary Ross for this suggestion.)
Best, Jim