Florida Jim
Florida Jim
Wine Impressions 4-3-26
2022 Dominique Gruhier, Bourgogne Epineuil - medium bodied, cool climate Pinot, silky textures, some complexity, nice finish. Has withdrawn slightly since release but is still charming. Fine.
2022 Dominique Gruhier, Bourgogne Epineuil Cuvée Juliette - also medium bodied but a clenched fist of a wine that has turned inward almost completely. Does not wish to come out and play but should develop nicely.
2021 Cune, Rioja Crianza - medium bodied, old world, complex wine that is made well and will last much longer than I intend to hold any bottles. This has become a house red for us and does not seem to shut down. Fine.
2023 Marc Dupas, Bourgogne Les Percelles - in the past, this has been easy to drink - this bottle was not. I do not suspect a problem in the wine but I do think my tastes have changed. Not pleasant.
2024 Ilarria, Irouleguy, Rose - this is well made, distinctive and thirst quenching but one has to be ready to taste outside the box. An acquired taste.
2023 Zlatan Otok, Bilo Idro Marina Cuvée - Croatian wine from the island of Hvar, several indigenous varieties in its cepage, bright, crisp but now with more depth and density than on release; for drinking with fresh seafood while overlooking the ocean (or when such is your mood).
Screw cap. Fine.
2023 Ayrarakis, Plyto Psarades Vineyard - from Crete; Plyto is indigenous and is fairly complex, has a good acid spine, tastes of the sea with a hint of peach and seems prepared to develop if held. Fine.
2023 Kontozisis, Malagousis - here too I find a hint of peach, good acid snap, surprising length. I want to hold a few of these as I think more is lurking. Fine.
2023 Dom. Zafeirakis, Assyrtiko - this is superb, worth double or more its retail price, and absolutely hums with energy and deliciousness. I’m into my third case of this and I know I did not buy enough. Very fine.
2023 Goisot, Cotes d’Auxerre - usually, I would just buy a case of this every year and run out early. But in this vintage, the ripeness got away from them and it’s a bit muddy and non-descript; and time in the cellar is not yet helping. 14% abv stated. Not for me.
2023 Dolceacqua, Posau - Rossese (a/k/a Tibouren) from an amphitheater vineyard between the sea and the alps. Medium bodied, silky texture, lively and bright red fruits, without much fruit sweetness. Reminds me of the Clos Cibonne version of rouge. I like it now and I hear good things come to those who wait. Fine.
2024 Pepiere, Muscadet Briords - I would never have believed it but this is the first Briords (after countless vintages) that does not impress. It is a good, workhorse Muscadet and my wife likes it. But I expect more of this cuvée. Good.
2024 Sainte Celine, Chablis - $17 at Trader Joe’s and as good an inexpensive white wine as I have found. A pointe Chablis character, is even more typical on day two and this is remarkably well crafted. Made by Brocard (although the name does not appear on the label) and our house white for several years now. Fine.
2023 Louis Michel, Chablis Forets - not especially giving at present but the “stuff” is there. Hold. Fine.
2023 Louis Michel, Chablis Montee de Tonnerre - lovely wine, with character, nuance, depth and length. I am guessing this will withdraw a bit over the next year but I doubt it will shut down. Pedigree tells. Very fine.
2023 Dom. des Ardoisieres, Silice Blanc - 100% Jacquere, 11% abv, and one of the most captivating white wines I have had this year. Beautiful balance, intense but not shrill, deep but not round, full of energy and life force and wonderful with food. A great wine. Very fine, indeed.
Thanks Claude.
Best, Jim
2022 Dominique Gruhier, Bourgogne Epineuil - medium bodied, cool climate Pinot, silky textures, some complexity, nice finish. Has withdrawn slightly since release but is still charming. Fine.
2022 Dominique Gruhier, Bourgogne Epineuil Cuvée Juliette - also medium bodied but a clenched fist of a wine that has turned inward almost completely. Does not wish to come out and play but should develop nicely.
2021 Cune, Rioja Crianza - medium bodied, old world, complex wine that is made well and will last much longer than I intend to hold any bottles. This has become a house red for us and does not seem to shut down. Fine.
2023 Marc Dupas, Bourgogne Les Percelles - in the past, this has been easy to drink - this bottle was not. I do not suspect a problem in the wine but I do think my tastes have changed. Not pleasant.
2024 Ilarria, Irouleguy, Rose - this is well made, distinctive and thirst quenching but one has to be ready to taste outside the box. An acquired taste.
2023 Zlatan Otok, Bilo Idro Marina Cuvée - Croatian wine from the island of Hvar, several indigenous varieties in its cepage, bright, crisp but now with more depth and density than on release; for drinking with fresh seafood while overlooking the ocean (or when such is your mood).
Screw cap. Fine.
2023 Ayrarakis, Plyto Psarades Vineyard - from Crete; Plyto is indigenous and is fairly complex, has a good acid spine, tastes of the sea with a hint of peach and seems prepared to develop if held. Fine.
2023 Kontozisis, Malagousis - here too I find a hint of peach, good acid snap, surprising length. I want to hold a few of these as I think more is lurking. Fine.
2023 Dom. Zafeirakis, Assyrtiko - this is superb, worth double or more its retail price, and absolutely hums with energy and deliciousness. I’m into my third case of this and I know I did not buy enough. Very fine.
2023 Goisot, Cotes d’Auxerre - usually, I would just buy a case of this every year and run out early. But in this vintage, the ripeness got away from them and it’s a bit muddy and non-descript; and time in the cellar is not yet helping. 14% abv stated. Not for me.
2023 Dolceacqua, Posau - Rossese (a/k/a Tibouren) from an amphitheater vineyard between the sea and the alps. Medium bodied, silky texture, lively and bright red fruits, without much fruit sweetness. Reminds me of the Clos Cibonne version of rouge. I like it now and I hear good things come to those who wait. Fine.
2024 Pepiere, Muscadet Briords - I would never have believed it but this is the first Briords (after countless vintages) that does not impress. It is a good, workhorse Muscadet and my wife likes it. But I expect more of this cuvée. Good.
2024 Sainte Celine, Chablis - $17 at Trader Joe’s and as good an inexpensive white wine as I have found. A pointe Chablis character, is even more typical on day two and this is remarkably well crafted. Made by Brocard (although the name does not appear on the label) and our house white for several years now. Fine.
2023 Louis Michel, Chablis Forets - not especially giving at present but the “stuff” is there. Hold. Fine.
2023 Louis Michel, Chablis Montee de Tonnerre - lovely wine, with character, nuance, depth and length. I am guessing this will withdraw a bit over the next year but I doubt it will shut down. Pedigree tells. Very fine.
2023 Dom. des Ardoisieres, Silice Blanc - 100% Jacquere, 11% abv, and one of the most captivating white wines I have had this year. Beautiful balance, intense but not shrill, deep but not round, full of energy and life force and wonderful with food. A great wine. Very fine, indeed.
Thanks Claude.
Best, Jim
