Florida Jim
Florida Jim
1998 Ronchi di Cialla, Colli Orientali de Friuli Cialla Rosso:
Schioppettino Cialla 50%, Refosco red stalk of Cialla 50%, 12% alcohol; smells like well- aged, lightweight nebbiolo but in the mouth its light, dusty, somewhat rustic and nervous with charming red fruit flavors and the texture of raw silk; feathery in delivery and a long, lightly grippy finish. Sort of pinot-esque but with Italian structure. A wine I wish I had cases of, this reminds me of those carafes that are served at outdoor cafes in Italy that are simply referred to as the house rosso. Delicious. Thanks, Brad.
2005 Daniel Dampt, Chablis Cte de Lchet:
Showing a green/menthol note that I dont care for but other than that, a fine Chablis with some pedigree. May be in a stage so I will let the rest of mine age. Still better than 95% of all chardonnays.
2007 Westerhold Family, Syrah Bennett Valley:
Showing more of its new wood with this bottle but still a superb example of the Alban One clone of syrah indigenous to its site. Salty minerality, big fruit, some unsweetened chocolate tones, an earthiness and remarkable length. Since the last time I tasted this (about 6 months ago) it has younged up to the point that, while still delicious with food, it evinces the need for cellar time. Has excellent potential for development and good balance today.
1999 Drouhin, Volnay Clos des Chnes:
Quintessential Volnay - firm yet round; when a glass is poured we can smell it in the next room, warmed black cherries, flint and an earthy tone on the nose; dense, intense and mouth-filling yet still restrained and with a touch of lushness, flavors follow the nose adding a spicy nuance, bright and balanced; very, very long. Still shows as a young wine but its as though the wine, once poured, expands and unfolds in an almost physical sense. Decanting helps it integrate and smoothes the corners.
(Aside: I bought a case of this wine on release and every bottle has delivered a different but enjoyable experience. At this point, Ill probably leave the remaining bottles for at least five years as this shows good development but no signs of falling off. A really fine bottle of young Burgundy.)
Best, Jim
Schioppettino Cialla 50%, Refosco red stalk of Cialla 50%, 12% alcohol; smells like well- aged, lightweight nebbiolo but in the mouth its light, dusty, somewhat rustic and nervous with charming red fruit flavors and the texture of raw silk; feathery in delivery and a long, lightly grippy finish. Sort of pinot-esque but with Italian structure. A wine I wish I had cases of, this reminds me of those carafes that are served at outdoor cafes in Italy that are simply referred to as the house rosso. Delicious. Thanks, Brad.
2005 Daniel Dampt, Chablis Cte de Lchet:
Showing a green/menthol note that I dont care for but other than that, a fine Chablis with some pedigree. May be in a stage so I will let the rest of mine age. Still better than 95% of all chardonnays.
2007 Westerhold Family, Syrah Bennett Valley:
Showing more of its new wood with this bottle but still a superb example of the Alban One clone of syrah indigenous to its site. Salty minerality, big fruit, some unsweetened chocolate tones, an earthiness and remarkable length. Since the last time I tasted this (about 6 months ago) it has younged up to the point that, while still delicious with food, it evinces the need for cellar time. Has excellent potential for development and good balance today.
1999 Drouhin, Volnay Clos des Chnes:
Quintessential Volnay - firm yet round; when a glass is poured we can smell it in the next room, warmed black cherries, flint and an earthy tone on the nose; dense, intense and mouth-filling yet still restrained and with a touch of lushness, flavors follow the nose adding a spicy nuance, bright and balanced; very, very long. Still shows as a young wine but its as though the wine, once poured, expands and unfolds in an almost physical sense. Decanting helps it integrate and smoothes the corners.
(Aside: I bought a case of this wine on release and every bottle has delivered a different but enjoyable experience. At this point, Ill probably leave the remaining bottles for at least five years as this shows good development but no signs of falling off. A really fine bottle of young Burgundy.)
Best, Jim