TN: Catching up

Gregg G

Gregg Greenbaum
Tasted at a pre auction-a few of the stand outs.

1988 Joseph Drouhin Griottes-Chambertin
Not bad for '88. The tannins are settling down, yet still unresolved, with the spice and fruit beginning to peak through. A little clunky, with the structure dominant over the fruit. Good dose of minerality adds interest to the dark red fruit. Not a bad wine on it's own, but I suspect this would benefit from a nice roast duck.

1995 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard
CT says I had this on '05. Looks like I liked it then. Today not so much. Darker in both color and fruit than the '96 Riverblock. A bit reticent with some leather, floral/herbal notes. Tuckers out on the last lap.

1996 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Riverblock Vineyard
Exquisite perfume that blossoms after an hour of air. Generous red fruits-raspberry/cherry, velvet, allspice & cinnamon. Beautifully balanced and long to the finish line. Peak drinking for my bouche.

1987 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 30th Anniversary Edition Volcanic Hill
This is simply dynamite right now. Exactly what aged CS should aspire to. Savory, plush, tobacco, cassis, herbs all rapped up in a silky smooth package with knock out aromas and beautiful palate presence. Stunning!

1995 Ch“teau Talbot
I really like the wines I've tasted from this Ch. The '95 is drinking quite nicely right now. Very savory with lots of interesting flavors. Dark fruited. Still has some grippy mouth feel, but it certainly is pleasing.

Dinner with my wife.

2009 Luneau-Papin Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Le L D'Or
Good at the restaurant with all the right stuff, but not very distinct. Day 3 this is starting to show class and breed. Delicious. A very nice start to a long relationship (btl 1/6).

2006 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard
On this night, the best RM wine I have had to date. This is in a wonderful spot for me. Deep blue silky fruits, lovely backing spice and some underbrush. Just fantastic. 1 more in the cellar. Enjoyed this after an '09 L D'Or. Tasting menu at The Foundry. Food was good at times but a few ehs.

A few stragglers.

2001 Aminea Taurasi Baiardo
Needs air. Eventually tobacco, tea, leather, thyme, underbrush, dark fruits. Structured, rusticly tannic. Nicely savory, lip smacking wine. It wants braised meats. I like this and the few Taurasi I've had. Garagiste @ $17.

2007 Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py
This wine is so good right now, I can't imagine it more enjoyable.

2010 Thomas-Labaille Sancerre Chavignol Les Monts Damnés
Might be the best white wine deal, currently.
 
Gregg,
Glad to hear the Rivers-Marie comes around. I have only had recent releases and wondered what the fuss was about.
Diamond Creek - if you can wait long enough . . . the '78 Red Rock Terrace was the best CA cab I ever had (from magnum in about 2003).
Best, Jim
 
I know what you mean about RM. I do think they benefit from cellaring. That said, they are definitely not delicate wines. Sometimes I enjoy the style, but it seems rarer these days. In 2002 I had a '74 DC though I can't remember the vineyard. It was equally, if not more, appealing. Definitely the 1st growth class of Napa, though I wouldn't now thier current status. Since the '94 vintage, I can count the number of CA Cabs I've bought on 3 fingers. It's funny, as I sampled the WS Hirsch, I recalled the story you related to me re: David. Hope things are going well.
 
originally posted by Gregg G:
Since the '94 vintage, I can count the number of CA Cabs I've bought on 3 fingers.
One, for me.
It's funny, as I sampled the WS Hirsch, I recalled the story you related to me re: David.
Lovely fellow.
Hope things are going well
'Headed back to the westcoast at the end of the month - and looking forward to it. Found a source for pinot in the Anderson Valley and may get a chance to work with ribolla gialla this year. The adventure continues . . .
Best, Jim
 
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