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originally posted by Cliff:
I thought the Courcelette was a special, old-vine version. No?
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It may have old vines but my understanding was that it was from sandy soils and generally a more forward 'easier' wine than the CdP.
 
So does the fact that you were intending to pull a regular 2002 Coudert mean that you think it's readier to drink now? I've been debating whether to start in on mine.

Thanks for the notes. I was considering asking what kind of puppy but decided the joke was already overextended.
 
I'd say the pup was probably something like a cross of a labrador and a greyhound. It's a little fleshy and playful at the moment, but I think of the Lehengoa as a lithe, long-distance runner, to mix horrible short-hand metaphors.

I had the regular 2002 not so long ago. It's in a bit of an in-between stage. It still has some fruit but has opened up nicely. If you only have one or two, you'll probably want to wait. But it's no crime to check in at this point.
 
originally posted by Joe Dressner:
What does puppy fat mean? I've never understood this geek phrase.
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Cliff knows more than I do, but in a wine you expect will age, I think it's the relatively sweet fruit you taste you often get if you drink the wine shortly after bottling, before it shuts down. I've seen this explained in detail but don't recall it all ... the young fruit-tasting material breaks down chemically, so that the tannins dominate (in a red, of course), then, slowly, the tannins break down and the fruit flavors, transformed, re-emerge.

Actually, it's hard to believe you don't know all about this, so I suppose you are having us on in obscure way.
 
originally posted by Rahsaan:
originally posted by Cliff:
I thought the Courcelette was a special, old-vine version. No?
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It may have old vines but my understanding was that it was from sandy soils and generally a more forward 'easier' wine than the CdP.
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Sand or clay. I forget. But not serious rock.
 
Honestly, I don't know the phrase is supposed to mean or its origins. Perhaps your first name has to be Clive to fully appreciate the concept.

The Courcelette is from vines over 80-years-old from Agnes Foillard's families. I believe they have the vines since the 2006 vintage, at least that was the first vintage I drank.

I have not had the 2007 but found the 2006 a wonderful wine.
 
originally posted by Joe Dressner:
The Courcelette is from vines over 80-years-old from Agnes Foillard's families. I believe they have the vines since the 2006 vintage, at least that was the first vintage I drank..
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I could be confused but I am pretty sure I drank some of this cuvee in 2005 (most likely the 03 or the 04).
 
originally posted by Cliff:

I had the regular 2002 not so long ago. It's in a bit of an in-between stage. It still has some fruit but has opened up nicely. If you only have one or two, you'll probably want to wait. But it's no crime to check in at this point.
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I didn't wait but probably should have. As you say it isn't criminal but it is still pretty tight. Shut down over the course of an hour or so, was most enjoyable right out of the bottle.
 
The Sella Lessona is 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Vespolina, which I am persuaded is a much more interesting grape in itself than Croatina. I tasted several wines that were made mostly or entirely of Croatina when I was in northern Piedmont recently and found it chunky, tough, even bitter. The one pure Vespolina I had was very attractive wine, fraises de bois, angelica, subtle herbal hints.

All that said I am becoming fond of Sella's wines from Bramaterra, which contain 20% Croatina. I didn't buy them initially but they have been sneaking up on me ever since, an attractive wiry quality that I can't help thinking will age well.

I haven't had any older bottles of these wines (more than 10 years old), but Cristiano from Sella tells me he's drunk 19th Century examples recently that he thought showed well. I very much doubt that the '01 is anywhere near its peak, let alone in decline. These wines are so different from the Langhe examples when young that estimating age is very hard.

I import Sella for CA, just to be clear.
 
originally posted by Oliver McCrum:
The Sella Lessona is 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Vespolina, which I am persuaded is a much more interesting grape in itself than Croatina. I tasted several wines that were made mostly or entirely of Croatina when I was in northern Piedmont recently and found it chunky, tough, even bitter. The one pure Vespolina I had was very attractive wine, fraises de bois, angelica, subtle herbal hints.

All that said I am becoming fond of Sella's wines from Bramaterra, which contain 20% Croatina. I didn't buy them initially but they have been sneaking up on me ever since, an attractive wiry quality that I can't help thinking will age well.

I haven't had any older bottles of these wines (more than 10 years old), but Cristiano from Sella tells me he's drunk 19th Century examples recently that he thought showed well. I very much doubt that the '01 is anywhere near its peak, let alone in decline. These wines are so different from the Langhe examples when young that estimating age is very hard.

I import Sella for CA, just to be clear.
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We tried the 2004 Sella Bramaterra last night. It seemed appropriate for earth day. It was a very pretty translucent, medium ruby color.
There was a lot of the Croatina flavor coming through, bitter herbs galore. I think the Nebbiolo flower and tar flavors were there, but underneath.
Also the 2004 is noticeably less ripe than the last Bramaterra I tried, the 2001.
Wiry is a good descriptor.
 
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:
Thank you, Oliver. I had faith with my '01s in storage but the comments above were making me a little nervous.
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I'd be drinking my 2001s if I were you.
 
This title is as good as adding a new one... I've been on a two-month research trip. While it has been (almost) all work, I ended up in Lyon and found the flying sommelier.

1997 Domaine de la Grand'Cour, Flurie, Climat "Champagne," Cuve vielles vignes. I was interested to see the recent discussion about the fragility of Gamay. This took two days to open up. At first, the acidity was too aggressive for me, but, over time, it softened and framed an impressive wine, with dark red fruits, fine tannin, and impressive depth.

Christophe Curtat, Saint Joseph, "Nomade." Wow, this is really good. Pure, with an impressive combination of varietal and terroir expression. It's true to both, with a generally restrained personality and the profile of a distance runner.

Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage. Does this make it to the States? Not quite the depth of the Curtat, but this, too is lovely. Nothing forced. Pure, with pepper and spicy overtones.
 
Gents, Dams, and Whatever Else Lurks Here:

I pulled a Lessona '01 from storage and drank it last night. This bottle was perfect. The wine is lightweight with crisp acidity (still) and recognizable nebbiolo aromas and flavors (though not with the extra earthiness and oomph one would find in a barolo). I say the wine is still on the young side, only perhaps within hailing distance of maturity. I think it should keep well for 5 more years.

Another thank you to Greg D. P. for introducing me to the wine.
 
Jeff, my stock of '01 Lessona is dwindling, but unlike others here I'm in no hurry to finish it off. Each bottle has been better than the last. I've managed to resist opening an '01 San Sebastiano thus far.

Sure wish I could load up on the '04 Lessona at those '01 prices.
 
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