Impressions

originally posted by Christian Miller (CMM):
originally posted by Florida Jim:
Yes, I see the distinction.
In truth, I think my disdain boils down to Grenache, pure or mixed. And most CdP has some in it.
But I’ll try to keep my acronyms straight.
Best, Jim
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Jim, I shared your disinterest in Grenache for a long time, as my opinion of it was formed by thin, vague blenders in the Central Valley, or numerous overripe and kirsch-like wines in CdP or Priorato. But in the past five years I've tasted a variety of Grenache/Garnachas, from several regions, that were neither thin and dull nor cloying and overripe; and now I'm a convert. These wines strike a nice balance between jolly quaffable fruit, some complexity, and PN or Gamay-like litheness in a rounder form. If that makes any sense.
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Jeff and Oswaldo’s Fantasia allusions aside, I hear you.
A Tribute to Grace in Santa Barbara makes one I love. I have no doubt there are others.
I will taste pretty near anything, but buying - there’s a lot of really good wine I like so I usually buy that.
Best, jim
 
originally posted by maureen:
originally posted by Cole Kendall:
18 Vajra Langhe rosso was really good (after a little time open)
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Indeed. I have already drunk three bottles, push it on everyone wanting wine recommendations, and still own a few. Really delicious.
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Just received a couple of the "Clare" bottlings. Eager to try.
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
2011 Isa:
Skin-fermented SB with 11 months in barrel; tangerine skin and aromas akin to old claret; brothy, underripe pear, mint and some earth tones all fairly well integrated and good length. Still a little young but showing what orange wine can be with age. D’s favorite,

2012 Isa:
Same cepage but 27 months in barrel; similar to the above but with more finesse and truly of whole cloth. A glass 24 hours after opening was stellar. I am very pleased with this.

2011 Syrah, Bennett Valley:
Intense, feral, balanced and showing secondary development. All I could ask at this showing.

2012 Syrah, Bennett Valley:
Thinner than the foregoing and less precise. However, a glass the next day was more impressive.

2015 Syrah, Bennett Valley:
A baby but perfect balance and nice complexity. Great future.

2016 Syrah, BV:
A big, goofy puppy that won’t stay off the furniture. Much more CA in style.

2017 Syrah, BV:
Whoa. I expected this to be way to young but it is savory, complex and powerful. Lots of upside.

2012 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley:
Really lovely; bottle age has this heading in the light but intense direction with some development. Quite good.

2013 Pinot, AV:
Needs time; good stuffing but pretty firm.

2014 Pinot, AV:
Odd showing; somewhat overripe to my taste and fairly sweet. Tonight I’ll try another glass and see if a day open changes it.
Far better on day two but I doubt this will ever be my fav.

2018 Ribolla Gialla:
Fresh fruit, spot on acids, excellent length; yum.

2012 Ribolla Gialla:
Skin-fermented; orange zest, hay, and tangerine juice; another orange wine that makes me happy.
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Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
 
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
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Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
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Arlene and I miss our visits and lunches with you and Diane. We still follow your recommendations on FB and like the poetry. Have a good holiday and stay safe.
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...

I didn't know you'd given it up. Sorry to hear that.
 
originally posted by Jonathan Loesberg:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...

I didn't know you'd given it up. Sorry to hear that.
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Thanks. But I’m not.
It was time to move on for a variety of reasons.
And the timing, as it turns out, couldn’t have been better.
It was a lot of fun.
Best, jim
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jonathan Loesberg:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...

I didn't know you'd given it up. Sorry to hear that.
Click to expand...
Thanks. But I’m not.
It was time to move on for a variety of reasons.
And the timing, as it turns out, couldn’t have been better.
It was a lot of fun.
Best, jim
Click to expand...

One day, I'd like to hear or read the whole story. My plan has always been to bookend my adult working life making wine (first job I had out of college was at a winery, as the winemaker's ass).
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...
Are you still selling from the back catalog?
 
originally posted by Florida Jim: No longer being in business is freeing.
Click to expand...

Jim, I had no idea you were/are changing directions.

Judging by what I know, you have had a remarkable life of successes featuring a good bit of diversity, both in locations and job descriptions.

At some point, I would like to hear about your latest transition whereby you are "no longer being in business".

All best wishes with your future business and personal endeavors.

. . . . . Pete
 
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...
Are you still selling from the back catalog?
Click to expand...
Some; mostly whites and those mostly skin fermented.
PM I’ll give you the list.
Best, jim
 
originally posted by VLM:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jonathan Loesberg:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...

I didn't know you'd given it up. Sorry to hear that.
Click to expand...
Thanks. But I’m not.
It was time to move on for a variety of reasons.
And the timing, as it turns out, couldn’t have been better.
It was a lot of fun.
Best, jim
Click to expand...

One day, I'd like to hear or read the whole story. My plan has always been to bookend my adult working life making wine (first job I had out of college was at a winery, as the winemaker's ass).
Click to expand...

We get past the virus, I’ll make a point of it.
BTW, I think we’re coming back to Banner Elk for summers - just a little more proximate.
 
originally posted by Peter Creasey:

originally posted by Florida Jim: No longer being in business is freeing.
Click to expand...

Jim, I had no idea you were/are changing directions.

Judging by what I know, you have had a remarkable life of successes featuring a good bit of diversity, both in locations and job descriptions.

At some point, I would like to hear about your latest transition whereby you are "no longer being in business".

All best wishes with your future business and personal endeavors.

. . . . . Pete
Click to expand...
I’m getting old, Pete.
Retirement seems just about right.
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by VLM:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jonathan Loesberg:
originally posted by Florida Jim:
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Nice to see notes on your wines. I recall I liked the BV especially.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
No longer being in business is freeing.

It was a great 12 years; some failure, some success, a lot of learning. Making wine is the best job I ever had; selling it, the worst.

For those who have any of the wines that succeeded, they are longer lived than I would ever have expected. Not as much fun young as they are with age.

Time to find another cliff to jump off of . . .
Best, jim
Click to expand...

I didn't know you'd given it up. Sorry to hear that.
Click to expand...
Thanks. But I’m not.
It was time to move on for a variety of reasons.
And the timing, as it turns out, couldn’t have been better.
It was a lot of fun.
Best, jim
Click to expand...

One day, I'd like to hear or read the whole story. My plan has always been to bookend my adult working life making wine (first job I had out of college was at a winery, as the winemaker's ass).
Click to expand...

We get past the virus, I’ll make a point of it.
BTW, I think we’re coming back to Banner Elk for summers - just a little more proximate.
Click to expand...

That's great news. Looking forward to it.
 
originally posted by Florida Jim: I think we’re coming back to Banner Elk for summers - just a little more proximate.
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Jim, I envy you on this point. I really miss the whole Linville, Grandfather, Banner Elk, Hound Ears, Blowing Rock, Boone, etc., etc. environment.

I don't know if you ever got to try it, but my perhaps all-time favorite restaurant was on the highway going north out of Linville. It was named The Tack Room.

My understanding is that the general area badly needs some inflow of vitality.

On the retirement point, I just can't bring myself to giving up the work lifestyle yet. Just slowing down so far.

When you clue Nathan in on your "story", please consider copying me on it.

. . . . . Pete
 
Pete,
Right now, the area has all the vitality it needs. Houses are selling over ask and sight unseen. Tourism is crazy, traffic getting that way, and, development and building backed up 6 months to a year. The “Covid bump” is in full swing.
As far as “my story” - my hope is to be sitting on Nathan’s porch telling it. Or maybe at Rue Cler, if the winds of fortune shift.
Best, jim
 
originally posted by Florida Jim:
Pete,
Right now, the area has all the vitality it needs. Houses are selling over ask and sight unseen. Tourism is crazy, traffic getting that way, and, development and building backed up 6 months to a year. The “Covid bump” is in full swing.
As far as “my story” - my hope is to be sitting on Nathan’s porch telling it. Or maybe at Rue Cler, if the winds of fortune shift.
Best, jim
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Let's make it one of the future post-COVID "Southern Jeebs". I'll come down from DC.
 
originally posted by Peter Creasey:
I really miss the whole Linville, Grandfather, Banner Elk, Hound Ears, Blowing Rock, Boone, etc., etc. environment.
Click to expand...
My brother-in-law settled in Boone, married the sheriff's daughter, stayed a long time.
 
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