tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117339142011-04-21T20:33:14.171-07:00A blog about wine tasting in New York and around the world. Spot the good deals, react to the tasting debate, get deeper in the tasting quest and get closer to this once in a lifetime tasting moment.sebnoreply@blogger.comBlogger471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1167671968117423732007-01-01T09:02:00.000-08:002007-01-01T09:19:28.126-08:00

My best red in 2006 was 20 years old.Tasted during a mini 1986 horizontal at Shelly's steack house with NYC Wine Club Gruaud Larose was nothing short of superb. The wine was fleshy in your mouth and developping fantastic tertiary flavours of underwood, mushrooms, french oak and tobacco with a super long length. Need to be decanted two hours to soften the tannins. A steal at $140 retail price.

sebnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1167670714966809772007-01-01T08:42:00.000-08:002007-01-01T09:00:51.033-08:00

2006 saw the creation of this blog. Unfortunately, some awesome bottles opened this year didn't make it online. Therefore I am happy to post on my best white of 2006; It was by far Silex 2002 from Didier Dagueneau. Made in the Sancerre region it is so much more than what the appellation is known for. The palate is very large and the flavours numerous. The wine starts with fall fruits, apples,

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1167531091903490692006-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:002006-12-30T18:11:31.960-08:00

What I love with Italy is the endless wine varietals. If France has endless terroirs, its varieties are limited. Italy has more than hundred varietals grown in very specific regions. Today, I highly recommend Villa Santera, Primitivo di Manduria 2004. The nose was close to the plums reminding me of a Merlot. This full body wine boasting 14% has a fresh acidity, smooth tannins and an elegant

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1157943392278533272006-09-10T18:52:00.000-07:002006-09-10T19:58:08.530-07:00

Sancerre is usually flinty and grassy so after tasting a dozen, you are focusing on other characteristics. That's how Remy Pannier under the varietal Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays (2002) and Yves Martin (2004) sub-appellation Chavignol stood out in our last Sancerre tasting. Remy Pannier is offering a Sauvignon Blanc with some Southern accents for $22. The nose had some menthol and the palate

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1155768866789304372006-08-16T15:42:00.000-07:002006-08-16T16:01:58.210-07:00

Becks & PoshWine Wednesday has been posted on the becks & posh website. Our host's favorite is Champagne so send her your comments before September 13th. I kept missing this event, but I will definitely post on this date.A couple of small producers standing very tall against some of my Vintage could be an interesting choice.

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1155489405189046682006-08-13T10:16:00.000-07:002006-08-13T10:21:11.573-07:00

Wine Ratings Might Not Pass the Sobriety Test - New York TimesGreat article from the New York Times showing that:You don't sell your wine if it get less than 90Parker and Wine Spectator have the same taste for full-body, over-extracted monstersThe scale never works for lightly flavored grapes (Riesling, Chenin, Pinot)It's time to trust the tasting notes and not the score.So next time you like a

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1155486619518254512006-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:002006-08-13T09:47:02.036-07:00

I attended the tasting of the double gold medalist in New York this Tuesday. I was there two years ago and like two years ago, not much came out of this tasting. This year brought the same conclusion; very average wine in general and only a few good picks. Among the white, Hosmer Cayuga Blend had a good showing. It’s already recognized as one of the best Riesling in the Finger Lakes (New York) so

sebnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1154898008080986372006-08-06T13:58:00.000-07:002006-08-06T14:03:35.846-07:00

Piedmont doesn't have a rose tradition. In the heat of summer, Torino and Milan are drinking frizzante (semi-sparkling) red wine. Made with the fruity Fraisa and Bonarda, those wines needs to be served chilled because of their residual sugar. To get residual sugar, just stop fermentation before all the sugar becomes alcohol. So no rose tradition in Piedmont but Polaner imports a great Rose "El

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1154895004493180262006-08-06T12:39:00.000-07:002006-08-06T13:10:04.520-07:00

First I would like to apologize to all my readers. My last post is from March and it's totally unacceptable.I didn't give up on wine, indeed I go so much into it that writing this wine blog was overwhelming. So I studied Unit 3 of the Diploma of WSET from January to June, organized the wine Meetup during the first half of the year and then went on a wine tour in Bordeaux. Unfortunately, tasting

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1142742706761441272006-03-18T20:15:00.000-08:002006-03-18T20:43:06.586-08:00

Sorry folksI didn't post much but amazingly enough I never tasted so many wines. Every Tuesday since January is the Diploma wine class and six wines to taste. The following day, some of the students are joining together to taste another 8 wines. By Thursday, I am done and don't feel like writing or talking about wine. But it looks like my mind is getting to it and you could expect one post per

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1137221581755394992006-01-13T21:10:00.000-08:002006-01-13T22:53:01.790-08:00

It was a brown bag tasting, meaning a blind one with no less than 19 bottles.It was the perfect occasion for my fellow tasters to sneak in a Croatian wine made with Private Mali from Dalmatia, a varietal called Bonarda from Argentina, a Cahors (Malbec from France), a Pinotage and a Primitivo Puglia. Those bottles left us puzzled because we couldn't figure out where they were from and somehow left

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1136742040438100082006-01-08T09:40:00.000-08:002006-01-08T10:21:43.663-08:00

Sure you remember this wonderful year 2001 in Cotes du Rhone. 2003 bring backs the goods. The wine still has a lot of depth with meaty and earthy flavors. But what the 2003 Guigal Cote du Rhone adds is a cleaner finish with thinner tannins, much more delicate than the somewhat heavy finish of 2001.And the good news is the price, about $10. Ready to drink now. Enjoy.

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1136743735047733772005-12-22T09:41:00.000-08:002006-01-08T10:18:16.456-08:00

It's rare to stumble on the same producer of 2 different varieties in the same week. We drunk Nobile Sauvignon Blanc 2003 and Nobile Icon Pinot Noir 2002 the second week of December. One in Saint Lucia, one in New York. They are both classic examples of what New Zealand can offer but are both better than the average Pinot and Sauvignon made by Kiwis. This Pinot has more texture than your average

sebnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1131685025261829692005-11-10T20:13:00.000-08:002005-11-10T20:57:05.780-08:00

Bordeaux is going through a crisis right now. The world is producing Cab left and right so it pays to taste non-ranked castles because your favorite one may turn out to be cheap. After a tasting of 18 Bordeaux yesterday, I am happy to report that my number 1 and 3 were under $30. Chateau Simard 1990 is available for less than $30 from at least 5 different retailers (check winesearcher.com). The

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1131472838653220312005-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:002005-11-10T20:58:13.660-08:00

Your taste should never get in the way of your tasting notes but yesterday, I couldn't get over it. The sherry tasting turned sour and I declared aged sherry my worst Nightmare. Aged Paolo Cortado and Oloroso smelled and tasted rotten orange and fungus. I hope to avoid old sherry at the exam or I won't keep it academically correct."Those are my raw tasting notes and I stick to it Sir."

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1130906252835487182005-11-01T19:29:00.000-08:002005-11-01T20:46:12.946-08:00

The Pomerol tasting I did last week left me bitter. Sure, Pomerol are phenomenal, approachable and pleasant but what's wrong with the rift ?The plateau where the best Pomerol estates are located is split along two styles. Clinet 94-90, L'evangile 94 and Bon Pasteur 82 (the Rolland Boys) were shooting for “jammier” red fruits and coffee/chocolate on the palate. Usually lighter in tannins they can

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1130258220972394892005-10-25T09:11:00.000-07:002005-10-25T09:41:01.500-07:00

Tasted my first Patron Tequila this weekend. Silver Patron is very balanced with a nice green lemon, figs and quince paste aromas. The flavor is so long, you can sip the same glass all night long. The secret comes from the Agave selection. Only the plants with the best balance sweetness/acidity are selected. Wine or Liquor, the recipe for success is the same...Words of wisdom (and financial

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1129689201659729662005-10-18T19:15:00.000-07:002005-10-18T19:38:20.820-07:00

Decanter is referring Mondeuse in the November issue. According to Hugh Johnson, the Mondeuse tasted like a 'long, stony, gothic corridor'. The producers mentioned are Michel Grisard and Saint Germain. The first producer taste more of the cold gothic stone with orange and violet scents and the latter is focused on red fruits.A Mondeuse tasting anyone ?

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1129251990624717002005-10-13T17:45:00.000-07:002005-10-13T18:06:30.633-07:00

Not much excitement this week. I got Champagne, Cava, Cremant de Bourgogne and Proseco to complete my tasting notes of Unit 5. Old Proseco is always playing with the geranium planters box. It's suppose to appear only with old bottles but I get it all the time. The geranium alley in the garden where I was playing as a kid might have something to do with it. Paul Georg, Blanc de Blanc 1er cru

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1127878804072410212005-09-27T19:44:00.000-07:002005-10-02T07:20:54.983-07:00

One of the best event of NYC Tasting guild is the semi-annual Bordeaux Vertical/Horizontal.Pichon Longueville was on the menu tonight. We were tasting 97-96-95-94-89-88-86-85-83-82-78.Charles Rubinstein was tutoring the tasting. He happens to personally know the owner, May de Lencquesaing (picture). Baron and Lalande were originally the same chateau but the domain split after a family feud. They

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1127274501028715442005-09-20T19:27:00.000-07:002005-09-26T20:33:29.326-07:00

A fascinating tasting at Arturo's with my favorite BYOB wine club, Bacchanale.20 bottles of Pinot tasted blind. Burgundy was by far the favorite of the group. First the podium. 18 tasters had 3 votes.Chorey Les Beaunes 88 Maison Leroy wins against Clos de la Roche Dujac 1996. Silver Medal, Charles Krug Carneros 2003 is a tie.Burgundy was recognized has the winning regions with number 1 and 2.

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1127182549613237082005-09-19T18:34:00.000-07:002005-09-19T19:15:49.626-07:00

Few words on this unknown grapes. Grown is Savoie, Mondeuse is an hidden gem.In 1863, Dr Jules Guyot was stunned by "the intensity and the complexity of its nose and the full voluptuous flavors". The best Mondeuse terroirs are Arbin & Saint Jean de la Porte. Those 2 areas located only 5 miles from Chambery are only producing 5% of the total production from Savoie. I had my first bottle of

sebnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1127094643075664402005-09-18T15:40:00.000-07:002005-09-19T19:49:24.976-07:00

Ternharvern Cellar is the "The Last Winery Before France" as you head east. When you visit the North Fork coming from SaHarborur, it's also the first winery you see in Greenport.Harold Watts is a retired professor from Yale and Columbia and a small producer. Cf good article from Lenndevours http://lennthompson.typepad.com/lenndevours/2005/07/the_greenport_g.htmlI tasted their 2000 Merlot (Double

sebnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1125631842455614432005-09-09T20:13:00.000-07:002005-09-08T20:25:53.880-07:00

I know, I a am dumb but Michael Broadbent told me to do so.After picking up wonderful Chardonnays in Phillie, I was reading "Wine tasting" by Michael Broadbent. The chapter on varietals started like a good boredom. Unit 1 of the WSET diploma was still fresh in my mind. Aligote, Auxerrois, Blanc Fume, Cabernet Franc. What ???"Cabernet Franc...Somewhat underrated but particularely successfull in

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1126239075697198722005-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:002005-09-08T21:11:15.703-07:00

"No I am not kidding. Call me the day they arrive and don't add too much sulfur Rich".The grapes are coming and the boldest of NYC Wine Club are going upstate to destem and crush. One week later, we will press. Racking will happen this winter. You are all invited to the bottling of our half-barrel in July 2006. Thank to Rich and Myownwine.com, we are learning and making wine.The two most

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1125632425527207102005-09-01T20:37:00.000-07:002005-09-19T19:23:09.410-07:00

First Chardonnay wine dinner with NYC Wine Club. My selection included :William Fevre, Champs Royaux Chablis 2002 France,$12.8 at Pennsylvania Wine and SpiritLouis Jadot, Pouilly Fuisse 2002 France $21 at Garnet WinesHartford Court Laura Sonoma Coast 2000, USA $46 at Pennsylvania Wine and SpiritRamey Chardonnay Russian River 2000, USA $39 at Pennsylvania Wine and SpiritYering Station Chardonnay

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1125630801255591472005-08-22T19:41:00.000-07:002005-09-19T19:36:44.726-07:00

I met Kristin at Crush Wine. She signed up with my sake tasting group mentioning she was working at the retailer. She also has a great blog http://thewinechicks.typepad.com/Really wished I had written the article about Washington State and the phenolic ripeness. Damned, they are one step ahead.After a tasting of 'inoffensive' wines, her face lit up about the Cote de Py, Morgon 2002. That's a good

sebnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1122228618433957332005-07-24T10:57:00.000-07:002005-09-20T10:53:09.496-07:00

At the last flight of the rose party, I served a Cremant de Bourgogne from Michelle Freres 2001. I usually love Champagne more versed on the Pinot grapes. This one was 100% pinot made with the traditional method. It had everything you could expect from a rose champagne, a fruity flavor and a classy acidic finish. The bubble were not that persistent but the flavor profile is remarkable.Dear

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1122227574721644482005-07-24T10:38:00.000-07:002005-09-19T20:24:30.450-07:00

Savennieres has long been my favorite wine from Loire Valley.Everyone knows about clos du papillon, but I stumbled on another producer worth the detour.As a rule, I avoid 2003 in French wine. It was too hot, so the grapes lost too much acidity and their balance. Interesting to note that most German 03 are so disappointing.Rebuffing the suggested Sancerre 03, we experienced a Savennieres 02 from

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1120443998508374702005-07-03T18:47:00.000-07:002005-09-19T19:54:34.540-07:00

I know you would never drink Merlot. So did I... until today.I tasted Benzinger Merlot 2001, a little wonder.First it's the best Merlot I ever tasted.Second, it's a great matured wine.Third it's about $15 thanks to Sideways.The color is a deep ruby with a dark brown rim. The nose is the best part. Strong blackberries, coffee, chocolate, delicious. A nose somewhere close to ripe Cab Franc from

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1117152508378304272005-05-26T17:08:00.000-07:002005-05-26T17:08:28.376-07:00

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1117152123333641852005-05-26T16:46:00.000-07:002005-05-26T17:02:03.336-07:00

Yes the Chateau Balestard la Tonelle was ruling for an hour.Not as deep as the Pontet Canet, the wine was ruby with a medium intensity. A brown rim was showing. Blackberry, cherry and cedar were dominating the nose. Got oranges and vanilla on the second swirl and some wood and mushroom on the third.The palate wasn't intense or very structured. The length was medium to long but the flavours were

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1117151147145102212005-05-26T16:21:00.000-07:002005-05-26T16:45:47.153-07:00

I had the pleasure and the privilege to tastePontet Canet 1985Bastard Lamontagne 1995Smith Haut Laffitte 1997.One hour after aeration, the St Emilion was ruling the Smith at the same time full but restrained. Pontet Canet tasted weak almost over the hill. 3 hours after aeration, Pauillac was ruling the table in the perfect expression of what old Cabernet taste like.The rim was a large dark brown

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1116045177861571832005-05-13T20:49:00.000-07:002005-05-13T21:32:57.863-07:00

What a nice surprise!!! Last week end, I was wondering the alleys of my local wine stores trying to find something exciting to pair a vegetable salad. Never had Torrontes before so instead of the $8 bottle I hit the $15.Never had too much luck with white under $10. It means high yield, poor flavors and careless fermentation. So here we go, my first Torrontes, Don David Michel Torino, $15.'OUAAAA,

sebnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1115592144936925362005-05-08T15:19:00.000-07:002005-05-08T15:42:24.953-07:00

During our monthly tasting, we were invited to bring Argentinean Reds.The cabernet and Malbec were over represented. However, the Malbec have a big flaw in their balance. They are dominated by a bitterness at the end of the palate that's highly despicable. At the other scope, we find Cabernet, overworked, overoaked, ready to be shipped to the US.Among those bottles was a Tempranillo Familia

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1114138682669369042005-04-21T18:50:00.000-07:002005-04-22T12:44:40.650-07:00

I attended Morell profile tasting.Morrell is this slightly more expensive store where you stop an hour before a tasting and they find you the perfect bottle in 5 minutes. No deception included, never, ever, except for...their portfolio tasting.Sorry to report that the wine selection was really disappointing...downhill from any store tasting or any bottle purchased at this great retailer.Who

sebnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1113276304932514192005-04-11T20:14:00.000-07:002005-04-11T20:25:04.933-07:00

Juan came to Union Square Union telling people 'try this, it's great'.You are right Juan. I love the blackberry and the earthy taste. The balance is really good.Yes, slightly tannic but it's a 2002. A leg of lamb would relieve them.Hey Juan, how much do I owe you for this Juan Jill 2002 ?$15 at USQ, you must be kidding me...Juan's website should be tranlated in English very soon. For now, it's in

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1113163150062360802005-04-10T12:28:00.000-07:002005-04-10T12:59:10.063-07:00

After a long wine dinner including 18 wines from South Africa, our conclusion was "open your heart to Syrah".Aside of the Hamilton (cf last post), we were pleasantly surprised by five bottles of Syrah.Solitude Fairview 2002Beacon Fairview 2002Ridge SyrahFlagship Syrah 1999My notes are very light on the first two wines. However the last two strike me as been very well balanced. The common nose was

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1113161270017131742005-04-10T12:16:00.000-07:002005-04-10T13:00:09.036-07:00

The unami and tariness in the nose and the palate is very delicate.Acidic enough even though it's coming from a warm climate.The wine is well made and carries different flavors from a typical Pinot Noir from Burgundy.A far cry from those international Pinot...

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1112811659921342082005-04-06T09:59:00.000-07:002005-04-06T11:20:59.923-07:00

I got the bottle for my birthday. Disappointed by the cheap entre-deux-mers tasted in France, I decided that only white Burgundy mattered. However, I had some doubts as the best Bordeaux chateaux are still producing white.The bottle had a strong nutty nose, very flowery. It reminded me of a Viognier with a ridiculously small yield but an elegance I never experienced.The palate was also strong,

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111954598832583942005-03-27T12:16:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:19:14.706-08:00

A very dubious study. The degree of technology is compared to the Parker rating, the Broadbent rating and the auction prices for the wine of 1990. What a mixed bag!!! It also implies that technology is linear.And the obvious conclusion is... the more technology, the better Parker and auction prices, hey that's Mondovino... Moreover, if you have the best terroirs, you sell at a premium and you can

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111954504040286742005-03-27T12:14:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:17:16.016-08:00

http://www.decanter.com/news/62518.html

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111954398856635582005-03-27T12:12:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:13:18.856-08:00

Dear Ben (cf. link)Here you go again. You blew out the tasting with your Auslese.Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Auslese 2002.The balance acidity, sweetness was good. The wine is starting to show every aroma the best sweet wines are fighting for. Honeysuckle, Pineapple, ripe apple. Hold on to those bottles and you will get so much more in 10 years.The balance of an Auslese is a big

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111956916612699592005-03-23T12:54:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:58:07.323-08:00

The Matua 2004 Sauvignon Blanc was the bargain of the weekend. For less than $10 per bottle you get a Sauvignon Blanc with a great nose (lemon, grapefruit, passion fruit said Pierre), a very refreshing taste and a charming body that you only get in the most expensive Sancerre or Pouilly Fume. Those kiwis know their Sauvignon. Available athttp://www.wine-searcher.com/find/matua/2004/USA-/USD/A?ID=

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111954183647969482005-03-21T12:09:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:59:06.833-08:00

Not a great tasting but the lectures were as good as promised.Honors for the cheese from igourmet.com. Proof that quality could be delivered at value price. Boschetto al Tartufo Stagionato, an amazing white truffle cheese and Dorset Drum English Farmhouse Cheddar were amazing.Among the survivors of this wine tasting, I noted:Monarchia Monarchia Oliver from Irsay Olivier grapes. Looks like a

sebnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111957004845162302005-03-20T12:56:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:57:40.313-08:00

A chianti, can’t remember the name. Light and very dry in the mouthSanta Christina from Antoniori. Almost off dry. Thick but lacking flavours. It’s only a $10 wine (sold for $35!!).http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/santa+christina/2002/USA-/USD/A?ID=1F4RBMTW5ZT0013Estancia Pinot Noir 2003, one of the best Californian Pinot Noir. It offers good acidity and a lively taste. Available everywhere for

sebnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11733914.post-1111954058267461232005-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:002005-03-27T12:11:35.960-08:00

Tasted at SPENCER STEAKHOUSELast but not least “Les Picotins” 2002 from Jean Luc Dubois. The flavour is very concentrated in the nose. Need 3-5 more years to reach its potential. The importer/retailer loves this guy. http://www.northberkeleyimports.com/new_offerings/00dubois2.htmIt looks like they are the only one to sell it in the States.http://www.northberkeleyimports.com/Others bottle from

sebnoreply@blogger.com0