Clairette

Based on insight from Josh Raynolds, we've recently been exploring Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc wines made with a significant percentage of Clairette.  This unique varietal provides a bit more freshness and lift to the blend... adding welcome acidity for food friendliness and interesting notes of pear or apple.

2013 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (55% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 10% Roussanne, 10% Bourboulenc, 5% Picpoul). Aged entirely in stainless steel tanks. Peak drinking window. Gorgeous fruit forward nose.  Vibrant apple and pear with a smoky minerality. Love this.

2016 Domaine de Vieux Télégraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Le Crau (40% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Bourboulenc, 15% Roussanne). Younger and more finessed. More of an herbal grassiness on the nose. Subtle pear and lime with earthy minerality.  Nice acidity.  I like the Mont Redon better, but need to see how this shows in a few years ...

2009 Kanzler Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Reserve

Note that this is the Reserve bottling, which represents an assemblage of Steve Kanzler's favorite barrels that results in a very elegant and refined wine. 
The last time I had this wine was in March 2013, when (even though young at the time) it was one of the WOTN's at a pinot noir dinner.  
Since then, the 2009 Reserve has put on weight and fleshed out into a truly grand wine, with wonderful depth and complexity. 
The Estate Vineyard is planted on Goldridge soils to clone 667 (bringing big red fruit and spiciness), clone 115 (for exotic boysenberry and anise) and Pommard clone 4 (imparts elegant fragrance and silky mouthfeel).
The palate reflected principally dark red fruit, with a refined melange of underbrush, spice and anise on a lengthy finish. Superb tertiary notes of violets with hints of truffle. 
One of the best Sonoma pinot noirs I've had in a while. While a bit different in style, there are some echoes of another top tier pinot noir, the Rochioli West Block.
2009 was a great vintage in Sonoma and this Kanzler Reserve demonstrates that well. 

New Years Eve wines 31 Dec 2018

Wonderful celebration, as always with friends and family.
So many great wines, thanks to everyone!

Brief impressions:

The Penfolds wines were beautifully mature and showing very well, with the 2006 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibiting lovely eucalyptus notes. The 2002 RWT was especially delicious... even gaining complexity on day 2, providing insight into the great heritage of shiraz.

2007 Saxum Heart Stone shows the brillance of Justin Smith as a winemaker. Always a reference point in the world of Rhone-styled wines.

2008 Cayuse En Cerise was drinking perfectly.  Christophe Baron makes the truest interpretation of a nothern Rhone syrah from outside the appellation.

First time I've had the Edmond August Implication (2009)....A very well made Rhone-blend sourced from the famous Torrin vineyard, made by Jacob Toft... drinking at peak. Delicious.

2014 Herman Story Nuts and Bolts is another lovely interpretation of syrah from the New World.  Russell From is a dedicated traditionalist who excels in both reds and whites (as evidenced by his 2014 Tomboy Viognier as well).

2013 Sine Qua Non Resiste... what more can be said about Krankl's mad genius approach to Rhone varietal based white wines... some of the most innovative wines on the market today.

2015 Linqua Franca Avni.... unfortunately I did not get a chance to try this Oregon Chardonnay.... .. am told that it showed well. Dominque Lafon is consulting winemaker on this project.

2015 Cantina Terlano Vorberg Riserva.... pinot bianco from Alto Adige.. one of the most versatile white wines in the world.

NV Bereche Reflet d'Antan. ... the Bereche brothers are crafting some of the best champagnes around... this solera method cuvee is an astoundingly delicious,  vinous mouthful of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

2005 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape ... a beautiful wine from Laurence Feraud... showing extremely well...deliciously complex assemblage using many of the 13 varietals pernitted in CdP.  Mostly grenache and syrah. Hints of black tea and anise on the elegant palate.

2009 Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes... the higher end cuvee produced by the Armenier sisters.  Usually very elegant and refined. This bottle was perhaps a bit too young.

2007 G. Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja... really nice showing... tannins have melted and there is a nice inner sweetness to the palate.