Overall impression: a bit disjointed at this juncture. I had this wine several years ago shortly after release and thought it had too much alcohol (14.9%). I still think so several years later. The tannins have resolved a bit, the aromatics have developed, and there is nice fruit up front complemented by classic Mt. Harlan minerality ...but is eclipsed by a finish that is too warm. Time will tell if it will come around.
Enjoyed these over the course of dinner...
First course: Baked coconut encrusted shrimp
Main course: Grilled marinated tuna steaks, lobster mac & cheese, artichoke salad, balsamic golden peppers
Dessert: New York cheesecake
The '99 Prum nicely complemented the coconut shrimp. Lovely aromatics of petrol and honeysuckle leading to a classic palate of ripe apple and pear. Really enjoy the 7.5% abv... This bottle seemed to be a bit past it's peak as evidenced by the more viscous nature ... somewhat lacking in tension and crisp minerality that I look for in great Riesling. ..
My first foray with the Foradori wines... the '12 Manzoni paired very well with the tuna steaks. The Manzoni varietal is an interesting cross between Riesling and Pinot Bianco....I believe that Foradori uses clay amphorae in making their wines. This beauty has a fascinating earthy component and is quite mineral driven with apricot and pear notes on the palate. It really wants to be paired with food with its stoney flavor. Lithe 12.5% abv.
One of the current "hot" wines from the Languedoc ... the Quercus bottling is 100% Grenache crafted by owner Gerard Bru and cellarmaster Mathieu Ciampi. The genius of Philippe Cambie is evident as the consulting winemaker.
This is a monster wine that is good now but will be gorgeous in a few years. Opened and consumed the first quarter of the bottle, then the remainder at varying intervals over the course of two weeks. The last of it was really delicious and showed the potential of the wine, especially evoking comparison to more modern CdP's. Big raspberry fruit, garrigue with anise accents. The aromatics reflect the hedonistic style evident in the palate. Hang onto this for a few more years...
My favorite Languedoc wine still remains the beautiful Las Flors de la Piera...
http://lestastevinsdulac.blogspot.com/2012/11/las-flors-de-la-peira.html
Two fine examples, respectively, of California and Oregon Pinot Noir. Paired with Chicken Dijon and San Marzano tomato salad. Slow-o'd both for a couple of hours.
Big fan of Josh Jensen's heritage pinot noir. The '04 Calera Mills was showing spectacularly well. Satiny, floral aromatics are sublime (much more robust than the '05 Mills) .... the captivating nose keeps you coming back for more and more.... setting the stage for the beautifully sweet, minerally raspberry palate with mellow spice and mushroom accents. Sort of reminded me a bit of Joe Rochioli's great wines. My only knock is at 15% alc, the finish is very slightly warm.
My first foray with Robert Brittan's wines... the '11 Basalt Block is definitely on the young side. Voluptuous tart cherry fruit in tension with nice framework of acidity and spice. Very nicely balanced at 13.2% alc... really looking forward to revisiting this in 3 or 4 years... There's a lot that will come together in this wine...
