Wine drinkers - what are you having today/tonight?
#406
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: here and there
Programs: some
Posts: 3,377
Which one? How was it?
Today a 1990 Besserat de Bellefon (beautiful, lots of fruit while also having that lovely aged Champagne/brioche taste)
Then a 2000 Echezeaux (amazing)
with some 1970 Camus Cognac to finish
Today a 1990 Besserat de Bellefon (beautiful, lots of fruit while also having that lovely aged Champagne/brioche taste)
Then a 2000 Echezeaux (amazing)
with some 1970 Camus Cognac to finish
Last edited by iluv2fly; Dec 27, 2017 at 7:45 am Reason: merge
#407
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SEA & RDM
Programs: UA - 1MM, DL Diamond, AS MVP75, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 8,036
2011 Pulenta Estate Grand Cabernet Franc XI. A lovely wine purchased at the bodega a few years ago that managed to survive 3 house moves in reasonable shape. Argentinian single varietal cabernet franc is wonderful and deserves some of the overwhelming attention that Malbec gets from that part of the world.
#409
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,238
Sparkling wine from Gruet to toast the new year. I believe I read on the label that it was made in Albuquerque. I'd never heard of it but bought it for the tag listing a Wine Spectator score of 90. I never felt a thing but I was hurting this morning.
#410
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,225
Gruet was founded by an old Champagne family as I recall. They identified a part of New Mexico as having an optimally similar climate to the Champagne region. Many wine reviewers have said that their sparkling wines compare favorably with much more expensive Champagnes. I like the Gruets I've had, but they have been relatively few.
#411
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,413
Opened a 2006 The Odyssey (their red Rhone blend) from Miner Family Wines. Unfortunately, a little over the hill, but still drank okay after giving it an hour to open up.
^ I'm sitting on a 2011 Pulenta XV, which is their Gran Pinot Noir. I should probably open that in 2018-19. I've had some delightful cab francs from Argentina and Chile - and generally much cheaper than Chinon.
I tried a Gruet blanc de Blanca last month. Thought it was decent for the money, but nothing that I'd necessarily buy for a special occasion.
2011 Pulenta Estate Grand Cabernet Franc XI. A lovely wine purchased at the bodega a few years ago that managed to survive 3 house moves in reasonable shape. Argentinian single varietal cabernet franc is wonderful and deserves some of the overwhelming attention that Malbec gets from that part of the world.
Gruet was founded by an old Champagne family as I recall. They identified a part of New Mexico as having an optimally similar climate to the Champagne region. Many wine reviewers have said that their sparkling wines compare favorably with much more expensive Champagnes. I like the Gruets I've had, but they have been relatively few.
#412
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,238
They were offering samples and had multiple cases on ice at the grocery store on Sunday afternoon. Bargain priced, I thought, at $12.99 a bottle. It was an impulse buy.
#414
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,220
#415
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: here and there
Programs: some
Posts: 3,377
Visited Hans Herzog in Marlborough (New Zealand) yesterday. Really enjoyed the Montepulciano - a grape variety that generally doesn't do well in NZ (or anywhere outside Italy) (I noticed it's in the '1000 wines you must try before you die' book.) The Gewurz I would avoid - it was fine but no more.
Last edited by Fliar; Jan 13, 2018 at 3:32 am Reason: spelling
#418
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,369
Last night, we opened a 1997 Wellington Merlot (Sonoma County). The winery recently shut down and this was a random library selection thrown in with a case deal. I've held it for several months debating whether it would be any good.
After decanting for 45 minutes, the wine was absolutely outstanding. Minimal sediment and lots of fruit left - almost jammy. It was perfect alongside my pot roast and I wish I had several more.
After decanting for 45 minutes, the wine was absolutely outstanding. Minimal sediment and lots of fruit left - almost jammy. It was perfect alongside my pot roast and I wish I had several more.
#419
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,413
Popped open a 2005 Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet ("La Garenne") tonight. Still drinking beautifully (though getting towards end of drinking life, IMO) - exactly what you'd expect of an older Bourgogne blanc.