WineLovers Discussion Group

I'm already registered for a Cain Five tasting and Harbor Gala on Thursday, May 16 and a Chateau Angelus tasting (now sold out) and a Grand Tasting session on May 18 but have not signed up yet for the tastings and seminars on May 17. I am having a difficult time making a decision between sessions that run concurrently (maybe my indecisiveness relates to my Libra sign of the Zodiac.) The Penner-Ash tasting runs at the same time as the Domaine Bertrand Ambroise tasting. I have been wanting to try some Penner-Ash wines so that seems like a natural but I also love Burgundy wines and don't have much firsthand experience with this domaine. I would have another opportunity to try Penner-Ash wines at a seminar on Willamette Valley terroir later that day but that conflicts with a seminar on Stag's Leap Wine Cellars SLV Cabernet Sauvignon that will include a library vintage from the 70's or 80's as well as more recent vintages. In between the Penner-Ash or Bertrand Ambroise tastings and the seminars is a Felsina tasting which doesn't leave time for lunch (I may have to bag a lunch and scarf it down between sessions if they don't provide cheese and bread at the tastings.) WWYD (what would you do?)

HI jane, that seems like a complicated schedule but my first priority would be the Angelus and Ambroise tastings. Although the SLV tasting with an older 70's-80's Cab would be interesting, their recent releases have recieved poor reviews by the pundits. I have never tasted any Penner-Ash Pinots but you will no doubt have other opportunities to try their wines. Just my 2 cents.

I would just hope for the snow to have melted by then!

Thanks, Jim.

James, I do remember one visit to Nantucket mid-May when I was freezing. Hadn't expected such chilly weather and didn't have a heavy jacket.

I would go with the Ambroise as well. But if you get the chance, and you should, try some of the Long Island wines. They are very Loire-like and well made. Sometimes a little pricey but some of the best US wines that I have had. Cab Franc, Merlot, Chards, and Sauvignon Blanc with good acidity and some real appeal. Try a sparkler or SB with local oysters, some of the best in the world.Peconic Bay (their Chard was on point) stands out as well as Macari, but they were mostly all better than average. In that part of the world think "oysters and lobster". Enjoy.

Not wine related, JC, but I have to say I love Nantucket and wish I were going to this event. We used to summer there at #5 Lyon Street. It is, as you may know, quite charming and I hope it hasn't changed much.

Jon Peterson wrote: We used to summer there at #5 Lyon Street. It is, as you may know, quite charming and I hope it hasn't changed much.

Probably just add another 0 or two to what you paid for rent.

Tom Troiano wrote:

Jon Peterson wrote: We used to summer there at #5 Lyon Street. It is, as you may know, quite charming and I hope it hasn't changed much.

Probably just add another 0 or two to what you paid for rent.

Only two?

Jane, the one time I visited the Penner Ash winery about four years ago, I was surprised to find hugely spoofulated wines. Plush, heavy wines with so much lavish new oak that they more of vanilla extract than pinot noir. I don't think you'd care for them any more than I did. That make the choice easier?

Oops, Jenise you weighed in too late! I signed up for the Bertrand Ambroise and Felsina tastings and the seminar on Willamette Valley terroir which does include some Penner-Ash wines. Will report back after the events. I am not a fan of heavily oaked Pinot Noir.