Page 1 of 1

Notes on a bunch of recent high-quality wines

PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 11:10 pm
by Patrick Martin
1996 Mayacamas Cabernet
My first from this producer, from 375ml. I liked this, good grip, fairly young but open, a bit of green, plenty of cassis and earth, overall a bit monolithic right now, but still very nice. A classic, throw-back style. Some might find it lean and green, but for me it has the requisite balance to be engaging and will it will likely develop a lovely perfume. Has upside. B+

2001 Pesquera Crianza
I've had this repeatedly since 2006, and it still shows almost the same - delicious. Minerally, some iodine, a dusty quality, but all showcased with great tempranillo fruit. Aromatic and pleasing. I'm going to drink my remaining stash sooner than later. B/B+

2004 Felsina Rancia CC
While much more expressive than 3 years ago, this chianti is still too young to get excited about, but it has lots of potential. Good depth of color and fruit and texture, but right now it is mostly about its acidity. A bit hard to judge at present, but I could see this flowering in the cellar as an elegant, deep, aromatic, and thoroughly pleasing CCR. Seems to have a good balance between tradition and change. B/B+

2009 Canon La Gaffeliere
Took a half bottle for a test drive. A distinctly modern take on St. Emilion, with a notably complex bouquet of roasted coffee, BBQ spices, herbs, licorice, tarmac, and currants. The palate at present is too heavy, but still flavorful. Too low acid, probably, I wonder how this will develop. Enjoyable, but a sex pot to drink without food. B+ if all goes well

2009 Montevertine IGT
Young, highly aromatic, tons of malic acid, light bodied yet intense, some drying tannins, with the color of an old school pinot noir. I think this has lots of potential, but it's too much to really enjoy by itself right now. It needs a tomato. Galloni's note nailed this wine, I think. A throwback. B today with B+/A potential

1992 Laurel Glen Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
This is really good. Still holding up well, with lots of creosote and black currants, good brightness. This has some pine resin a la Dunn Howell Mtn, and better depth than other Laurel Glen cabs. The tannins are gone. Not complex, but very nice, the acidity kept together. I would drink these now. A-

1994 Ojai Santa Barbara Syrah
This is surprisingly good. Showing some grey at the edges, this is one of the better Cali syrahs I've had. A lovely core of fruit with some bacon, minerals, and smoke. Fruity but balanced, shows it Cali credentials but could run with some northern Rhones. Drink up and enjoy. B+/A-

Re: Notes on a bunch of recent high-quality wines

PostPosted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 10:55 am
by Dale Williams
Really like the 96 Mayacamas, but from 750 last year I thought it needed another decade.
I haven't had the Rancia, but the 04 Felsina CC is drinking well now.
Will keep an eye out for the Montevertine.

Re: Notes on a bunch of recent high-quality wines

PostPosted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 1:06 pm
by Patrick Martin
Dale, I thought the Mayacamas was very good, but still on the primary side even in half-bottle. Definitely keep an eye out for the Montevetrine, that was some beguiling sangiovese.