Wine thread - what are you enjoying?

[GD Fan]

The 2000 has a VA problem, sadly.

 

[TulseLuper]

The 2000 has a VA problem, sadly.

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Thoughts on Pepe wines generally? I've only had tastes. I picked up a mixed vertical case last summer and am looking forward to diving in.

 

[GD Fan]

Thoughts on Pepe wines generally? I've only had tastes. I picked up a mixed vertical case last summer and am looking forward to diving in.

Personally I'm a big fan. They age extraordinary well and develop very well over an evening. If you haven't already, it is very instructive to read up on the place. Their techniques are, well, unique. Expect the potential for lots of bottle variation among the same vintage. Levi Dalton's podcast (I'll Drink to That) interview with the woman who runs it is a great place to start.

 

[TulseLuper]

Good to hear. Definitely a fan of their methods - can't beat the peace of mind they provide on old bottles. A few years ago I tried the wines (old and young) and met Chiara at a trade event the importer hosted. I liked them but can't know a wine until you've drunk an actual bottle. The 2oz tasting experience doesn't seem fitting for what are supposed to be ultimate table wines.

 

[TulseLuper]

The cliffside vineyards of Taganan. Bush vines more than 100 years old:

 

[Wes]

Chianti - and I just bought Matt Kramer's book on Italian Wines too...

 

[GD Fan]

Love the half bottles.

 

[GD Fan]

A generous friend opened this tonight. Although we both agreed it proved a bit too young.

 

[TLEDDY]

Recently, we drank a bottle of Heitz Cellars 2004 Martha's Vineyard cabernet. As always with vintages of this wine, it was very, very good.

For many years, we'd buy a bottle or two each year and store it. We'd drink it for special occasions. It has been too pricey for us in the last few years.

I picked up a 2014...pricey at 225. Need a couple of hours to open up.

 

[TLEDDY]

You used to run from sabertooth tigers and Neanderthals with clubs.

ROFLMAO!!!!

 

[SIY]

A local Rkatsiteli. Superb.

 

[TulseLuper]

@SIY thoughts on Cote-Rotie from Chambeyron-Manin? Someone just delivered the hard sell on these, and I haven't had a Cote Rotie in a long time.

 

[SIY]

@SIY thoughts on Cote-Rotie from Chambeyron-Manin? Someone just delivered the hard sell on these, and I haven't had a Cote Rotie in a long time.

It's very good. Old style-ish Cote Brune.

Sadly, nearly all my favorite producers (Gallet, D et R Vernay, Marius Gentaz, Remillier...) have either retired and sold out to one of the big name houses (Guigal and Chapoutier particularly) or just sell off grapes to negociants. As the kids have taken over the other estates, the wine styles have gotten less idiosyncratic but more... international. It's getting tough to find the Real Deal there.

If you spot any Eric Texier, pounce.

 

[TulseLuper]

It's very good. Old style-ish Cote Brune.

Sadly, nearly all my favorite producers (Gallet, D et R Vernay, Marius Gentaz, Remillier...) have either retired and sold out to one of the big name houses (Guigal and Chapoutier particularly) or just sell off grapes to negociants. As the kids have taken over the other estates, the wine styles have gotten less idiosyncratic but more... international. It's getting tough to find the Real Deal there.

If you spot any Eric Texier, pounce.

Noted, thanks. Might grab a couple bottles. Benetiere is another option but pricier...

I'm a fan of Texier. Only had the Cote Rotie once but have had plenty of the Brezeme and St Julien en St Alban. Sharp guy. Martin makes solid Cotes du Rhone as well.

 

[TulseLuper]

Speaking of Gentaz... up for auction now. I guess I'll never know.

 

[Trouble Maker]

I really can't imagine the kind of money I would need to think that was a good idea. Are many people buying at this level and planning to drink or are the mostly 'investing'?

 

[SIY]

Speaking of Gentaz... up for auction now. I guess I'll never know

I went through many cases of that when it was $20…

 

[TulseLuper]

Fortunately world class wine need not cost thousands or even $50. Like many Mosel wines, 2019 and 2020 Lauers have been so good. I thought I bought a lot but they're not lasting.

 

[SIY]

Fortunately world class wine need not cost thousands or even $50. Like many Mosel wines, 2019 and 2020 Lauers have been so good. I thought I bought a lot but they're not lasting.

Absolutely true. The secret is, of course, looking beyond the glamor appellations.

 

[syzygetic]

Don Melchor 2018 / Cabernet