Daniel Bloom

8.2

Misty roses this is not. Roses on noses this is. Searingly acidic. A decent slosh and cool down helps with that edge. The nose is dark, dark, red rose petals with indeterminate spices all around. Burnt orange peel and a sharp muskiness. As it airs in the glass, bitter cherries. Pair this with some rich, fatty braised meat and you’ll continue to reach for the glass as it cuts right through.
I see there are big fans but I don’t think this one is a sipper. That acidity is remarkable and persistent. Once the pork shoulder and lamb are gone, I’m not quite sure what to do with it. Palate tingling…
I’d like to hear from its champions as to what they dig.
It is a rare, weirdo one for sure.
— 2 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.7

On the nose it’s almost nubuck leather that’s had a walk by the ocean. White and vaguely yellow flowers.
Miraflores seems to be a spectacular vineyard. Everything I’ve had that says sourced from there is worthwhile.
This…has no edges, no spikes, a complete whole.
On the palate, I get upon entry, the slightest hint of lemon peel. No heavy yeast, no wood showing through. Refreshment that at 15° sure doesn’t feel it.
There’s no heavy there. No overdone evidence of the barrel/butt that this was in. Pure pleasure. But intellectual enough to be quizzical, as I return, return, return. As it warms in the glass and has exposure to air, there’s more of the bodega, the terroir, and the wood coming through. Some of that ineffable lacquer and vaguely mushroom quality that good sherry Carries. Still no trace of heat or imbalance 2-3 hrs. in.
A perfect partner with fried smelts, grilled veg, and Insalata Caprese.
With Randy.
Thanks @Flatiron Wines — 14 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

A very, very interesting specimen. After 23 years, the cork was a mess, broke in half and from the appearance it wasn’t going to be a good experience.
Then I pour/tested some and VIOLA!As the Beatles said “ all together now”.
In a way it freaked me out.
So…Blood, salt, meatiness and some funk ( mushrooms)on the nose. Smells somewhat thick as these varietals go. So… stickingmy snozh in there tells me tales of Italian Syrah by way of California, with Nebbiolo riding in second. Now, this wine is predominantly Nebbiolo in the blend , 50% ( 25%Barbera/25%Syrah),but it comes in secondarily. On the palette as well. It’s rich but not gloppy, tannins still evident, as is the acidity. I’d have liked to seen this ten years ago ( ha ha).
With roasted sausages and a variety of mushrooms it does nicely… though it dominates at 14.9°.
Color me intrigued.
With Randy
Thanks @chambers street wines — 25 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.5

It only got better with time.
Anyone have a jar of Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries in their fridge?… well, a whole new world is here.
Upon pouring, the nose is decidedly nice…if innocuous, you may think you’ve had that one before…you may be mistaken.
light cherries , wood shavings, graphite, the mysterious forest you wish to be in.
After a while that nose and palate deepen to .. forgive me.. something Kirsch like, sappy, very cherry with all kinds of tertiary qualities appearing. A little funk, a bit of acidity, some flowers( big red ones),and masonry bricks hot in the sun. On the palate, it’s rich, not cloying, full w/o corners, enveloping. With braised pork butt, porcini & fennel seed served with polenta it’s hard to ask for a better companion
With Randy.
Thanks @FassSelections
— 5 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.0

Strawberry nose, candied strawberries. Very slightly frizzante. Delicious but not overtly complex. One can see why this particular assemblage, named for the pet/colloquial name of Honoré Pascal: The Big.
Supposedly not only was he large, but mellow. Drinking this all day could do that.
But I digress, It’s somewhat indistinct on the palette…but I don’t think that’s the intent. It goes down SO easily and is good with summer foods , that’s the point. There’s a trace of bitterness that’s welcome on the finish. It could be that there are those of us who are inclined towards southern French delicate ones.
Interestingly, on day 2 this was much more interesting and went swimmingly with homemade Baba Ganouj and Chicken in Kubbe sauce(a Middle Eastern chickpea, carrot , celery and spice soup we transformed into a sauce). Along with some Harrisa….
Think I’ll have to revise that silly score.
With Randy.
— 17 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

Open for 10-15 mins.
Lots of grapefruit ( white) on the nose, white flowers and seashore.
Initially, on the palate, the grapefruits prevail, it feels almost delicate, but like a knife’s edge delicacy. It’s all on the mid palate, not necessarily a bad thing. Very refreshing. After Vongole Ala Marcella Hazan, plus cheeses, it’s oceanic and perfecto. My mind* hopes that as it airs out it might broaden a bit. But not necessary. The mineral finish sticks around for quite a while. At $20 through the @palcb a steal.
With Randy. — a month ago

Daniel Bloom

9.2

Evidently, their first. 300 vines of a “blend of Mencía, Caino Tinto, Souson, Palomino, Garnacha Tintorera, Godello, Brancellao and Espadeiro from a tiny single vineyard of old vines in Ribeira Sacra”, in the mountains of Galicia, made all in steel. From a mountain top in Riberia Sacra with minimal intervention and put up in large fourdes.
100 magnums bottled.
Took to a “casual” memorial for a friend , set it on the table with some other wines and liquors, pop n’ pour at will.
Delicious, dark barnyard, indeterminate fruits, brambly, bright at 14.1°. Went exceptionally well with dark shrimp gumbo among other things. Some folks who told me they weren’t fond of red wine were spotted with 2nd, 3rd gasses.
Sometimes a wacky bottle you take a chance on and leave alone in your cellar for a while is just perfect!
So long Bill…we’ll see you on the other side.
Saluté!
With many bereaved yet celebrating folks.
Thanks @chambers street wines. — 7 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.4

SuperSeaShore!
It’s as Ken Kesey said…”you’re either on the bus or you’re off the bus “
Fine, fine, Manzanilla. Combines a creamy palate with salinity galore.
Yeast, salt and old wood(lacquer) on the nose. Then it’s creamy, full, and Salty. But so smooth. So strange is Jerez. Can’t wait to to go.
With Randy.

Saca 2025. — 17 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.2

Open for 45 mins or so.
Lots of black tea, sassafras, and deep red licorice on the nose.
The palate is just slightly chewy( nicely), dense but not heavy. Palate filling. Some wines seem to seek out all your nooks and crannies, this is one. As it’s out, it changes somewhat, deepens and becomes more volatile with air. I bet a slight decant or slosh would be nice. Those red/black notes echo on the palate, though you almost never aren’t sipping at it.( good English eh?)
Kutch’s labels are encyclopedic.
There’s info on:
Barrels produced 4
Vineyard Planted 1988
Elevation 1,500 feet
etc.
Some of you should buy some, ( not too much!) and read up.
A very good Cali. Pinot producer indeed.
With Randy
Thanks @Jamie kutch. — 24 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.3

A great, multifaceted Albariño that delivers the mineral, seashore, oceanic qualities one hopes for. A perfect pairing with Marcela Hazan’s Vongole Ala Al Covo with a touch of tomato and basil.
This one had some age 2022, on it and while not fat, revealed multiple complexities of seashore, fruits( stone and citrus), and that inimitable sense of place. Rocks all over the place. The dude at @chambers street was right when he said “ah-ha”!
With Randy
Thanks @chambers street — a month ago