The American counterpoint to an Irish whisky at the Embassy of Ireland in Japan (the recently opened Ireland House). USA a clear winner, even in the highball format. — a month ago
1 hour decant. A striking dark magenta color. On the nose: subtle notes of dark cherry, smoke, pencil shavings, earth, and hints of leather/tobacco. Taste: dark cherry/plum, earth, oak, bitter chocolate, with a slightly astringent tobacco and dried herbs finish. — 4 months ago
See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — a month ago
Quite light straw colour . Slightly waxy toasty notes , lime cordial , lemon , white flowers . Really quite young and fresh. On the palate this has high acidity but a creamy , waxy note. Lime , grapefruit , lightly honied palate . Good length and lime, lightly toasty finish. Very fresh and vital . Really young still . From now and over the next 10-20 years . — 2 months ago
1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — 12 days ago
Smooth and effortless with no hard edges, even in a warm year. Seductively savory with currant, strawberry, leather, tobacco, coffee bean, and bone marrow. There’s an incredible gamey streak here. Oak is impeccably balanced. Just tip toeing into some bricking.
The pedigree is clear. Counting myself lucky.
My #1 tonight. — a month ago
Sagee Aran
A balanced fresh red. — 22 days ago