A toast to the “Unification of Italy.” A light garnet red tapering to burnt orange on the edges. Aromas of black cherry and red currants. Hints of orange with a spicy pepper. The palate is dry and bright with a complex mix of flavor. The Sella family’s history in Lessona region began in 1671. This is one of the smallest village appellations in all of Italy with a mere 23 hectares of land under vine. The success of this region is the Pliocene sandy, marine-influenced soils. These deposits of marine sands and fossil shells provide the mineral cocktail which enhances Nebbiolo with a bright energy. — 2 years ago
Anyone who thinks Pinot Gris is a lame apple-flavored substitute for white wine needs to try this. Very fragrant with aromas of peaches, apricots, pear, petrol, and to no one's surprise, calcareous minerals. Background notes of baking spices and honey. Oily, acidic finish characteristic of Alsatian whites. It's also unfair to rate this against the world's finest Rieslings and Chardonnays, so I completely disagree with those who give it a mere 89-91. I also think with age, this would skyrocket to a 95+ wine. — 3 years ago
Mere brazier — 6 months ago
1990 vintage. Wow. Whatta nose! Haven't had this since the mid-90's when it was a mere baby and tight as nails. Could smell this all night long. Oodles of impressively dark color and still medium-bodied. Nose prefaced the previous life of this wine as a total, in your face, tannic bad-ass, tattooed love boy. Flavor profile revealed a more delicate, plummy and slightly plushy finish. Smoother and fatter than expected on the back end. One of the best wines this estate has ever made and no rush to crush. This wine will outlive you and your retirement funds. — a year ago
Lunch 🥪
K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 2 years ago
Virkelig interessant hvidvin med noter a la en let, mere frugtig fino sherry. Noter af gær, svampe, saltede mandler, tørrede abrikoser, uldne ragsokker. — 3 years ago
Michael Thompson
Dinner with Karina and Cailyn at Mere Catherine, Zurich, 4/16/24 on a Tuesday night after work. — 3 months ago