Double blind wine tasting. 3 Whites and 3 Reds:
1. ‘18 Hamilton Russell Chard - WOTN across both whites and reds - complex, refined, fruit integrated with honey, oak, butter, cream, camomile.
2. ‘20 Hartenberg The Eleanor Chard - big wine that could use a few years. Nice fruit and lovely acidity. Mix between a White Burg and Rhone Blend.
3. ‘22 Far Niente Chard - potential, very young, not the best QPR. Reminded me of young Paul Hobbs single vineyard Chards.
1. ‘12 Giacomo Fenocchio 90 di Riserva Barolo - aged showed through nicely, but still lively with dark cherries and ample tannins.
2. ‘20 Vilafonte - decanted, but young and an absolutely massive wine. Black fruit, chewy, with decent sweetness.
3. ‘02 Origin Red Blend - nose of black tar and cigars. Zero fruit and big tar, tobacco, and bbq flavors. Bigger wine than I was expecting.
Great night with great friends!
— 4 months ago
At Harold’s house — 2 years ago
v21. As soon as you open , pour and sniff…imagine crushing a bunch of Cabernet grapes in your hand in the barrel room of a winery, this is the smell you get opening this wine! This wine consistently over delivers.
Nose evolves to soft tobacco.
Luscious, juicy blackberry fruit. Smooth, spicy, velvety, chocolate finish. Great entertaining wine! — a month ago
Really enjoyed this - had with Chipotle tacos — 4 months ago
2013 vintage — 5 months ago
Was worth the wait — 2 months ago
Slightly heavier Pinot noir, ripened blackberries, plums, liquorice, cinnamon and toffee. Does not taste like a typical French or Aust/NZ Pinot. Elegant tannins and acidic. Taste more like a light right bank — 3 months ago
Light ruby hue. Aromas of cherry, cream, grass, minerals, and smoke. Medium-light body, soft tannins, and plus acidity. Bright and balanced with a lasting finish. A little tight at first, but softens after opening a while with hints of vanilla on the palate. — 2 years ago
ESF
Fun wine, extended skin contact - looks like a Rose and tasted like one too: mix between tart red fruit & savory notes, some potpourri, fairly exotic. Palate was bit more austere, open canvas for variety of light fare. We had huge salad w/smoked salmon and it was fantastic. Balanced and dry finish, go find some Georgian wine! — a month ago