Stars & Freckles

minimalist wines

STARS IN THE DARK Syrah

Full well rounded, wild cherry, plums, spices — 2 months ago

Château Grand-Pontet

Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

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

Shay, Tom and 21 others liked this
Eric

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You lunch like a bad ass.

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1980

The 1980 vintage in Sauternes was challenging to say the least but Chateau D’Yquem has crafted one of the shining stars of the vintage. Aromatically quite expressive, the Sauternes takes the lead with candied ginger, lychee, apricot and shades of bananas foster that all sing in unison. The palate comes off with an unusual combination of sweet and sour tones, with a strong vein of salinity that races through the core of quince, sour apricot, vanilla creme brûlée and roasted pineapple flavors. Texturally elegant, this is far less on the unctuous side of D’Yquem, but has a beautiful feeling of refinement, freshness and elegance. Still humming at the forty year mark, the 1980 D’Yquem will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another five to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 94 — 4 years ago

Shay, Eric and 25 others liked this

California Stars

Love Me Love Me Not Searby Vineyard Orange

A floral light on the musk orange, light and dressing on a hot day — 5 months ago

Fattoria dei Barbi (Colombini)

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese

Stars with roses and moves to Licorice and cola. Gluggable — 3 years ago

Keith liked this

Meinklang

Prosa Pinot Noir Rosé 2019

mouthful of small pink stars, some creamy moment inside of it, ends with a sweet-sour raspberry millisecond — 4 years ago

Valley Of The Stars

Washington Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Superrrrr light for a cab!!

This was a great choice! Lovely medium body and very balanced lighter cab. No crazy tannins but present enough to be interesting!!
— 5 years ago

Plantation

3 Stars Artisinal Rum

Agree with the others - best white rum I’ve ever had. Made this here daiquiri, quite sublime. I give it five stars, actually lol — a year ago

Paul, Dawn and 9 others liked this

Domaine Olivier B.

Les Amidyves Côtes du Ventoux Grenache Blend 2017

Smells like a spiced pastry

Lively! Red stars dance across the tongue for only a meaty mingling moment, before the tannins start smacking every part of the mouth, up, down, left, right, Jab, Jab, Ka-pow! Those knock out tannins longer on and on.. and on..
Wish I had bought 2 bottles, this needs at least 5 years to relax those teen tannins.
I mean, don’t close your mouth for too long on these tannins, as they act like a vacuum and super glue. You’ll never get your jaws apart..
— 4 years ago

Daniel P., Tom and 4 others liked this
Trixie

Trixie

Great description! A good bottle from your notes. Cheers!🍷