- 2011 Canonica a Cerreto Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (2018-10-28)
This seemed to have a bit of brett, as the nose was quite funky, and those flavours echoed on the finish of this otherwise very interesting and tasty wine. Didn't take notes, but this particular bottle seemed a little off, although most people around the table really enjoyed it. I don't mind a little brett either, so I enjoyed it as well, and it went well with the lamb, but not rated. - 2011 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (2018-10-28)
Had a brief taste of this last night. As usual, there was nothing wrong with this medium bodied wine, but nothing really stood out either. A blend of red and black fruits with a smooth texture. It's a consistent wine, but not an outstanding super Tuscan, IMO. (B+) - 2008 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Sagemoor Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (2018-10-24)
Hazy notes from last night. This was drinking well, with still a dark colour and a nice nose of blackfruits, cedar and a herbal note. These were echoed on the medium-full bodied, plush palate. The herbal note was not over the top, but certainly noticeable; it added rather than detracted I thought. This doesn't appear to be declining, but don't know if it is improving either - it's in a good spot now (A-) - 2011 Scott Paul Cellars Pinot Noir La Paulée - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (2018-10-22)
This certainly reflects the cool vintage, and its hallmark is elegance and grace rather than ripeness and power. This is drinking really well now, with a complex mix of cherry, raspberry, sandalwood and light spices on the pure, medium-bodied palate. (A-) - 1999 Domaine du Closel-Château des Vaults Savennières Les Caillardieres - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (2018-10-20)
Hazy notes from my last bottle. You never know with aged Savenierres, but this was tasting very well at 19 years old. There is some oxidation, but it doesn't overshadow the rotten fruit, wet wool and mineral notes on the medium to full bodied, slightly viscous wine. A singular, fascinating expression of chenin blanc that could only be from the Loire. (A-) - 2007 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (2018-10-19)
Similar notes to last bottle. Lovely intensity and balance with lots of apricot notes and more viscous texture than usually found in a kabinett. Nice now, but will last a long time. (A-) - 1999 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (2018-10-12)
Less bricking than I would have expected for a 19 year old CNP. A lovely nose with lots of garrigue and red fruits. An expansive medium-full bodied palate, with plums, cherries, leather, more garrigue and still a healthy amount of smooth tannins on the finish. Is the fruit on the decline here? I think so, but it is in a great place now; it should probably be drank fairly soon. Lovely old school, aged CNP (listed at 13.5%!). (A-)