The Official Wine Thread

[Piobaire]

Hmmm. 2005 Havens Wine Cellars Merlot Reserve?

Wow, sipping a glass now. WTSO, 14 bucks per, four bottles. NOICE.

Plush, lush, chocolate berry fruit. Firm but nice tannins. What a buy for $14.

 

[Mark from Plano]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

Hmmm. 2005 Havens Wine Cellars Merlot Reserve?

Wow, sipping a glass now. WTSO, 14 bucks per, four bottles. NOICE.

Plush, lush, chocolate berry fruit. Firm but nice tannins. What a buy for $14.

That's good to hear. I bought six bottles and drank one right after it came. The tannins struck me as almost too much to bear at that time (bottle shock?). I remember thinking that it might have needed more time to grow up. Anyway, glad to hear you liked yours...since I have five bottles left.

 

[gomestar]

Went to the Modern at MoMA tonight. Good stuff.

Started with a cocktail, delicious. Then it was on to a Gruner Veltliner, Prager Federspiel "Hinter d. Burg," Wachau 2008. Under appreciated varietal, this was superbly balanced and delicious. Then it was on to a solid Burg, Potel Savigny-les-Beaune 2006. Really nice bright fruits, more than I usually associate with Burg. Rather new world in style, perhaps a negative aspect, but the wine made up for it with good weight, viscosity, and versatility. Not bad at all.

Food consisted of an absolutely brilliant tuna tartare, foie gras torchon, tarte flambee, pork belly sliders, lobster rolls with miso-scallion brioche, and a selection of 3 superb cheeses to end it all.

gomestar sleeps well.

 

[Piobaire]

Gomey, sounds like quite the meal. Everything you listed sounded like a home run.

Mark, there were certainly tannins and I think our entree was a little light for them. Next time I'll go steak. The tannins were integrating though, and while overmatched for dinner last night, not a problem.

 

[PandArts]

Man last night was a blast! Dan Philips is a really nice guy and a great story teller...suppose that's why he imports and make some great wines! I put the list and write-up on blog...

 

[itsstillmatt]

Had an Italian wine that I actually liked last night. Probably too young, but it seemed to be to be drinking quite well. A 2004 Manzone Bricat Barolo. I was quite impressed, and the price on the wine list was excellent.

 

[gomestar]

Good to hear. Did somebody else pick it from the menu or did you?

93 pts. Galloni and $45-50 in stores, seems like a great value. I recognize this wine though I have never had it.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by gomestar

Good to hear. Did somebody else pick it from the menu or did you?

93 pts. Galloni and $45-50 in stores, seems like a great value. I recognize this wine though I have never had it.
I picked it with some assistance. It was only $78 on the list, which is pretty damn good for the quality. It was a rich meal, tripe with chanterelles, pasta with rabbit and then duck, all pretty earthy flavors, so it went very well.

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by iammatt

I picked it with some assistance. It was only $78 on the list, which is pretty damn good for the quality. It was a rich meal, tripe with chanterelles, pasta with rabbit and then duck, all pretty earthy flavors, so it went very well.

Cheers for giving it a try despite the eye-tie hesitation. Fantastic price, too, I can't imagine very many wines competing at that level. A young wine, but I'm glad it was well received. Imagine a few years when the tannins smooth out and the flavors integrate. Delicious.

And looking at that menu, I imagine a Barolo or Barbaresco was a perfect pairing throughout each course. Nice.

 

[ryansmith]

Today: 2002 Sociando Mallet

 

[leftover_salmon]

Last night: Emerson Vineyard 2006 Avelina Pinot Noir.

 

[gomestar]

Bottle #1 was surprisingly good, so here is to seeing if #2 can also hold its ground. It was not a fluke. Excellent value Burg here, certainly the best I've had under $25 (and this cost me $17). Seek out.

 

[Cary Grant]

Nice price Matt and a good Barolo. 2004 will be an excellent year. Drinking well now and really coming on in the next two years.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Another bottle of Hyppolite Reverdy Sancerre 2008 last night.

 

[Cary Grant]

What do you like (generally speaking) about Sancerre, Matt?