Simply...The Wine Thread

[G8RDPM]

Marc, wanted to share bourbon with you in Vegas . You(and dP, and Manny)created a monster!

Not bad for a Thursday!

[encarter13]

A friend of mine started a winery a few years back. I am not a white wine guy, but I love his Traminette. If you ever see a bottle of wine from Noble Wine Cellar, make sure to pick it up!


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[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by G8RDPM

Marc, wanted to share bourbon with you in Vegas . You(and dP, and Manny)created a monster!

Not bad for a Thursday!

Sorry to have missed it!! Glad you all had fun, surprised there were no booze pics from Vegas though? what gives?

[RichM]

Today's choice.

[BNA/LION]

Picked up three different red blends at the Wife's request today. These were recommended at a local wine shop. Trying the Abstract tonight with a steak...

I would recommend it if you like blends and lighter reds. Price point is around $35 a bottle.


Orin Swift Abstract 2015

A gorgeous new California red wine gem from a gifted and fast-rising winemaker, Dave Phinney. Owner of Orin Swift Cellars, Dave Phinney has come a long way since beginning his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! Following big successes with wines such as Papillon and The Prisoner, Phinney launched the Abstract label with the 2009 vintage. Abstract came out of Dave's love of Grenache and a desire to make a blend using that varietal as the focal point. The wine has an inky concentration rounded out with Petite Sirah and Syrah. Phinney recently purchased 48 acres of land in the hills above Oakville and hopes one day to build a winery there. Robert Parker rated the 2013 Abstract 94 points. We're anxious to see his score on the 2015!

Orin Swift Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties, primarily from hillside vineyards. Opaque and purple to the rim of the glass, an elevated display of aromatics is immediately present. Fragrant dark fruits, spring flowers, violet, and hint of garrigue greet the nose and tempt added review. Extraordinary freshness is present upon entry leading to lush flavors of sweet boysenberries, kirsch, licorice, dark cherries, and exotic floral notes. The palate is thoroughly treated and left with a finish of bright acidity and round tannins, which exist in seamless balance. Aged 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, 30% new. 15.7% alc.

Enjoy Orin Swift Abstract with steak, roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses.

Winemaker's Notes

As soon as a glass is poured, aromatic notes of Luxardo cherries, ripe black plums and raspberries billow, with intricate hints of coffee, mocha and caramel in the background. The entry is expansive with dark briar fruits, cola and cocoa with tannins that are soft and dusty. The wine finishes with a hint of wild cherry and a lingering sweet oak presence.

[BNA/LION]

Originally Posted by G8RDPM

Marc, wanted to share bourbon with you in Vegas . You(and dP, and Manny)created a monster! Not bad for a Thursday

NICE! Love the Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente! We received our wine club shipment for the month a few days ago. Can't wait to try the 2009.

[wantonebad]

well this was too young but my god what a monster!!

[daveathall]

I must admit that red wine gives me a headache straight away so I drink white with all my meals, this may be sacrilege but there ya go. I also prefer "off dry" (another faux pas possibly) I quite like New Zealand Riesling (Framingham or Pegasus Bay) I also like Gewürztraminer. I may not have the most sophisticated pallet but enjoy these. Does anyone have any other recommendations for me to try please?

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

well this was too young but my god what a monster!!

What a GREAT bottle right there!!

I agree it needs another 5 years at least!! I opened up one last May -- so much potential.

I have several 07s and have opened a couple and they are spectacular!!!!


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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by BNALION

NICE! Love the Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente! We received our wine club shipment for the month a few days ago. Can't wait to try the 2009.

That 09 is quite nice. Enjoy my friend!!

Any Dragonfly vineyard?


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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by BNALION

Picked up three different red blends at the Wife's request today. These were recommended at a local wine shop. Trying the Abstract tonight with a steak...



I would recommend it if you like blends and lighter reds. Price point is around $35 a bottle.





Orin Swift Abstract 2015



A gorgeous new California red wine gem from a gifted and fast-rising winemaker, Dave Phinney. Owner of Orin Swift Cellars, Dave Phinney has come a long way since beginning his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! Following big successes with wines such as Papillon and The Prisoner, Phinney launched the Abstract label with the 2009 vintage. Abstract came out of Dave's love of Grenache and a desire to make a blend using that varietal as the focal point. The wine has an inky concentration rounded out with Petite Sirah and Syrah. Phinney recently purchased 48 acres of land in the hills above Oakville and hopes one day to build a winery there. Robert Parker rated the 2013 Abstract 94 points. We're anxious to see his score on the 2015!



Orin Swift Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties, primarily from hillside vineyards. Opaque and purple to the rim of the glass, an elevated display of aromatics is immediately present. Fragrant dark fruits, spring flowers, violet, and hint of garrigue greet the nose and tempt added review. Extraordinary freshness is present upon entry leading to lush flavors of sweet boysenberries, kirsch, licorice, dark cherries, and exotic floral notes. The palate is thoroughly treated and left with a finish of bright acidity and round tannins, which exist in seamless balance. Aged 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, 30% new. 15.7% alc.



Enjoy Orin Swift Abstract with steak, roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses.



Winemaker's Notes



As soon as a glass is poured, aromatic notes of Luxardo cherries, ripe black plums and raspberries billow, with intricate hints of coffee, mocha and caramel in the background. The entry is expansive with dark briar fruits, cola and cocoa with tannins that are soft and dusty. The wine finishes with a hint of wild cherry and a lingering sweet oak presence.

Abstract is a great wine for that particular price point.

Only thing I've found is that the finish can be a little harsh...the nose - and beginning and mid palate are quite nice.

Try their Mercury Head if you have a chance.


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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by BNALION

Picked up three different red blends at the Wife's request today. These were recommended at a local wine shop. Trying the Abstract tonight with a steak...



I would recommend it if you like blends and lighter reds. Price point is around $35 a bottle.





Orin Swift Abstract 2015



A gorgeous new California red wine gem from a gifted and fast-rising winemaker, Dave Phinney. Owner of Orin Swift Cellars, Dave Phinney has come a long way since beginning his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! Following big successes with wines such as Papillon and The Prisoner, Phinney launched the Abstract label with the 2009 vintage. Abstract came out of Dave's love of Grenache and a desire to make a blend using that varietal as the focal point. The wine has an inky concentration rounded out with Petite Sirah and Syrah. Phinney recently purchased 48 acres of land in the hills above Oakville and hopes one day to build a winery there. Robert Parker rated the 2013 Abstract 94 points. We're anxious to see his score on the 2015!



Orin Swift Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties, primarily from hillside vineyards. Opaque and purple to the rim of the glass, an elevated display of aromatics is immediately present. Fragrant dark fruits, spring flowers, violet, and hint of garrigue greet the nose and tempt added review. Extraordinary freshness is present upon entry leading to lush flavors of sweet boysenberries, kirsch, licorice, dark cherries, and exotic floral notes. The palate is thoroughly treated and left with a finish of bright acidity and round tannins, which exist in seamless balance. Aged 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, 30% new. 15.7% alc.



Enjoy Orin Swift Abstract with steak, roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses.



Winemaker's Notes



As soon as a glass is poured, aromatic notes of Luxardo cherries, ripe black plums and raspberries billow, with intricate hints of coffee, mocha and caramel in the background. The entry is expansive with dark briar fruits, cola and cocoa with tannins that are soft and dusty. The wine finishes with a hint of wild cherry and a lingering sweet oak presence.

Abstract is a great wine for that particular price point.

Only thing I've found is that the finish can be a little harsh...the nose - and beginning and mid palate are quite nice.

Try their Mercury Head if you have a chance.


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[mjclark32]

In Florida for a boys weekend and opened the in laws wine fridge. These any good?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Clark 1984 Cask 23 is auction bottle going from 225-350.. check the neck fill and see if it's lower then it should be, if it's ok decant for 45 to an hour..

88 Caymus will just ok compare to the cask 23 normally

[mjclark32]

[Runnin' Rebel]

That's a great picture of a 30+ year old wine with base neck to top neck ullage. Shows it has been well maintained and little to no evaporation through the cork. Of course I wasn't there when filled but I doubt it was much higher.

Overall for a bottle 30+ indications of top shoulder, very top shoulder, or base neck or higher is very excellent for that age.


I'll try to post an illustration of neck fill


I think if that bottle was stored properly it's going to be fantastic and I wish I was there to have a dram

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

That's a great picture of a 30+ year old wine with base neck to top neck ullage. Shows it has been well maintained and little to no evaporation through the cork. Of course I wasn't there when filled but I doubt it was much higher.

Overall for a bottle 30+ indications of top shoulder, very top shoulder, or base neck or higher is very excellent for that age.


I'll try to post an illustration of neck fill


I think if that bottle was stored properly it's going to be fantastic and I wish I was there to have a dram

Thank you Mark!
Wish you were here too, you're a wealth of information

[Runnin' Rebel]

Your welcome

Upon future review and putting on my glasses

I think that's dropped down between 1-2cm which is fine and especially on an older bottle. So yours was probably between base and mid neck and now it's for sure base neck.

Some bottles 50-100 years old are way below the neck as evaporation and normal loss happens. Remember a cork does breathe. I've seen them mid to low shoulder on 80-100 year old Bordeaux and and tasted like silky smooth.

The reason they don't fill the bottle up entirely is so expansion occurs naturally due to temperature variation and movements during its lifetime.

Here's a pic of what happens to wine over periods of time



Post tastings review please


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[incontrol]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Your welcome

Upon future review and putting on my glasses

I think that's dropped down between 1-2cm which is fine and especially on an older bottle. So yours was probably between base and mid neck and now it's for sure base neck.

Some bottles 50-100 years old are way below the neck as evaporation and normal loss happens. Remember a cork does breathe. I've seen them mid to low shoulder on 80-100 year old Bordeaux and and tasted like silky smooth.

The reason they don't fill the bottle up entirely is so expansion occurs naturally due to temperature variation and movements during its lifetime.

Here's a pic of what happens to wine over periods of time



Post tastings review please


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Mark, amazing amount of info! I know I have learned much from you! Great couple of posts.


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[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by incontrol

Mark, amazing amount of info! I know I have learned much from you! Great couple of posts.


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You are a special person, I've met some really good guys on here



This I'm having tonight and so good, I served the 2010 Gott at my wedding and forgot how good it was, I'm shocked the 2014 is this good right out of the bottle and so soon after bottling. What a great 3 years in NAPA 2012-2014 just crazy

[mjclark32]

Great info, thanks Mark
I've had a lot of the 815, a great value, enjoy!

[teqp]

I had this one last night with a nice 28 day aged USDA Prime bone-in rib eye.

[G8RDPM]

Originally Posted by teqp

I had this one last night with a nice 28 day aged USDA Prime bone-in rib eye.

Wow!
Must have been a great night. Great cow and wine!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

You are a special person, I've met some really good guys on here



This I'm having tonight and so good, I served the 2010 Gott at my wedding and forgot how good it was, I'm shocked the 2014 is this good right out of the bottle and so soon after bottling. What a great 3 years in NAPA 2012-2014 just crazy

WOW! Now I feel special!!!! Had this a few days ago!!!!!!

[teqp]

Originally Posted by G8RDPM

Wow!
Must have been a great night. Great cow and wine!

Yes Sir, it was a great night. We just finished the leftovers of the cow and still yummy. The wine was gone last night!

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

WOW! Now I feel special!!!! Had this a few days ago!!!!!!

😜😜😜😜😜

Originally Posted by teqp

Yes Sir, it was a great night. We just finished the leftovers of the cow and still yummy. The wine was gone last night!

Nice Phil, we'll see you in Las Vegas I hope !!

[BNA/LION]

Originally Posted by RHIII

That 09 is quite nice. Enjoy my friend!!

Any Dragonfly vineyard?

None in the wine vault right now but there will be again!
I guess Now is the time to Drink the 2009?

Originally Posted by RHIII

Abstract is a great wine for that particular price point.

Only thing I've found is that the finish can be a little harsh...the nose - and beginning and mid palate are quite nice.

Try their Mercury Head if you have a chance.

I agree with you on the finish... I'll look for Mercury Head. Thanks!

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by BNALION

None in the wine vault right now but there will be again!

I guess Now is the time to Drink the 2009?







I agree with you on the finish... I'll look for Mercury Head. Thanks!

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[RHIII]

Originally Posted by teqp

I had this one last night with a nice 28 day aged USDA Prime bone-in rib eye.

Awesome!! I bet that was spectacular!!!


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[BNA/LION]

I had a Wine tasting for about 20 people last week. It was a Hit! 3 different wines large pours and lots of additional drinking, eating and great conversation.


Sebastiani Gravel Bed Red Blend 2014
Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California ($35-$40 /btl)
 
The 2014 Gravel Bed Red is dark purplish to ruby in color. Its nose is swarming with Cabernet spice, currant, black cherries, coconut wood aromatics and hints of black tea. The flavor is fruit forward with delicious blackberries followed by raspberry, underbrush tones, and dried leaves. The finish has great acidity and tannins which helps reign in the generous fruit afforded by a riper season. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot


The 2013 Sebastiani Gravel Bed Red went on to receive a near perfect 97 Point Score from Robert Parker. Robert Parker’s recent article which focused primarily on Sonoma wines indicates that 2014 may even be slightly superior to 2013 for Sonoma Valley. With fruit sourced from famed sites, such as the iconic Cherryblock Vineyard, Bedrock and Mountain Terraces.

Food matches for Red Blends include:
• Roasted Pork Lion
• Veal Parmesan
• Hamburgers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2013 FROSTWATCH MERLOT 100% Merlot
Sonoma County, CA

Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, this wine further elevated from more than 18 months developing inside the bottle. ($30-$35 /btl)

Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate tasted the 2013 vintage and in March 2016 scored it at 94 points. This Merlot has an impressive opaque purple color and offers a big blast of fudge and black chocolate along with a dense cherry and blackberry fruit. Unctuously textured, full bodied and rather classic for Merlot, this has a super concentrated style that one rarely sees these days.

Food matches for Cabernet Sauvignon include:
• Spaghetti and meatballs
• Seared - even blackened – salmon
• Braised short ribs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2013 Flat Rock Laird Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville, Napa, California ($70-$75 /btl)

Yountville lies partway between Napa town and the village of St Helena. Yountville is surrounded by some of Napa's most famous sub-regions: to the north lies Oakville, to the west Mount Veeder and to the east Stags Leap.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Flat Rock Ranch, from another Yountville site, is softer than the Mast Ranch, with sweet tannin, dense purple color, plenty of crème de cassis, blackberry and blueberry. There is a nice ­oral element as well, and the wine finishes full, rich and impressive. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.

Food matches for Cabernet Sauvignon include:
• Fillet steak with foie gras and truffles
• Beef wellington with honey roasted carrots
• Korean-style beef stir fried in garlic, soy and sesame