Chateau Margaux Dinner at Scarpetta in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - 07:30 PM

This Event has been read: 3943 times.

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“Anyone who tries to make you believe that he knows all about wines is obviously a fake.”

― Leon Adams, The Commonsense Book of Wine

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We are just one day into the month of May and we already have our first "Once in a Lifetime" tasting tonight at the store with Bodegas Mauro - one of the new cult wines of Spain.  And we have two more “Once in a Lifetime” events coming up in May in addition to all of the other great events this month!  Check out this Chateau Margaux event and then the Quintarelli tasting to finish up the month of May.

This tasting just popped up a few weeks ago on our calendar and I am excited about our first event at the famous Fontainbleau property with Scarpetta Restaurant.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Scarpetta, dinner combines a decadent five course menu prepared by chef de cuisine Nina Compton with wines hand-selected and presented by Kenneth Killion, U.S. Brand Development Manager for the prestigious Château Margaux.  For Bordeaux this is an event that is not to be missed and the cost of experiencing this great first growth from Bordeaux is less than you will pay for any vintage of this wine and this price includes dinner!  The price of this dinner is $435 per person excluding tax and service charge.   Reservations are required and can be made by calling 877.326.7412 or visit  fontainebleau.com/cellar1954

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Chateau Margaux Dinner at Scarpetta in the Fontainebleau Miami BeachWednesday, May 7, 20147:30 PM

 

Menu

DIVER SCALLOP CRUDOFennel, Orange, Pine Nuts

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Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc 2009

Sold in the 19th century as “white Sauvignon wine”, it has had the brand “Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux” since 1920, and its label, apart from a few new legal notices, hasn’t changed since that date.

The twelve-hectare vineyard is made up of only white Sauvignon. Nowadays, it’s situated on a very old plot that wasn’t retained in the area of the Margaux appellation at the time of the official delimitation in 1955 because of the heightened risks of spring frosts. The Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux is bottled after seven or eight months of ageing in oak barrels.

The gustative character of young Pavillon Blanc is amazing. The finesse, the complexity, the richness and the length are incomparable for a wine made up of 100% white Sauvignon. It’s however difficult to resist the temptation to drink it while it’s still young. Pavillon Blanc ages very well; it sometimes continues to improve for more than thirty years. It’s during that time that it develops its more subtle, more delicate and more integrated aromas.

 

 

BRAISED SHORT  RIBS OF BEEFVegetable & Farro Risottohttp://www.chateau-margaux.com/public/img/uploads/winelabel/etiquette_margaux.png

Margaux de Château Margaux 2009

Margaux de Château Margaux was created due to the favorable condition of the 2009 vintage, which meant that the wine that didn’t make it into Pavillon Rouge was of such a high standard it merited its own bottling.  Previously, the wine had been declassified and used for generic AOC Margaux.  The addition of Margaux de Château Margaux to the Margaux portfolio means the estate now produces four wines, taking the AOC Margaux into account.

 

CHESTNUT CAVATELLIVeal Cheek & Italian Sausage Sugo

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Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2005

(92-94 points) "Gorgeous aromas of ultraripe grapes with raspberries, minerals and hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with silky and juicy tannins. Long and flavorful. Chunky wine yet focused and structured." (03/06)  Wine Spectator

Château Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2000

(94 points)  Glorious aromas of freshly picked raspberries, with tiny hints of cream and minerals. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long, long finish of berries and cherries. Super second wine from Margaux. Best Pavillon Rouge I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. (3/ 2003) Wine Spectator

 

LONG ISLAND DUCKBaby Carrots, Mustard Greens, Sour Cherry Jus

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Château Margaux Margaux 2004

(93 Points) The supple-textured 2004 Chateau Margaux is reminiscent of the 2001 or 1999. It exhibits a superb blue/purple color to the rim as well as sweet aromas of flowers, blueberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and smoke, superb fruit intensity, medium body, classic elegance, and silky, sweet tannin in the long finish. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more. Wine Advocate # 171, June 2007

 

Château Margaux Margaux 1989

(100 Points) This is still just a baby, offering currant and berries, with dried flowers that turn to subtle cedar and dried fruits. Structured and full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and supersilky texture. This is so tight and powerful, but still backward. The palate builds and builds, with amazing tannins. A little chewy, this needs years still. You can drink it of course, but a waste now.—'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Best after 25,000 cases made. –JS Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2010

 

Château Margaux Margaux 1983

(96 Points) The 1983 Margaux is a breathtaking wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieved perfect maturity in 1983, and the result is an astonishingly rich, concentrated, atypically powerful and tannic Margaux. The color is dark ruby, the aromas exude ripe cassis fruit, violets, and vanillin oakiness, and the flavors are extremely deep and long on the palate with a clean, incredibly long finish. This full-bodied, powerful wine remains stubbornly backward and at least 5-6 years away from maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2030. Last tasted 9/97 Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1, Jan 1998

 

BUDINO DI CARAMELCaramel Custard, Brown Butter, Blood Orange Sorbet

 

 

The price of this dinner is $435 per person excluding tax and service charge.   Reservations are required and can be made by calling 877.326.7412 or visit  fontainebleau.com/cellar1954

 

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A bit about Chateau Margaux

When you visit Château Margaux you can not help but be impressed by the beehive of activity.  Everywhere there were groundskeepers, barrel makers, blacksmiths, and cellar workers.  But things were not always this way at Châteaux Margaux.  In fact, its previous owner Pierre Ginestet, owner of the financially strapped Bordeaux shipping firm of the same name, had allowed this great property to deteriorate tremendously.  Just as his beautiful neoclassical château was falling into ruins, the wine was suffering the same fate.  Not since 1961 had this property produced a wine that merited its exalted reputation.  Very good wines were made in 1966, 1970, and 1971; but they were not at the top of the class in Bordeaux.  During the late sixties and early seventies, it was common knowledge among Bordeaux insiders and wine lovers everywhere that Château Margaux's neighbor, Château Palmer, was making better wine.  Things probably hit an all time low with the 1976 vintage, a fairly good year for some Bordeaux, but a disaster for Château Margaux.  What was happening to this noble estate was a source of embarrassment to many of the Bordelais.  It was also a downright ripoff to the many winelovers worldwide who were paying ridiculous prices for a wine that was simply not worth the price.

Then, in 1976, the property was purchased by a millionaire Greek supermarket magnate, Andre Mentzelopoulos.  (He passed away in 1980; but his wife, Laura, and his daughter, Connie, continue what he began. It is said that when he first inspected the grounds, he found the '76 vintage waiting to be put into old barrels for aging (all the great Bordeaux properties use new barrels every year).  However, the worse part was that there weren't even enough of those old barrels for the wine!  Undaunted, he, his wife, and his daughter set about refurbishing the entire château and the surrounding property.  They hired Emile Peynaud from the University of Bordeaux, a man who has been credited with revolutionizing the way modern Bordeaux is made.  Peynaud's effect was immediately felt.  Although 1977 was a general disaster in Bordeaux, Château Margaux made a rather stylish wine better than the 1976 (a much more well regarded vintage).  However, the real turnaround became evident in 1978.  Without much argument from anyone, Margaux made the greatest wine in Bordeaux in that great vintage.  But it was no fluke.  The 1979, is just as fine.  (The Mentzelopoulos also think so.)  The 1978 is fuller, richer, pluckier (as the English characterize it); but the 1979 seems to have more of the breed and finesse for which this château was once so famous.  Then came the much maligned 1980 vintage.  Of course Château Margaux did not make a great wine in that year, but it was a very good wine.  Again the critics agreed that Margaux was probably "Best of the Vintage".  The word was out.  Margaux was back...and on a roll!

Throughout the 1980's and into the 1990's Château Margaux has repeated with a succession of brilliantly executed wines; in vintages such as 1982, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010.  Margaux has been a leading candidate for "Wine of the Vintage".   In his epic book BORDEAUX, Robert Parker states that it is "not unfair to suggest that during the eighties there was no better wine made in all of Bordeaux than that of Margaux."  In addition to Peynaud's assistance as a consultant, the château has a brilliant enologist in the name of Paul Pontallier.

 

 

Chateau Margaux Available at Wine Watch:

 

2004 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux Price: $198.00 Your Price: $158.40 Quantity in Stock: 1

(93 Points) Although this spectacular 2004 tips the scales at an astonishing 14.5% alcohol, it is an elegant white Bordeaux offering notes of honeyed grapefruit, melons, orange rinds, and lemon oil. Medium-bodied, rich, beautifully textured, and pure, it should evolve for 15-20 years. Wine Advocate # 165, Jun 2006

 2010 Chateau Margaux Margaux  Price: $1822.50 Sale $1603.80

(99 Points) The 2010 is a brilliant Chateau Margaux, as one might expect in this vintage. The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend hit 90%, the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and only 38% of the crop made it into the Chateau Margaux. Paul Pontallier, the administrator, told me that this wine has even higher levels of tannin than some other extraordinary vintages such as 2005, 2000, 1996, etc. Deep purple, pure and intense, with floral notes, tremendous opulence and palate presence, this is a wine of considerable nobility. With loads of blueberry, black currant and violet-infused fruit and a heady alcohol level above 13.5% (although that looks modest compared to several other first growths, particularly Chateau Latour and Chateau Haut-Brion), its beautifully sweet texture, ripe tannin, abundant depth and profound finish all make for another near-perfect wine that should age effortlessly for 30-40 years. 

2007 Chateau Margaux Margaux  Price: $810          Sale $712.80

(92 Points) The elegant 2007 Chateau Margaux’s purity, depth of fruit, and overall equilibrium are impressive. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of spring flowers, black currants, and blackberries, a soft, lush, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and delicacy allied to impressive depth, texture, and length. Already drinkable, it should continue to offer exceptional pleasure for 15 or more years.

2006 Chateau Margaux Margaux  Price: $990.00    Sale $871.20

(94+ Points) It is worth noting that when the bottled 2006 Chateau Margaux, which appeared closed and less impressive than I had predicted from barrel, was retasted alongside the remarkable 2008, I elevated my score to 94+. It does not possess the size or power of the 2008 or 2005, but the 2006 exhibits impressive density, a deeper color, and the beautifully textured, pure style that is a hallmark of this estate. Moreover, it is relatively precocious, and can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years.  Wine Advocate #182, Apr 2009

 

2006 Chateau Margaux Margaux  (this is from another supplier, it just goes to show you the price difference that exists depending upon when you bought your stock) Price: $795.00    Sale $699

(95 Points) This has a wonderful nose of perfume, sandalwood, ripe plum and berries. Full-bodied, with seamless tannins and a long finish. Gorgeous. Best after 2015. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Mar 31, 2009

 

2005 Chateau Margaux Margaux Price: $1500.00 Sale Price: $999.00 Quantity in Stock: 3

(98 Points) Another celestial effort from Paul Pontallier and Corinne Mentzelopoulus, the 2005 Margaux, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, boasts a dense opaque blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and, despite its having spent two years in 100% new wood, only a subtle touch of toasty oak. Although full-bodied, the wine seems light on its feet because of the silky tannins as well as the great gravel terroir from which it comes. Beautiful purity, length, and nobility define this modern day classic. Is it better than the 2000, 1996, 1990, or some of the vintages from the decade of the eighties? Who knows, but it is unquestionably one of the all-time great wines made at Chateau Margaux. This estate has produced only exceptional wines over the last three decades. The seamlessness of the 2005 suggests it will perform well early, but it should last for a half century or more. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2050+. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008

 

2003 Chateau Margaux Margaux  Price: $1552.50  Sale $1366

(99 Points) Am I being too stingy with the 2003 Chateau Margaux? A wine of extraordinary complexity and intensity, it reveals a deep purple color, a style not unlike the 1990 Margaux (possibly even more concentrated), a velvety texture, and notes of spring flowers interwoven with camphor, melted licorice, creme de cassis, and pain grille. Not a blockbuster, it offers extraordinary intensity as well as a surreal delicacy/lightness. There is riveting freshness to this offering, which tips the scales at a lofty (for this estate) 13.5% alcohol, as well as an alluring sweetness and accessibility. It probably will tighten up over the next few years. Nevertheless, it is a profound Chateau Margaux that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of the 1982 and 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2035. Wine Advocate # 164, Apr 2006

 

1990 Chateau Margaux Margaux Price: $1450.00 Sale Price: $1232.50 Quantity in Stock: 10

(100 Points) I had this wine both in Seoul, Korea in February, and from my cellar in December, 2008, and it was remarkable how identical the wines smelled and tasted. It offers an extraordinary aromatic display of spring flowers, camphor, sweet red and black fruits, a hint of licorice, and no evidence of its 100% new oak cask aging. Round and generous with low acidity, but an opulent, full-bodied richness that is fresh with laser-like precision, this stunning wine is just beginning to reach its plateau of full maturity, where it should remain for another three decades. A sensational effort, it is one of the legendary wines made at Chateau Margaux. Wine Advocate #183 Jun 2009

 

1989 Chateau Margaux Margaux Grand Cru Classe Price: $875.00 Sale Price: $743.75 Quantity in Stock: 3

(100 Points) This is still just a baby, offering currant and berries, with dried flowers that turn to subtle cedar and dried fruits. Structured and full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and supersilky texture. This is so tight and powerful, but still backward. The palate builds and builds, with amazing tannins. A little chewy, this needs years still. You can drink it of course, but a waste now. ”'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Best after 25,000 cases made. –JS Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2010

 

1988 Chateau Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux  Price: $250.00 Sale Price: $190.00 Quantity in Stock: 1

(96 Points) Wow. Wonderfully fresh, with currant, blackberry and flowers on the nose. I just want to keep on smelling it. Full-bodied, with ultravelvety tannins and loads of berry and chocolate character. Dense and firm. Big wine, muscular. Drinkable now, but it's going to get a lot better with bottle age.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 25,000 cases made. –JS Wine Spectator

 

1986 Chateau Margaux Margaux (Torn Label) Price: $800.00 Your Price: $640.00 Quantity in Stock: 1

(96 Points) The 1986 Margaux continues to be the most powerful, tannic, and muscular Margaux made in decades. One wonders if the 1928 or 1945 had as much power and depth as the 1986? The black/ruby/purple color reveals no sign of age. The reluctant nose offers up aromas of smoky, toasty new oak and black currants, as well as a few flowers. The wine is mammoth, with extraordinary extract, superb balance, and a frightfully tannic finish. This is a Margaux of immense stature, made in a masculine, full-bodied style that is in complete contrast to the 1990. It should prove nearly immortal in terms of aging potential, but will it have the awesome potential I first predicted? Anticipated maturity: 2000-2050. Last tasted 12/96 Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1, Jan 1998

 

Here are a few things that are available from one of our local distributors and these are all coming directly for Bordeaux, so if the prices seem a little high- you are paying for the provenance of coming direct from the Chateau.

Allees de Cantermerle 2009 375m            Price: $ $21.38   Sale $    $18.17 Alter Ego 2005   Price: $ $185.25                 Sale $    $157.46 Alter Ego 2010   Price: $ $142.50                 Sale $    $121.13 Alter Ego Palmer 2008    Price: $ $126.83                 Sale $    $107.80 Beausejour-Becot 2006 Price: $ $102.60                 Sale $    $87.21 Beychevelle 2006, St. Julien         Price: $ $178.13                 Sale $    $151.41 Branaire Ducru 2007        Price: $ $85.50   Sale $    $72.68 Branaire-Ducru 2005       Price: $ $149.63                 Sale $    $127.18 Capbern Gasqueton 2003             Price: $ $34.20   Sale $    $29.07 Chateau Barde-Haut 2003            Price: $ $45.60   Sale $    $38.76 Chateau D'Armailhac 1996 1.5cl  Price: $ $270.75                 Sale $    $230.14 Chateau D'Armailhac 2004            Price: $ $92.63   Sale $    $78.73 Chateau Gloria 2008        Price: $ $64.13   Sale $    $54.51 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste 2010              Price: $ $171.00                 Sale $    $145.35 Chateau Lalande Borie 2010, St. Julien    Price: $ $45.60   Sale $    $38.76 Chateau Lynch Bages Blanc 2011               Price: $ $71.25   Sale $    $60.56 Chateau Marzy 2010, Pomerol   Price: $ $42.75   Sale $    $36.34 Chateau Moulin de Cabanieu 2009, Medoc          Price: $ $14.25   Sale $    $12.11 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1996, Pauillac           Price: $ $869.25                 Sale $    $738.86 Chateau Tauzinat L'Hermitage 2010, St-Emilion GC            Price: $ $31.35   Sale $    $26.65 Cheval Blanc 2003, Saint-Emilion                Price: $ $1,104.38             Sale $    $938.72 Cheval Blanc 2007            Price: $ $783.75                 Sale $    $666.19 Chevalier de Lascombes 2009     Price: $ $64.13   Sale $    $54.51 Chevalier Rouge 2010     Price: $ $135.38                 Sale $    $115.07 Climens 1975, Barsac-Sauternes                Price: $ $213.75                 Sale $    $181.69 Climens 2004, Barsac-Sauternes - HALF  Price: $ $68.40   Sale $    $58.14 Climens 2009, Barsac-Sauternes                Price: $ $165.30                 Sale $    $140.51 Clos du Marquis 2005, Saint Julien            Price: $ $128.25                 Sale $    $109.01 Clos du Marquis 2010, Saint Julien            Price: $ $99.75   Sale $    $84.79 Clos Fourtet 2004             Price: $ $163.88                 Sale $    $139.29 Clos Fourtet 2005             Price: $ $336.30                 Sale $    $285.86 Clos Fourtet 2006             Price: $ $171.00                 Sale $    $145.35 Clos Fourtet 2008             Price: $ $199.50                 Sale $    $169.58 Clos Fourtet 2008 MAG Price: $ $399.00                 Sale $    $339.15 Cos d'Estournel 2006      Price: $ $270.75                 Sale $    $230.14 Cote Baleau 2010             Price: $ $42.75   Sale $    $36.34 Cour Pavillon 2011 Blanc                Price: $ $12.83   Sale $    $10.90 Dame de Montrose 2008, Saint-Estephe               Price: $ $69.83   Sale $    $59.35 Doisy Daene 2010 375 ml              Price: $ $41.33   Sale $    $35.13 Doisy Daene 2010 750 ml              Price: $ $72.68   Sale $    $61.77 Du Tertre 2004  Price: $ $92.63   Sale $    $78.73 Ducru Beaucaillou 2006  Price: $ $306.38                 Sale $    $260.42 Duluc de Branaire 2006 375ml, St. Julien Price: $ $34.20   Sale $    $29.07 Echo de Lynch Bages 2010            Price: $ $71.25   Sale $    $60.56 Fieuzal Blanc 2010            Price: $ $85.50   Sale $    $72.68 Fieuzal Blanc 2010 1.5L   Price: $ $178.13                 Sale $    $151.41 Fieuzal Red 07, Pessac   Price: $ $57.00   Sale $    $48.45 Fieuzal Red 09, Pessac   Price: $ $74.10   Sale $    $62.99 Fieuzal Red 2005               Price: $ $102.60                 Sale $    $87.21 Fieuzal Red 2005 1.5L      Price: $ $206.63                 Sale $    $175.63 Fieuzal Red 2008               Price: $ $68.40   Sale $    $58.14 Fombrauge 2004, Saint-Emilion  Price: $ $49.88   Sale $    $42.39 Giscours 2004    Price: $ $135.38                 Sale $    $115.07 Giscours 2004 1.5L           Price: $ $270.75                 Sale $    $230.14 Giscours 2006    Price: $ $119.70                 Sale $    $101.75 Goulee 2010 by Cos d'Estournel                Price: $ $45.60   Sale $    $38.76 Goulee blanc by Cos d'Estournel 2009     Price: $ $42.75   Sale $    $36.34 Gruaud 2004      Price: $ $111.15                 Sale $    $94.48 Gruaud 2007      Price: $ $111.15                 Sale $    $94.48 Gruaud Larose 1995 MAGNUM, St-Julien              Price: $ $370.50                 Sale $    $314.93 Gruaud Larose St Juien 1989       Price: $ $285.00                 Sale $    $242.25 Gruaud Larose St Juien 1995       Price: $ $171.00                 Sale $    $145.35 Gruaud Larose St Julien 2001      Price: $ $156.75                 Sale $    $133.24 Gruaud Larose St Julien 2001 Magnum   Price: $ $320.63                 Sale $    $272.53 Haut Brion 2002, Pessac-Leognan             Price: $ $819.38                 Sale $    $696.47 Haut-Bailly 1998                Price: $ $185.25                 Sale $    $157.46 Haut-Bailly 1999                Price: $ $171.00                 Sale $    $145.35 Haut-Bailly 2001                Price: $ $192.38                 Sale $    $163.52 Haut-Bailly 2004                Price: $ $185.25                 Sale $    $157.46 Haut-Bailly 2008 1.5L       Price: $ $448.88                 Sale $    $381.54 La Conseillante 2004       Price: $ $192.38                 Sale $    $163.52 La Conseillante 2006       Price: $ $171.00                 Sale $    $145.35 La Croix de Beaucaillou 2005, St Julien     Price: $ $106.88                 Sale $    $90.84 La Dominique 2009, St-Emilion Price: $    $88.35   Sale $    $75.10 La Dominique 2010, St-Emilion   Price: $ $82.65   Sale $    $70.25 La Mission Haut Brion 2008          Price: $ $376.20                 Sale $    $319.77 Lascombes 2010 Price: $                $199.50                 Sale $    $169.58 Le Haut Medoc de Giscours 2009 1.5L     Price: $ $71.25   Sale $    $60.56 Le Haut Medoc de Giscours 2010              Price: $ $35.63   Sale $    $30.28 Leoville Las Cases 2004  Price: $ $320.63                 Sale $    $272.53 Leoville Poyferre 2006   Price: $ $126.83                 Sale $    $107.80 Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2011, Pessac-Leognan Price: $ $52.73   Sale $    $44.82 Lynch-Bages 2000, Pauillac           Price: $ $477.38                 Sale $    $405.77 Macard 2012, Bordeaux Superieur           Price: $ $14.25   Sale $    $12.11 Margaux 2006    Price: $ $833.63                 Sale $    $708.58 Marquis de Calon 2010, St-Estephe Price: $          $42.75   Sale $    $36.34 Mouton 2004     Price: $ $869.25                 Sale $    $738.86 Ormes de Pez 2003         Price: $ $71.25   Sale $    $60.56 Pagodes de Cos 2007      Price: $ $71.25   Sale $    $60.56 palmer 1990 Price: $        $534.38                 Sale $    $454.22 Palmer 1995 Price: $        $527.25                 Sale $    $448.16 Palmer 1996       Price: $ $538.65                 Sale $    $457.85 Palmer 1999       Price: $ $594.23                 Sale $    $505.09 Palmer 2004       Price: $ $411.83                 Sale $    $350.05 Palmer 2004 1500 ml       Price: $                $926.25                 Sale $    $787.31 Palmer 2005       Price: $ $886.35                 Sale $    $753.40 Palmer 2008 Price: $        $349.13                 Sale $    $296.76 Palmer Historical Blend  Price: $ $427.50                 Sale $    $363.38 Pape Clement 2004, Pessac-Leognan      Price: $ $153.90                 Sale $    $130.82 Parde de Haut-Bailly 2007 500ML              Price: $ $35.63   Sale $    $30.28 Pavillon Rouge 1999 375 ml Margaux       Price: $ $149.63                 Sale $    $127.18 Pavillon Rouge 2000, Margaux    Price: $ $356.25                 Sale $    $302.81 Petit Haut Lafite 2010, Pessac-Leognan  Price: $ $49.88   Sale $    $42.39 Pibran 2009         Price: $ $59.85   Sale $    $50.87 Pichon Baron 2004, Pauillac          Price: $ $199.50                 Sale $    $169.58 Pichon Baron 2005, Pauillac          Price: $ $269.33                 Sale $    $228.93 Pichon Lalande Comtesse 2003Price: $   $320.63                 Sale $    $272.53 Pontet Canet 2004           Price: $ $128.25                 Sale $    $109.01 Poujeaux 2000  Price: $ $98.33   Sale $    $83.58 Poujeaux 2005  Price: $ $69.83   Sale $    $59.35 Poujeaux 2008  Price: $ $61.28   Sale $    $52.08 Poujeaux 2008 MAG       Price: $ $122.55                 Sale $    $104.17 Reserve Comtesse 2010                Price: $ $85.50   Sale $    $72.68  Sarget de Gruaud Larose St Julien 2003 Price: $ $51.30   Sale $    $43.61 Sarget de Gruaud Larose St Julien 2006  Price: $ $47.03   Sale $    $39.97 Sirene de Giscours 2009 375ml   Price: $ $31.35   Sale $    $26.65 Smith Haut Lafite Blanc 2010, Pessac-Leognan Price: $     $208.05                 Sale $    $176.84 Smith Haut Lafite Rouge 2010     Price: $ $242.25                 Sale $    $205.91 Talbot 2011         Price: $ $78.38   Sale $    $66.62 Troplong-Mondot 2009, St-Emilion           Price: $ $250.80                 Sale $    $213.18 VieilleCure 2007 Fronsac               Price: $ $21.38   Sale $    $18.17 Vieux Chateau Bourgneuf 2006 Price: $ $41.33   Sale $    $35.13

 

What I Drank Yesterday:  Vintage Spanish Tasting Review

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This event has become an annual one here and once again these wines showed why Spain is making some of the best wines that the wine world has to offer.  Every bottle of wine showed up and the wine of the night once again was the old dog, the 1959 AGE Fuenmayor Rioja Gran Reserva but everything was impressive this evening.  Viva Espana!!

 

1959 AGE Fuenmayor Rioja Gran Reserva            

This is a classic old vintage from Rioja.  Very fresh and still light red berry fruit on the nose with notes of smoked meats with an array of dried herbs, flowers and tobacco spice, earthy notes very complex bouquet.  Very complex still on the palate with smooth silky tannins, a light metallic/mineral notes to the finish but still very fresh with layers of tangy fruit acidity and a long finish.  This wine got 3 votes for wine of the night and five votes for second making it the most popular wine, or the most voted for.  Finish 45+  Most Excellent         

 

1964 Gomez Cruzado Honorable Rioja Gran Reserva

Gomez Cruzado is best known as the bodega which is across the street from Lopez de Heredia. In the 1960s, their wines had a reputation of being quite good and 1964 is a landmark Rioja vintage, arguably the most consistently great since the terrific vintages of the 1940's.  This wine still has a lot of tangy dried strawberry, red berry fruit, old leather, toffee notes along with dried flowers, a bit of coconut and sweet dill very nuanced bouquet, showing a bit of oxidation but still very much alive.  Tangy red berry fruit with smooth velvety tannins, fresh plowed earth and notes of dried meats, tobacco spice, barnyard notes,  tangy acidity, nicely balanced.  Finish 45+  This wine got 1 vote for second place. Excellent +

 

1970 CUNE Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva               

A traditional blend for this wine would be around 85 % Tempranillo,  5 % Mazuelo and 10 % Graciano.  Has a good amount of dried meats spice box and light smoke and the fruit in this wine just seemed to gain intensity as the wine opened up red cherry and wild strawberry fruit.  Nice richness on the tongue with a smooth and silky texture with layers of fruit, exotic spice, coconut and toffee notes laced into a long spiced tangy finish.   Finish 45+  This wine was the wine of the night and it received 6 votes for first place and 1 vote for second making it the wine of the night.      Most Excellent

 

1978 Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Reserva Rioja

This wine has an array of dried flowers herbs and dried tobacco spice, smoke with a nice amount of light red berry fruit, notes of coconut and toffee. Very soft and smooth tannins on the tongue. light red berry fruit, strawberry and cherry with an array of smoke, exotic spices, earth and tongue tingly acidity through the finish, still quite fresh and balanced, even though this wine did not receive a vote for first or second place.               Excellent

 

1987 Marque de Murrieta Castillo Y Gay Gran Reserva 

This is one of the longest lived wines from Rioja, I will never forget the 1942 that we had a few years ago, it was the wine of the night.  A much more current version on the table tonight and this wine has met with mixed reviews on cellartracker but our group found that after this wine opened up it really showed nicely.  Has a very spiced bouquet, sweet tobacco, toffee, vanilla, coconut and sweet cherry liqueur like fruit very well endowed bouquet.  Sweet and tangy cherry fruit on the tongue with some dry tannins coming in on the finish along with a good amount of vanilla and dill notes to the red berry fruit and caramel toffee notes mocha and coffee very complex wine through the finish.  Finish 50+         Most Excellent +

 

1995 Artadi Rioja Vina El Pison 

This is one of the cult wines of Rioja with only about 450 cases produced.  Made from a Tempranillo vineyard planted in 1945 on pure limestone soil, and aged 24 months in 100% French oak casks, this tight, backward wine very well endowed bouquet of wild strawberry jam, exotic spices, dark and rich still quite youthful on the nose.   A big and chewy wine still on the tongue with a good amount of toasty oak spice dark berry fruit, wild strawberry with an array of spice, fresh earth and nuanced toasty oak, this wine needs more time.  Finish 50+        Most Excellent +

 

1995 Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita Priorat     

A very limited production on this wine which was one of the first of the modern renaissance producers of Piedmont wines.  This wine is still quite youthful and has a lot of dark cherry and blackberry liqueur like fruit and a full array of fresh flowers and herbs along with that crushed slate like rock minerlaity on the nose.  A very smooth but firm texture on the tongue with a firm hand of tannins that only begin to open up after a few hours in the glass this wine is packed with layers of thick and juicy black berry fruit with an array of dried flowers, herbs and that distinct minerality that is the Priorat. Finish 50+                KILLER

 

1999 Clos Erasmus Priorat           

A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Syrah aged in 100% new French oak, was fashioned from yields of only one ton of fruit per acre.   Still quite large in size with an array if black raspberry fruit, slate like mineral, crushed rocks and dried flowers very complex bouquet of aromas that opens very nicely with some time in the glass.  Big and chewy with lots of rich fruit still present along with layers of exotic spice, earth and mineral highlights to the end, this wine still has some tannins but lots of everything else with a long layered finish.  Finish 50+         Most Excellent +

 

What I Drank Yesterday: Drinking with Tal from Stacole

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Tal is one of the hardest working men in South Florida and his book of wines is second to none in terms of quality.  Once again everything in his bag was worthy of being on the shelf here at the Wine Watch.

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2012 Failla Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast       Price: $39.00

This is Ehren Jordan's label, a good hand of black raspberry spice and exotic spices to the bouquet, floral notes, nice complexity on the nose, this cuvee is made from all sourced fruit.  A smooth and velvety texture on the tongue with bright black raspberry fruit, zesty acidity and a nice spice to the finish.  Finish 40+           Excellent

 

2011 Weingut Meyer Nakel Pinot Noir Blue Slate AHR  Price: $60.00

This region is north of the Mosel, a very mineral driven style of Pinot Noir with dark raspberry and cranberry fruit a good hand of fresh earth, black spice, a very intense bouquet.  A very concentrated but elegant wine with dark spices, zesty cranberry fruit and a good bit of that earth nuance from the nose on the finish, fine tannins.  Finish 40+                Excellent                

 

2011 Avignonesi Vino Nobile de Montepulciano              Price: $32.00

Made from 100% Prugnole Gentile with a very classic bouquet wild strawberry, tart red cherry and a host of fine herbs, sage and porcini mushroom notes on the nose, very complex bouquet, tar and light smoky notes along with aromas of dried meats.  A very rich and concentrated wine on the tongue with layers of fresh earth, fine herbs and rich berry fruit, very well balanced with a long finish echoing the nuance from the nose through the finish, this wine over delivers and you can probably age this wine for a decade or more in your cellar, lovely balance here.  Finish 45+   Excellent +         

 

2008 Proprieta Sperino Lessona                Price: $71.00

This is the same family that owns Isole and Oelna and it is an appellation in the northern Piedmont, a good amount of spice and exotic floral notes to the red cherry liqueur like fruit, this is 100% Spanna or Nebbiolo, very nuanced and some funky barnyard like notes coming out in the bouquet on the second day.  A big and nuanced wine on the tongue with layers of exotic spices and herbs, firm tannins and a host of minerality through the finish, chalky tannins and that funky earthy notes and spice from the nose through the finish.   Finish 45+ Excellent +         

 

2010 Charles Joguet Chinon Clos de la Dioterie                 Price: $60.00

One of the first to start making single vineyard wines in this part of France, he was and artist sculpture and had to come back home to run the family estate, a very peppery nose with pretty floral notes and menthol, very complex bouquet with some berry fruit here also.   Dark plum and tart cherry fruit on the tongue with a good amount of pepper spice to the palate with zesty acidity fresh and bright with an array of mint, herbs and dried floral notes through the finish.  Finish 45+                Excellent +         

 

2010 Gordon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley           Price: $26.00

They started this label in 1982 and this is still estate grown and family owned, they  do use a bit of American oak, thus the sweet toasty oak, vanilla and dill with dark cherry and currant berry fruit, sweet tobacco spice.  Lots of ripe juicy currant and cherry berry fruit, thick with a nice hand of toasty oak spice and good balance and freshness through the finish, this is a very showy wine but also has lovely balance and will last for at least 5-7 years.  Finish 40+             Excellent             

 

2010 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Napa              Price: $45.00

This is one of my favorite producers from Oakville, all estate grown, they made no wine at all in 2011 and this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has a classic bouquet of Napa Cabernet, cassis and currant berry fruit with toasty oak spice, a bit of an herbal nuance to the nose, espresso and tobacco spice.  A smooth and silky wine on the tongue with juicy currant and cassis berry fruit, very forward and delicious with that herbal nuance and milk chocolate notes through the finish, sweet tobacco spice, a very drinkable wine for a 2010.  Finish 45+           Excellent +         

 

2011 Triga Alicante          Price: $45.00

This is 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, a host of dark berry fruit, blackberry and blueberry, huckleberry very intense with espresso and pretty violet floral notes, toasty campfire wood notes, big and fruity with lots of dark berry and dried plum fruit, exotic black spices and ripe round tannins, espresso and bitter coco notes on the finish.  Finish 45+                Excellent             

 

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