Roussillon, an extravagant Carignane, too good to pass up
Many scribblers are touting Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2009 from Oregon. I tried it. I agree. WS, which rated the wine 93 points, will put it on the top 100 list, out this November, in my opinion. The intense, fruit nose features currant and boysenberry, which repeat as flavors moderated by cream and talc through a long, clean finish. I recently found some priced under $25 delivered. Don't wait to try and buy. The price will go over $35, in my opinon, if it hits the top 100 list.
Folks, I tried another bottle of the Chateau de Pena Cuvee de Pena, rated here last week. Don't miss this Roussillon, an extravagant Carignane. Too good to be passed up; 90 points and findable for $120/ case. Don't miss out.
Saturday Barb and I took a short drive to Abbott's Grill in Milford for dinner with our pals Steve and Susy, who introduced two new friends, Catherine and Craig She is in the wine biz with Moore Bros. Wine, locations in Wilmington, Pennsauken, N.J., and Gramercy Park in New York City. They specialize in small growers in Europe and sell some exceptional products. Craig is an insurance adjuster with Allstate. There was no lack of interesting conversation.
At Abbott's we were greeted by longtime friend Laura Burton. Our children rode the school bus together for several years. Chef Kevin Reading took the time to come from the kitchen to say hello. We've been acquaintances for quite a while and I was honored he broke away from a very busy kitchen to greet us.
The place was jamming and rightfully so. Our party had six apps and six entrees plus four desserts They were flawless. The restaurant boasts a very well-chosen wine and beer list. The waiter, Chris, decidedly above average. Overall I rate them mid to high 90s with two price points. Afterward we strolled into the lounge to listen to the funky sounds of Conjunction Funktion. Keyboarder Jesse Friend and guitarist Jodi Cohee share the vocals, Jon Sibert set the pace on the trap and son Daniel was bassman Dan. I almost wore my headband, beads and paisley, but only the beads still fit.
Look into the Aussie Red Heads. These young winemakers are producing some neat products. The storyline is: as quite a few Aussie winemaking phenoms visited their European counterparts (being in the opposite hemispheres, the seasons are juxtaposed; it is customary for the "utes" of both regions to fly back and forth helping with harvest and learning new processes), the Aussies became enamored with the concept of smaller production levels. You see, in Australia most of the production is in the hands of large-scale and mega producers. Somehow a few of these lads got financing, bought an old bar on the road connecting Barossa with McLaren Vale and started producing Red Heads.
I had a go with Red Heads Studios, Moonlighters Red, 2007, vinified of 56 percent Cab, 23 percent Petit Verdot and the rest Tannat. Moonlighters is a deep red-purple and sports a brick-red rim. Its nose is plum, cedar, oak spice and red currant. The mid palate is rich with blackberry fruit flavors. The Tannat adds tannin and zest. The complex finish introduces more oak spice and mocha to the fruit flavors. Best of all, you can buy this gem under $15 if you purchase six or more.
For those curious, Tannat is a varietal grape originally found in southwest France mostly in the Basque regions along the Pyrenees. Its wine is high in tannin, usually has a delightful raspberry aroma and it lends dark color when macerated. In France, Tannat is used mostly to blend. The concentration of tannins found in Tannat resulted in an effort to moderate, which led to the discovery of the micro-oxygenation process by Patrick Ducournau in 1990. It is also the most abundant varietal grape of Uruguay.
Finally for my big buck buddies, the Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou (handsome jewel in French) 2006, the highest-rated Bordeaux of the vintage, just came on sale at $102/bottle. Still a tad young, but it is a beauty. WS gave it 95 and top 100 honors; RP 94 when it was selling at $165. At $102, it's a 96 from me. Drink 2015-35 at least.
