Boutique Cali Chards Parker slides back down in price
There are too many bargains out there this week. So, let's jump right into the reviews. I can see some dancing with joy as I write that.
The 2007 Elio Grasso, reviewed recently, is on sale under $750/case. My guru Anthony Galloni rated it 96 points and wrote, "Best oak-aged Barolo I have ever sampled." Price jumped to $1,100/case. This compares favorably to the 1990. Needs cellar; drink 2016-30. Jump in with both hands at this price.
Folks who follow Washington state will know the name Trey Busch for his Sleight of Hand and Renegade Wine Co. productions. The guy is a rapidly growing legend. His new release, Modern Wine Project Washington State Cab 2004, is a difficult find, but worth searching out. Very dark garnet wine opens to dried cherry and apricot nose. On the mid palate, licorice, pencil lead, earthiness and smoke ride a proper frame with well-integrated tannins, great texture and a very long finish. I saw a three-pack advertised for $70. Buy up to $35/bottle.
Hope you held fire on Mas Doix Salanques 2007, a blend of 65 percent Garnacha, 15 percent Carinena, and a smidgeon each of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 14 months in French oak. Aromas of spices, incense, mineral, plum and black cherry open to a lovely huge mouthful of Priorat. Drink it now through 2022.
The 96-point boutique Cali Chards Parker drove through the roof are sliding back in price. For 2008, Kistler, both Hyde and Vine Hill, 2009 Ritchie and Lauren, and 2006 Marcassin have all dropped 20 percent. They are still outrageously overpriced in my view and should drop more. The Marcassin, Marcassin Vineyard is particularly overpriced at the on-sale price of $180/bottle.
I would buy the 2008 Beringer Private Reserve, which was rated 94 points by Parker. You can get a case in the $360 range; 12 bottles for the price of two. RP had this to say, "The 2008 Chardonnay Private Reserve continues the success Beringer has enjoyed with this program. Notes of brioche, hazelnut, marmalade, honeyed tropical fruits, buttered citrus, and a gentle touch of smoke are found in this full-bodied, concentrated wine with impressive purity, depth, and length. It should drink well for four to five years."
For my money, Sbragia Gamble Ranch at $30 and Chateau Montelena 2006 at $35 will provide the best wine/price Chard and the panache of a great name. ‘Course they don't have the snob appeal.
Just to let you know I am not all about cheap but price-value. Let me recommend a really great Grand Cru red Burgundy - Chandon de Briailles Corton Les Bressandes Cote de Beaune 2009. A three-pack just came on at $225. This Claude (she's a lady) de Nicolay production needs some cellar time, but will improve 2015-30. Allen Meadows, Burghound, rates it 92-94. I say 94-95, two price points. Very ripe with a typical Beaune aroma profile. Look for cassis, violets and blackberry aromas. On the palate, the flavors reinforce the nose with a tad of minerality and an abundance of fine tannins that mask the very long finish, as one would expect from a cellarer. The deep color for a Burgundy informs me this wine will come together beautifully. Needs at least five years before it starts to drink well.
Six-pack of 94-point reds, two each of Altair, Altair Bordeaux blend (Bb); 2003 Tua Rita Giusto Generi Bb, 95 points WE; and Rasa QED Syrah 2007, 94 points WS - all six for $200. The price is fair but not great, except you can get three very good wines packaged and priced fairly. Normally the Tua Rita goes for $50/bottle, Rasa $40 and Altair $30.
Although I rarely go to hotels for dinner, the Pink Palace down on the boards has never let us down. Last week Barbara and I were walking along and noticed it was a quiet night inside at the bar, so we said hi to Moose and Tim and slid inside to dine. It was ugly hot outside.
Great fish taco, lovely chop salad, delicious and very well presented duck breast plus crab-topped rockfish and a nice selection of wine by the glass made for an enjoyable complete dinner. Longtime Victoria's employee Annie waited on us with gusto and the price was fair. The 2009 LaCrema Sonoma Coast was wonderful with the duck. Forced ourselves to stop by Chip's for a cone then tossed and turned all night from the overindulgence.
