A Gem Of A Blanc
Ashes & Diamonds Winery is a Napa Valley winery focused on celebrating the region’s pioneering spirit of the 1960s which bridging the gap with modern sensibilities. They believe in minimal intervention winemaking techniques and letting the character of the grapes shine through, similar to the era’s pioneering winemakers. Their wines are primarily crafted from classic Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, but with a Burgundian-inspired focus on lightness and showcasing the vineyard’s unique character. Owner Kashy Khaledi works with innovative winemakers Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses to create their wines. The grapes for this white are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon sourced from three vineyards in Oak Knoll and Yountville AVAs. Aged sur lie for 10 months in Boutes & Ermitage French oak (30% new), made by Steve Matthiasson Ashes & Diamonds BLANC, Nº5 2019 Pours into the glass a glistening pale yellow with slight green hues. First swirl reveals an aromatic and inviting character, with pronounced notes of citrus, gooseberry, beeswax, kiwi, white peach, apricot intermingled with boxwood, honeysuckle and a touch of flinty minerality. A delightful textured white with incredibly refreshing acidity that balances out the bright flavors. Expect zesty grapefruit, lime, ripe white peach, fig, kiwi, pineapple and a hint of honey. The best of both worlds are harmonized expertly between Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon personalities. The barrel fermentation and aging sur lie likely add a touch of richness and texture to the wine, but it still maintains its crispness. Clean with a lingering hum of ginger, brioche, almond and saline. Paired with grilled shrimp and avocado salad.
A Bear of a Champagne from Famille Moussé
..And the Bear Said, Look on the bright side, there’s always Champagne 🥂 and the following are printed on the back of his labels, the mantra this talented winemaker whom I had the pleasure to spend a day with in December (read more on Cédric Moussé. COMPOST PLOUGHING COVER CROP PEDOLOGY & GREEN CLAY LIMESTONE MARL PLANTS COMMON SENSE OBSERVATION WINE WE LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE PHILOSOPHY EVERY SMALL DETAIL MATTERS. Champagne Famille Moussé Eugène – Longue Garde This Blanc de Noirs ( blend of 80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir) grown in green clay over limestone marl in Cuisles, Jonquery and Châtillon-sur-Marne. As the name implies, it has had extended aging with a complex blending process. The Solera method is used to make this Cuvée with perpetual reserve ranging from 2003 to 2017 with 50% of the last harvest added each year to refresh the vin de réserve. Disgorged 02/06/2023 (I love how exact the information is from Cédric). Sur lie for over 60 months with a total SO2 of 29 mg/l (which is very little). Malolactic fermentation and zero dosage for this pretty superb and delicately fruity Champagne. Notice the paper (not the traditional aluminum) capsule – one of his many environmentally conscious practices. Pours into the glass excitedly – the lively tiny bubbles and the burnished gold color. Ample bouquet shows its pretty Meunier self – purity of fruit, cherry blossom, subtle herbal tones and the clear terroir transparent shines through with Cedric’s careful attention. First sip reveals an open knit greeting of spiced pear tart, honeyed peaches, white cherries, dried white blossom, leading into burnt toffee, cherry wood smoke, brioche, mushrooms and toasted almonds. The finish is very supple and lingering on the terroir’s minerality. There’s such precision here. Cedric’s organic farming and care creates wines that are precise, savory, and brightly-fruited. His signature purity of terroir resonates throughout. Painting by my daughter Megan – Happy Bear In The Snow
Spring Sensation From Christine Nadalié
Spring sensation from a Cru Bourgeois gem winemaker, Christine Nadalié. ᴄʟᴏꜱ ʟᴀ ʙᴏʜÈᴍᴇ ᴄʀᴜ ʙᴏᴜʀɢᴇᴏɪꜱ 2015 She’s not your typical oenologist – she has the “secret of the wood” in her blood, she comes from over 5 generations of coopers Nadalié Tonnellerie (aka wine barrel artisans) she is just as passionate about winemaking as she is about the barrels. Certified organic, sustainable farming, all the good stuff we love to hear when it comes to artisanal wine. The 8 hectare estate is in Ludon-Médoc, near Margaux (this is an important point). Margaux is a highly prized region of Bordeaux and her estate is a stones throw from the southeastern border of the region. The soils, climate, aspect etc will all be the same – do I smell an incredible gem? Absolutely! The estate runs along the Garonne in Macau-en-Médo. The vines are planted in the the regional (and happy place for Cabernet Sauvignon) thick gravel soils of Haut Medoc. This particular cuvée is from Clos la Bohème, a ‘Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc’ which demonstrates the quality offered by Médoc’s second tier. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot from vines with an average age of 38 years. Her Clos is the smallest in the region and is highly expressive. Traditional vinification both wood and concrete vats for four weeks followed by aeging in barrels and casks made in the family French oak barrels for 20 months. Pours into the glass a hypnotizing ruby gem of a wine. As you pour the aromas grab your attention with ripe black fruits and savory earthiness. As you swirl the bouquet leads to just as ripe red fruits, eucalyptus, cedar, bramble, cigar box and mint. The first sip is the showstopper – this is where you discover how well integrated every element of the wine is. Christine’s marriage of the best characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are harmonious. The ample fruit found on the nose – blackberry, blackcurrant, black and red cherry, red plum, lead the way. A potpourri of spice and delight follow with mint, licorice, black pepper is a caressing way. The tannins are fine grained and well defined, her precise use of oak is a stunning presentation. The freshness meets fluidity of self. This Bordeaux should always be on hand – an elegant beauty with a lovely concentration. Pair with a chargrilled steak, portobello mushroom cheddar burgers or lamb chops with cherry compote. Check out our live discussion: Clos La Boheme Live
A Signature Cuvée
𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝. 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝. 𝔼𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕪 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕝𝕚𝕖. 𝕋𝕦𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕟. The Côte des Bar region is known for more experimentation because the estates are “younger” than those in the north. This is because until relatively recently, they used to sell their grapes to the bigger champagne houses. One day it dawned on them that they had excellent quality grapes and should make their own champagne THEIR way. Since 1862, the Albert Beerens family estate has been cultivating the rich terroir in the Côte des Bar lovingly caring for their seven hectares of vines. Today sixth generation Anne-Laure Beerens passionately leads the charge of the sustainable farmed estate. As well as the three main grape varieties they also grow Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Their reserve wines rest in conical oak barrels. Anne-Laure is a sensitive soul with an enormous energy that radiates like sunshine. It is a ripple effect of her energy emanates in the vineyard and in her champagnes. ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝔸𝕝𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥 𝔹𝕖𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕤 𝕊𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 ℂ𝕦𝕧é𝕖 Anne-Laure is very proud of this cuvée (her smile says it all in the photo above). A blend 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier. Add a special blend of 50% base wines (2015, 2014, 2013 harvests), 50% reserve wines aged in casks following the Solera method (35%) and in vats (15%) with a Brut dosage of 8g/L. Phew! That is quite the endeavor but then again, this is HER Signature 🥂 Pours into the glass like sunlight trapped inside a liquid jewel with energetic effervescence. The magnitude of the aromas are incredible – an opening sonata of citrus, juicy strawberry and raspberry, followed by acacia, vanilla, honey and toast. As this beauty opens up, the complexity rolls richly into sweet fig, raisin, brioche and salty minerality. The first sip is a dream – it’s creamy attack draws you in instantly on notes of freshly baked pastries, toasted brioche, gingerbread, baking spice , ripe pears and dried fig. Lovely interplay of zesty acidity, juicy fruit and salty minerality with a very precise palate. This champagne marks the culmination of her achievements as an incredibly talented winemaker. It’s liquid luxury through and through. The sophistication of the finish lingers gorgeously. Beautiful, period. Paired with a champagne lunch of likeminded women, stimulating conversation accompanied by gorgeous dishes of local roasted littleneck clams with lemon, garlic and chili flakes, winter panzenella, roasted swordfish and lamb ragu at The Boathouse in Tiverton, RI.
Champagne Dauby Mère & Fille Brut Millesime 2014
Sisterhood, fellowship, motherhood, best friends, all that glitters for Champagne Dauby Mère & Fille Champagne Dauby Mère et Fille Premier Cru Brut Millesime 2014 Brut It’s important to note that this is a vintage champagne. As a grower producer it is to their discretion to declare a vintage or not. It’s not an obligation. They generally don’t have a house style like the larger negotiant houses do, I.e. Veuve Clicquot and others that have a set recipe to adhere to. That being said, vintage Champagne also ages longer which ties up monetary resources for the winemaker as well as the time and patience to wait for said beautiful champagne to be ready to be released to market. 2014 wasn’t a terribly great year but Francine decided to take a chance on this vintage, she had a feeling it would turn out well and she succeeded 100%. This beautifully aged vintage Champagne is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay from their Ay Grand Cru and Mutigny Premier Cru vines vinified in stainless steel & aged sur lie for seven years. Pours into the flute it reveals a pale golden hue with a steady stream of fine, persistent bubbles rises effortlessly. The nose awakens with a crisp, mineral freshness, reminiscent of wet chalk and crushed seashells. Delicate citrus notes of mandarin and lemon zest intermingle with a hint of white cherry, bruised yellow apple, apricot nectar, pear compote with honeysuckle peekIng through. Underneath, a subtle whisper of earthy mushrooms along warm brioche, smoke and toasted almonds that hints at the extended lees aging. On the initial sip, the wine bursts with bubbly energy. The texture is creamy and rich, yet surprisingly light on its feet. The acidity is bright and vibrant, cutting through the richness with a refreshing citrus zip. The flavors echo the nose – white cherry, cranberry, pear compote and baked apple. A touch of honeyed sweetness of figs and dates rounds out the palate, while the minerality provides a mineral backbone. A lengthy finish of citrus zest, toffee, roasted almonds and toasted brioche. Pair with a classic caviar and coupe de champagne, gougères or Parmesan crisps or salmon with crème fraiche blinis. Watch the live chat with Iola Wines about this wine, the winemaker and food pairings: Champagne Dauby Mère & Fille Brut Millesime 2014
Champagne Pehu Simonet Fins Lieux N°3
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ᴡɪɴᴇɢʟᴀꜱꜱ This 100% Pinot Noir champagne from transports you to the the Grand Cru village of Mailly in the Montagne de Reims ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 ℙ𝕖𝕙𝕦 𝕊𝕚𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕥 𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕃𝕚𝕖𝕦𝕩 ℕ°𝟛 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟚 𝔾𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕣𝕦 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕔 𝕕𝕖 ℕ𝕠𝕚𝕣𝕤 David Pehu-Simonet a champagne maverick (his bold labels, his hyper focused single plot/parcel champagnes, no malo, extended lees ageing create an enormous purity of self, of character. HIs champagnes have fleshiness, presence and flexes their muscles. Pours into the glass a rich golden color with a fine, delicate mousse. Incredibly aromatic intensity and complexity interplay, a Romeo meets Juliette moment with aromas of white cherry, red currant jam, golden raisin, mushrooms, potting soil, lemon zest, figs, warm spices and buttery brioche, marzipan… did I mention ooooh so much toasted, roasted hazelnuts??? Yes please! But wait there’s more….. The first sip is decadent and impressive with tiny bubbles, effervescent as fireflies whispering of secrets held within. Get ready for full power and character of this blanc de noirs – sensual flavors of cherry compote, dried fig, cultured cream, mushrooms, smoke, marzipan, citrus curd. The finish is long and persistent on minerality, toasted nuts and brioche for days. Glorious richnesss yet impeccably balanced with its very freshness. What can I say, this vintage champagne was dressed to impress. Pair with a Sean Connery James Bond classic or if you are hungry, a tuna sashimi, salmon bisque or salami bites.
Great Wines World 2024
𝔾ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕋 𝕎𝕀ℕ𝔼𝕊 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜 @james.suckling #winetasting event featuring over 300 selected wines in #miamibeach #florida A fabulous moment to meet representatives from the winery, taste and chat and share #wineenthusiast #winemoments A quick view of my coup de cœur ❤️ from the event. Santé 🥂 #champagne #pommery #pommerychampagne #laurentperrier #pieropan #blancdeblancs #oregon #vik #winemakers #womeninwine #donnafugata #brunellodimontalcino Link to Great Wines World Reel
A Magnum Moment
Magnum Moments Never Disappoint There are a couple of key reasons why aging wine in a magnum bottle (1.5 liters) is generally considered superior to a standard 750ml bottle. Aging wine in a magnum offers a slower, more controlled aging process that can potentially lead to a more complex and age-worthy wine. However, the cost and suitability for the specific wine style need to be considered by the winemaker. Sigma Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, Napa Valley 2017 Magnum Winemaker Aaron Pott and James Cluer, MW both brought their Agame to the table with a shared philosophy on high quality Bordeaux and experience when they joined forces to create their artisanal wine in Napa Valley. Organic farming led by Mark Neal, veteran Napa grape grower, ambient yeast, hand punched down four times daily and 1,000 decisions later – from 25 year old Martha’s Cabernet Sauvignon clone to rootstock in , harvest date to special selection barrel type (two years in 75% new oak, 25% one year old French Oak), three rankings and blending to 580 magnums total. Pours into the glass a deep inky purple color with a hint of ruby at the rim. The swirl reveals its powerful viscosity, you know you are in for a royal treat. The first impression swirl has tremendous depth, drawing you in for a closer exploration. Such a complex and layered bouquet with aromas of blackberry and cassis followed decadent dark chocolate, licorice, dusty earth and a whisper of black olive. A full-bodied and concentrated first sip with the hallmark power of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The intense black fruit flavors carry through onto the palate, joined by additional nuances of savory earthiness, signature dusty Rutherford soils, tobacco, cedar, and baking spice. The tannins are dusty fine-grained providing an excellent structure without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is smooth, elegance. Just a stunning expression of a Rutherford Cabernet. An excellent pairing with roast loin of pork stuffed with rosemary and garlic
Terre de L’Elu Bastingage 2021
“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” —Linda Grayson or in our case WINE Terre de L’Elu Bastingage 2021 A glorious evening of old and new friends, many wines and decadent pairings……I had the utmost pleasure to spend a morning visiting the winemakers last July and tasted the current vintage from the barrel (see post Terre de L’Elu). The use of four different vineyards adds complexity to the wine, while the organic certification ensures sustainable viticulture practices. Pours in the glass a light, beautiful gold color with slight greenish hues. The first impression on the nose is complex and nuanced Chenin Blanc making its presence known. It reveals fresh aromas of ripe pear and apricot, intertwined with intriguing hints of beeswax, toasted macadamia, and a touch of spice grilled lemon, and dried herbs. The first sip is rich, round and rocking followed by a wave of vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness and keeps the wine lively. Flavors on the palate mirror the nose, with ripe stone fruits mingling with creamy notes and hints of toasty oak. The minerality, a hallmark of wines from the Loire Valley, comes through beautifully, adding a touch of salinity and complexity. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of citrus and spice. Such a well-crafted wine that I adored from the barrel and that adorations continues to the bottle. Paired with an exceptional pizza of crème fraîche, Nduja spicy sausage, fresh corn and basil
Spotlight On Italy Masterclasses
𝕊ℙ𝕆𝕋𝕃𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋 𝕆ℕ 𝕀𝕋𝔸𝕃𝕐 A day of 3 Masterclasses animated by my dear friend and wine educator @lyn_wine on the following Italy regions : ⭐️Delle Venezie D.O.C. a wonderful journey into the World of Pinot Grigio @dellevenezie where we tasted 8 different Pinot Grigio. Delle Venezie DOC is a broad Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in northeastern Italy. Wines under this DOC can be produced from grapes grown across three regions: Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and the Trentino province. ⭐️Prosecco DOC: Passion in the bubbles” Introduction by Federdoc @proseccodoc @federdoc where we tasted 6 Prosecco and 6 Rosé Prosecco Prosecco DOC is a type of sparkling wine from Italy. It’s made from Glera grapes, which were formerly known as Prosecco grapes. These grapes must be grown in a designated area across nine provinces in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. The wine undergoes a specific production method to achieve its signature bubbles. Prosecco DOC is known for its light and refreshing taste with fruity and floral aromas. It comes in various sweetness levels, from Brut (dry) to Extra Dry (slightly sweet). ⭐️The Autochthonous Wines of Le Marche where we taste 8 Verdicchio and 2 red wines. Located in Central Italy. The star of the region, known for its crisp acidity and minerality.made from Verdicchio and Montepulciano and Sangiovese are the red grape varieties that dominate the region. Followed by a walk around #winetasting and chat with winery representatives 🥂a delightful day filled with #italia gems #italianwine #prosecco #pinotgrigio #lemarche #federdoc Thanks to @ieemusa for this incredible event 🥂and congratulations to @lyn_wine for his award! #simplyitaliantour Link to Italy Masterclasses