This latest Up From The Cellar & Misc. Wines is another varied yet interesting lot of wines.
Looking at the new releases, we cover the majority of the new releases from Ridge and a handful of wines from California (Caymus, Colluvial, 7 Cellars, Truss) that I couldn’t get in a prior report. I was also able to taste the latest 2021 Vintage Ports from Quinta do Noval. This was a cooler year, but the wines bring plenty of power and richness. I followed these wines for multiple days, and I find this dramatically helps when evaluating young Ports, which can be nothing but a wall of fruit and alcohol when first opened. There’s also a handful of wines from the South of France as well as Bordeaux, a review on the 2019 Sassicaia, and a magical bottle of the Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri, which is a cuvée I’ll often prefer over the more famous (and expensive) Grange.
Looking at the cellar favs and older wines, the report includes a handful of beauties from France, including an outstanding bottle of 1982 Pichon-Longueville Baron, two gorgeous 1986 Médoc, a 1991 Chave Cuvée Cathelin, and a bevy of other Bordeaux and Rhônes.
Looking at the wines from the United States, I was able to taste a retrospective of 2013s from both Larkmead Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards. I continue to waffle on whether 2013 or 2016 is the greatest vintage for Napa Valley, and I’ve yet to make up my mind. Nevertheless, the 2013s, which have been shut down for years now, appear to finally be shedding their baby fat and massive tannins and are starting to drink beautifully.
Lastly, there are some Central Coast gems from my cellar, including the 2009 Jonata La Sangre de Jonata and a sensational bottle of 2010 Booker Vineyard from Saxum.
As always, happy reading, and I hope you’re enjoying these last fall days!
Jeb