Search found 677 matches

by Michael Malinoski
Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:08 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: It's time to (re) introduce myself.
Replies: 7
Views: 1041

Re: It's time to (re) introduce myself.

Some of the most memorable Bordeaux I’ve had the pleasure to drink have been with Andy. He is a Pichon Baron monster and a great chef—an admirable and highly sought-after combo!
by Michael Malinoski
Wed Dec 28, 2022 8:24 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Wine shops in Rome?
Replies: 8
Views: 344

Re: Wine shops in Rome?

It was many years ago, but one of my favorite wine shop experiences in Italy was a visit to Enoteca Costantini in Rome. Fantastic selection, good prices, and a pleasure to visit. There were many treasures in the downstairs "vault." No idea what the place is like today. https://enotecacost...
by Michael Malinoski
Sat Oct 22, 2022 3:47 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Two nice red Bordeaux
Replies: 9
Views: 566

Re: Two nice red Bordeaux

Sorry, last minute audible and the 02 Pontet Canet is now on the back burner (in favor of 89 Lalande and 01 Baron), but will likely get to it sooner than later!
Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Fri Oct 21, 2022 4:33 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Two nice red Bordeaux
Replies: 9
Views: 566

Re: Two nice red Bordeaux

That sounds like solid advice, thanks!
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Oct 20, 2022 5:12 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Two nice red Bordeaux
Replies: 9
Views: 566

Re: Two nice red Bordeaux

Really helpful note on that 02 Pontet Canet, thank you. I am opening my lone bottle Sat night with grilled ribeye. Would you suggest any sort of decanting regimen to soften the “gruff” character?

Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Wed May 19, 2021 3:56 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Can a wine be accurately described as feminine or masculine?
Replies: 11
Views: 957

Re: Can a wine be accurately described as feminine or masculine?

Good commentary. For me, I tend to use feminine and masculine mostly to compare one wine to another, like the 81 Beaucastel comes across as more feminine than the 89, or something like that. I don’t think these descriptors alone come to mind for me nearly as often. I guess one could use words like p...
by Michael Malinoski
Mon May 03, 2021 5:34 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2015 Grand Mayne
Replies: 13
Views: 921

Re: 2015 Grand Mayne

There used to be a syndicated DJ with a show called Lost 45s. I think he had like Seasons in the Sun or The Night Chicago Died as #1. That ah-ha video back in the early days of MTV was fantastic!
by Michael Malinoski
Mon May 03, 2021 4:41 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2015 Grand Mayne
Replies: 13
Views: 921

Re: 2015 Grand Mayne

I bought 3 bottles of the 1989 at auction a few years ago and opened the first just 2-3 months ago. I thought it was more subtle than I expected, and maybe a bit more four-square than I had hoped. Not bad by any means, just not up to expectations. Happy to delve into another soon to confirm or revis...
by Michael Malinoski
Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:22 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: I know it's not Bordeaux but in spirit
Replies: 19
Views: 1428

Re: I know it's not Bordeaux but in spirit

Nice evening there and a great reason to celebrate, Gerry. I brought a 91 Montelena to an end of year “bring something good” tasting like 2-3 years ago and it was wine of the night ahead of 86 Mouton, 82 Pavie, 78 Margaux, 66 La Mission H-B. I personally preferred an 82 Penfolds Grange and a 90 Jabo...
by Michael Malinoski
Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:53 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: What is the best 3 year run, and what is the best 5 year run?
Replies: 47
Views: 3334

Re: What is the best 3 year run, and what is the best 5 year run?

Before opening the thread, my mind immediately went to the exact same answers as Jim. One might argue 82, 83, 84, 85, 86. Even with 1960 dragging them way down, I’d also take the brilliance of 59, 60, 61. More recently, could you live with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04?

Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Mon May 11, 2020 8:17 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Anyone cooking for Mothers Day?
Replies: 17
Views: 990

Re: Anyone cooking for Mothers Day?

Sounds like a worthy meal, Gerry! I just cooked some Mediterranean-influenced shrimp and pasta (sun-dried tomatos, red peppers, capers, olives, wine, garlic), while the girls prepared an amazing chocolate cake. I wish I had thought to do one of those Ben Ryes with the cake, that would have been a re...
by Michael Malinoski
Sun May 10, 2020 6:36 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Sipping on a very nice spicy 2016 Ormes de Pez.
Replies: 5
Views: 454

Re: Sipping on a very nice spicy 2016 Ormes de Pez.

Never trust a Colby grad!

-Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:53 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Unusual words to describe wine
Replies: 23
Views: 1343

Re: Unusual words to describe wine

A 1959 Carruades de Lafite from a few months back was 100% “maryjane” on the nose. Never abated all night, either!

Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Wed Dec 19, 2018 4:24 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: 2000 Louviere (rouge)
Replies: 8
Views: 1141

Re: 2000 Louviere (rouge)

Great note, thanks. I was thinking of opening one next week. My father in law has some tongue issues, so may I ask how the tannins are at this stage? Ripe and rounded or still a bit rustic (old school-ish)?

Happy holidays,
Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Jun 29, 2017 2:37 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Gerry, Albert...
Replies: 3
Views: 515

Re: Gerry, Albert...

I will pay the interest for Jim if I can finagle an invite!
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:39 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Concur on Mouton's Demotion
Replies: 32
Views: 3804

Re: Concur on Mouton's Demotion

I can't see demoting Mouton, based on my experiences. Hell, even their 1965 was darned tasty for about 45 minutes a few years back. And don't get me started on those who would promote LLC to first ahead of Mouton, a great wine but not first growth to my tastes...
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:32 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Top 3 Communes
Replies: 17
Views: 2257

Re: Top 3 Communes

Probably give a different answer tomorrow, but today coming off last night's wonderful duo of 85 Cos and 85 Lynch, I'd start with Pauillac, then St. Estephe, then St. Julien. I want to say Pomerol but I just don't drink it often enough to call it a favorite...
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:24 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: The Hard reality- Futures vs Mortality
Replies: 3
Views: 506

Re: The Hard reality- Futures vs Mortality

I am happy to buy younger Bordeaux in small quantities but certainly my sweet spot is currently back vintages where I can find them at reasonable cost and quality. I generally want 12-15 years minimum of age before opening just about anything of classified quality, so in about 10 years it won't make...
by Michael Malinoski
Wed Mar 08, 2017 1:47 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Ron Kramer
Replies: 4
Views: 811

Re: Ron Kramer

Especially for those of us here in the Boston area, Ron was a central figure in all sorts of different dinners and tastings, and his good nature, generous personality and ability to pull diverse people together will be sorely missed. I recall not too long ago him opening a lovely 1990 Montrose for s...
by Michael Malinoski
Mon Aug 08, 2016 9:24 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: A Great Day of Golf and Wine
Replies: 3
Views: 510

Re: A Great Day of Golf and Wine

I have to agree 100% with Gerry's takeaways. But how is it he missed talking about the 1961 Lynch Bages?!?!?

Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Tue May 17, 2016 10:44 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Chateau Margaux dinner tonight
Replies: 25
Views: 4405

Re: Chateau Margaux dinner tonight

Great write-up! What a tasting.
by Michael Malinoski
Tue May 17, 2016 10:41 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: Howing a 2012 du Tertre
Replies: 23
Views: 2133

Re: Howing a 2012 du Tertre

Still the Bills, at least for now. Free Brady!

Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Tue May 17, 2016 10:39 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: fantastic line-up for Ted's birthday in Fort Collins
Replies: 7
Views: 1221

Re: TNs: fantastic line-up for Ted's birthday in Fort Collins

This was a fun set of notes to read, thank you for sharing. I especially liked the old Produttori note, as I fondly recall how delicious a 1970 Produttor Rabaja Riserva was about a half dozen years ago. I've also had some memorable bottles from 1980 here and there over the years, including a delicio...
by Michael Malinoski
Mon Mar 07, 2016 3:27 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Hosting poker
Replies: 3
Views: 423

Re: TNs: Hosting poker

Gerry, I really do like a lot of those '88s for drinking right now. In fact, I just picked up single bottles of Pichon Lalande and Leoville Las Cases. They dented the wallet pretty good, even if they didn't break the bank!

-Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Mon Mar 07, 2016 4:38 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Hosting poker
Replies: 3
Views: 423

TNs: Hosting poker

It was my turn to host poker, and I tried to put together some interesting flights for the guys that could make it. As usual, all of the wines were served blind, with the exception of the after-hours bottle. I cooked up some steaks, the game was competitive and I think a good time was generally had ...
by Michael Malinoski
Mon Mar 07, 2016 2:01 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: 89 Pavie Decesse, 99 LLC, 12 du Tertre
Replies: 6
Views: 934

Re: TNs: 89 Pavie Decesse, 99 LLC, 12 du Tertre

Hi Nic, Neither the 1999 nor the 2001 Pavie Decesse were among my favorite St Emilions drunk over the past several years, but I didn't find either of them particularly offensive, just big and thick and not particularly nuanced. They had nice fruit and plush texture, and while not really my style I f...
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:21 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: White Burgs w/ mini flight of Drouhin Clos des Mouches
Replies: 3
Views: 932

Re: TNs: White Burgs w/ mini flight of Drouhin Clos des Mouches

Not even a hint of premox on any of these, Stefan. The Clos des Mouches have some mixed history in that regard and I still read far too frequent complaints about premox in that bottling, but we had nothing but pristine bottles, fortunately.

-Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:19 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Mid-week Burgundy drinking
Replies: 0
Views: 240

TNs: Mid-week Burgundy drinking

It was a rare mid-week foray out for me and my wife as we met two other wine-loving couples for dinner at Troquet, with a very loose theme of red Burgundies. At dinner, we knew what wines each other had brought but we ended up deciding to drink them single blind just to see what happened. 2006 Domai...
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:12 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: 89 Pavie Decesse, 99 LLC, 12 du Tertre
Replies: 6
Views: 934

Re: TNs: 89 Pavie Decesse, 99 LLC, 12 du Tertre

Jim, this was a bottle from Gerry's stash, so get it before he opens it all!

-Michael
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:09 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: White Burgs w/ mini flight of Drouhin Clos des Mouches
Replies: 3
Views: 932

TNs: White Burgs w/ mini flight of Drouhin Clos des Mouches

Seven of us got together a while back to have dinner together and drink some white Burgundy, as has become our custom at least once a year. We didn’t particularly pre-plan any flights or anything, but the wines pretty naturally fell into logical flights. Flight One: 2009 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis...
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:04 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: 89 Pavie Decesse, 99 LLC, 12 du Tertre
Replies: 6
Views: 934

TNs: 89 Pavie Decesse, 99 LLC, 12 du Tertre

Four of us took the day off to pursue some leisure activity some time back, and to top off the day we had dinner and some nice bottles of wine back at our host’s home. It was a great day matched by some great wines. 2011 Domaine de la Pépière (Marc Ollivier) Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie Vieill...
by Michael Malinoski
Wed Jan 06, 2016 2:24 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Afternoon sipping
Replies: 0
Views: 269

TNs: Afternoon sipping

I stopped by Tom’s house after an afternoon outing to sample his musical library, drink some wines and enjoy a burger. I brought a couple of bottles and he raided the cellar for a few, as well. 2004 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Sonatera Vineyard Sonoma Coast . This is bright, fun and a bit funky on the no...
by Michael Malinoski
Wed Jan 06, 2016 12:48 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: All-American wine night
Replies: 3
Views: 811

Re: TNs: All-American wine night

Thanks, guys. Nic, glad you enjoy the Peter Michael Chards. I've probably posted about 50 notes on different vintages and bottlings from them here over the past several years--my wife can't get enough of them, so there's always an excuse to open some! On the Caymus SS, I'm afraid I have no real grea...
by Michael Malinoski
Tue Jan 05, 2016 9:22 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: All-American wine night
Replies: 3
Views: 811

TNs: All-American wine night

Four of us got together at Ed’s house one evening to eat some take-out food and drink some wines from our cellars. The in-going theme was loosely defined as “just bring some American wines” and in the end this brought forth a lot of really interesting and delicious bottles that we tried to organize ...
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Jan 03, 2016 10:21 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: '97 Pichon Baron, '00 Haut-Bergey
Replies: 1
Views: 330

TNs: '97 Pichon Baron, '00 Haut-Bergey

Four guys came over to my place one evening to play some cards and eat some dinner while my wife and kids were away on a trip. Folks brought some nice wines and it was a fun casual night. 2010 Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Kabinett Mosel Saar Ruwer . This wine delivers a crowd-pleasing ...
by Michael Malinoski
Sun Jan 03, 2016 3:48 am
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Royal East offline notes
Replies: 3
Views: 733

Re: TNs: Royal East offline notes

Hey Stefan, Regarding the 2011 SI Momtazi, I definitely was not a big fan of the nose, but did appreciate the alluring texture and mouthfeel. As I noted, I just felt like it was reticent with the flavors--maybe you're right, it never will "release the hounds"-- I suspect you're a better ju...
by Michael Malinoski
Sat Jan 02, 2016 10:14 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Portugalia get-together
Replies: 2
Views: 374

TNs: Portugalia get-together

We had six people for a fun evening at Portugalia Restaurant, where we dined on their fantastic food and shared some bottles with one another. Nothing was served blind and there was no specific order or flights. NV Cecilia Beretta Prosecco di Treviso Poggio delle Robine Extra Dry . For whatever reas...
by Michael Malinoski
Sat Jan 02, 2016 10:11 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Royal East offline notes
Replies: 3
Views: 733

TNs: Royal East offline notes

Some time back, a whole bunch of folks got together at Royal East to dine on their fine Asian cuisine and to share some good bottles of wine. It was a really diverse group and it was fun to meet so many new faces. It should be noted that none of the wines were served blind and there was no real orde...
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Dec 03, 2015 7:20 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Tavern time
Replies: 1
Views: 414

TNs: Tavern time

Three of us descended upon the Tavern to sample their fantastic fare and to share some wines from our cellars with one another. NV Pol Roger Champagne Brut Réserve . This bottle was purchased back in May of 2007 we’re told, so it definitely has some bottle age to it. It’s pleasant on the nose, with ...
by Michael Malinoski
Thu Dec 03, 2015 1:58 pm
Forum: Our Forum
Topic: TNs: Another month, another poker and wine tasting
Replies: 3
Views: 807

Re: TNs: Another month, another poker and wine tasting

Alex,

There are 12 guys in the group, and every once in a while we get all 12, though we always have at least 6. This was a rare one with full participation. I was the winner (for once!) so had a good budget for hosting the next game. :)

-Michael