Recent ish wines - Part Deux.

[ericp]

While Jim tortures us with more tales from Paris....


• 2013 Spottswoode Estate, Napa Cabernet - I am thankful a good friend of mine loves this wine and graciously opens it regularly. Dark fruit, hint of cassis, floral notes, and excellent balance. Everything Napa Cab can be. 96pts

Battle of the 16s
• 2016 Bethel Heights The Cauldron Pinot Noir - dark cherry, plum, spice, and earthy undertones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Delightful. 92pts.
• 2016 Pontet Canet - blackcurrant, plum, graphite, tobacco, and polished tannins. Complex and long and clearly will benefit from another 5 years or more. 93pts
• 2016 Pape Clement - black cherry, creamy cassis, tobacco, hint of coffee and graphite. Full bodied, with fine tannins. Give it another few years or decant early. 94pts
- Surprising Pape took down the Pontet, a bit of an upset for everyone as I took a vote prior to drinking.

• 2017 Tiganello - black cherry, blackcurrant, tobacco, and hints of balsamic and tar hiding in the way back zone. Definitely needs more time. 94pts today but should improve.

• 1995 Chateau Angelus - OMG, I can't even, I just can't. It is Just spectacular. This is why we stare at bottles in our cellars for 25+ years and non-wine drinkers think we're nuts (which is still probably true). One of those wines you just want to keep smelling over and over (and over!). It forced me to get more glasses for everyone at dinner to keep this handy. Dried plum, cedar, truffle, and leather, with a long nearly 60 second finish. At peak, with no signs of slowing down any time soon. Special thanks to Josh W (if you know, you know) for swapping a couple of these for a couple of '95 Pichon Lalande. 98pts.

• 1970 Chateau Talbot - Birthyear wine for my wife that has aged gracefully. Structurally in tact, but lacking enough fruit or tannins to provide any ummphh. Fun to drink at age 55. 88pts.

• Quinta Das Carvalhas - 20 yr Tawny. Nose of prune, brown sugar, toffee, hazelnut and caramel. Long complex finish of toasted almonds and red cherry. 91pts

[Nicklasss]

Quite a nice selection of wines Eric.

Two nice 2016, and from your comments seem to drink ok, even if a few more years will help.

Not too surprised to see you preferred the Pape Clément. I don’t understand way people are so « not convinced » about Pape Clement? Personally, i like it.

I did not had many Angelus, and i feel like i’m maybe missing something.

[DavidG]

Eric, Angelus used to be one of my favorites before they became uber-ripe and uber-pricey. I had the ‘95 only once, 10 years ago. Loved it and thought it was still on the upswing. Sounds like you caught it at peak.

[ericp]

Nick - I do enjoy Pape Clement quite a bit. Many years ago (early 2000s?), I picked up a case of the '88, which we drank over the ensuing 10 years, sadly long gone now. Wish I had more restraint back then!! Unfortunately, as David mentions, the price of Angelus has spiraled, but I think it's worthy to put on your 'must try' list. Maybe the BD will buy some before July and you can ask him to open LOL #enablement

David - I have only had a couple vintages myself, but this was certainly one of my top wines from the last few years. Uber ripe and pricey are not my cup of tea. I had a chance to try '14 and '16 Pavie at the chateau a few years ago and it was so over the top, it was nearly undrinkable to me and this from someone who's wine wingman loves Cali cabs. If that's where current Angelus is headed, that is sad indeed.

[DavidG]

Eric, I think the 2005 vintage was probably close to peak modernity for Angelus and a lot of St Emilions. Reportedly, they’ve dialed it back some since then. How much I don’t know. I do know pricing has not been dialed back. That alone has prevented me from trying them again.