Many may have already read this article.
I propose a test. Let's get together for a truly blind tasting and see if we can generate better than random numbers. Ideas welcome.
Why Wine Ratings Are Badly Flawed - WSJ.com
or
Why Wine Ratings Are Badly Flawed - WSJ.com
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Fork-U, November 5, the sainted day
What a great evening. Thanks everyone for making my B-day special. Greg, your friends are the bomb. How you can always "bring in the Liberals" is beyond me, but you bring in quality every time.
The Buchanan's delivered late, :), beautiful Champagnes.
The Blackstone's were very generous with a White Burgundy which was delicious.
Drinking the Duke was fun, lot's of fruit. Knowing the owner just makes things like that special and I see a road trip in our future.
The Pomerol was the success of the evening and I really enjoyed it with the Osco Busco.
The Gemar's and Chapman's were missed. Texting Tommy and telling him what he was missing made me feel like a man. Muy fuerte!
Until next time and thanks for my birthday meal to all.
The Buchanan's delivered late, :), beautiful Champagnes.
The Blackstone's were very generous with a White Burgundy which was delicious.
Drinking the Duke was fun, lot's of fruit. Knowing the owner just makes things like that special and I see a road trip in our future.
The Pomerol was the success of the evening and I really enjoyed it with the Osco Busco.
The Gemar's and Chapman's were missed. Texting Tommy and telling him what he was missing made me feel like a man. Muy fuerte!
Until next time and thanks for my birthday meal to all.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
You bet we are going to party!
Hi:
Mr Chapman ( the saying of which kind of reminds me of "Mr. Anderson" from the Matrix) contacted me this evening to blow me a little excrement via text.
The subject of Fork-U arose and we both cheered!
Fork-U lives!
So...
Some Tuesday or Thursday TBD, at the Hermosa Inn. We already have contributions from Greg/Christi and Robin/Billy, (Your Bordeaux that your paid for but I never delivered). I have some great Pinot (Duke) and we will need another Red some Champagne and a dessert wine.
I'm going to find a date and....let's get busy.
More to follow, I'm just stirring the pot a wee bit.
Jimmy
Mr Chapman ( the saying of which kind of reminds me of "Mr. Anderson" from the Matrix) contacted me this evening to blow me a little excrement via text.
The subject of Fork-U arose and we both cheered!
Fork-U lives!
So...
Some Tuesday or Thursday TBD, at the Hermosa Inn. We already have contributions from Greg/Christi and Robin/Billy, (Your Bordeaux that your paid for but I never delivered). I have some great Pinot (Duke) and we will need another Red some Champagne and a dessert wine.
I'm going to find a date and....let's get busy.
More to follow, I'm just stirring the pot a wee bit.
Jimmy
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Jim & Garth's Wine Club...(picture via Tania Buchanan)
It was a nice evening last night... at first I thought I was walking into some kind of new reality show, like Rock of Love meets Top Chef but it worked out nicely. Had we been sitting there all dolled up in Tuxes the dynamic might have been a little different. Nice work on getting that changed Jimmay.
So here are my notes on the wine:
2001 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc - Nice but not as good as the notes or the price suggested.
1981 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild - I liked this best and it was a very interesting comparison to the Pichon.
1979 Chateau Pichon-Longueville-Baron - This was described by Kjell as "mellow", it's these kinds of comments that send me into a deep spiral of self doubt and cause me to wonder if my palate wasn't permanently destroyed by all of the Captain Crunch and Fruity Pebbles I ate as a kid. I thought this wine was still quite bold and was full of strong notes of tobacco. If this wine was mellow I don't know what the 81 was... meek?
1986 Chateau Lynch-Bages - I seem to always have a good experience with LB and this was no exception, tasty.
1990 Chateau Climens Barsac - I'm afraid I've been spoiled by all of the opportunities I've had with the Commanderie to drink d'Yquem. The Barsac was certainly nice but I don't seem to have as much interest in exploring the differences of Sauternes... give me Premier Cru baby!
The company was great as always. It was nice to get to know Jim's guest Josh. See you all again soon.
Ho Brion
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
From our friend Robin
Ok Where is MY BOTTLE? Hard to taste but you have described it beautifully. LOVE conversation, discussion, arguing yourself into it....but then there is always that wine that you love at first light, second light and are tipping the bottle over onto your tongue for the last tiny drip of nectar.....1992 Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru....OMG. Still trying to figure out Bordeaux... but that is the challenge.
rb
rb
Monday, May 11, 2009
Anyone there?
Drinking the 94, chateau lEglise-Clinet tonight.
Wow...
If you want a the "best wine ever" no...go drink a 100 point CA Cab.
However, and join right in here, there is a phenomenon with Bordeaux, it just takes a while to adjust. CA cabs are muscle cars, Bordeaux requires an argument, which usually resolves like many, with sex...wait...acutally, yes, with sex. You know what I mean? I struggle with the Bordeaux at first then fall in love with them...a process that happens each time I start a glass. Interestingly this phenomenon does not seem to occur at our dinners.
My first taste, after only 30 minutes of airing was...terrible. But with time, and what brought me to wine in the first place, it became the nectar of God's.
Not a lot of fruit, great complexity, moderate tannins...I am wonderfully confused.
Now, one of you other kind souls have had this stuff, talk! Chapman....
Wine Spectator
A very good glass of claret, if slightly one-dimensional and lacking elegance. Pretty aromas of earth, spice and raisins. Medium-bodied, with an earthy, fruity aftertaste. The alcohol shows a bit on the finish.--L'Eglise Clinet vertical. Best after 2000. –JS
Score: 86
Release Price: $NA
Current Auction Price: $41
Country: France Region: Bordeaux
Additional Tastings for CHATEAU L'EGLISE CLINET Pomerol 1994
Issue: Jan 31, 1997
Score: 91
Wonderful, dark color with a deep nose of olive, meat and fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with loads of tannins and a fabulously long finish. From one of the hottest châteaus in Pomerol. Try in 1999.
Wine Advocate
1994 L'Eglise Clinet
L'Eglise Clinet A Bordeaux Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 109Feb 1997
Robert Parker
90
Drink: 2002 - 2022
$90-$127 (55)
L'Eglise-Clinet is one of the best-situated vineyards in Pomerol, and proprietor/winemaker, Denis Durantou, is one of the most meticulous producers in Bordeaux. The vineyard is composed of tracts of very old vines (one planted in 1930). The wine, which is made from extremely small yields of two tons per acre, is normally a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, all of it aged in 60% new oak casks. The 1994 exhibits a saturated dark ruby/purple color, as well as a tight but promising nose of ripe cherries, mulberries, and currants, along with a vague notion of black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, with pure fruit, a layered impression, and stubborn tannin in the muscular finish, this wine is not as charming as the more forward 1993. A larger-scaled, richer wine, the 1994 requires 5-6 years of cellaring. An impressive 1994. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2022.
Add to Print List
Wine Advocate # 104Apr 1996
Robert Parker
(90-93)
Drink: 1996 - 2014
$90-$127
This 1994 continues to demonstrate that it is a likely candidate to surpass the estate's beautiful 1990 as the finest wine produced at L'Eglise-Clinet since 1985. The opaque purple color is followed by impressively intense, jammy aromas of black fruits, truffles, underbrush, and subtle new oak. Sexy and rich, with low acidity, an opulent texture, and a stunning concentration of ripe fruit, all crammed into a well-built, multi-layered, fleshy wine, this brilliant effort should drink well when released, as well as over the next 15-18 years.All of the wines in this segment were tasted between March 19 and March 28 in Bordeaux. Most of the important wines from both the 1994 and 1995 vintages were tasted three separate times during my ten-day stay in Bordeaux.
Wine Advocate # 98Apr 1995
Robert Parker
(91-93)
Drink: 1998 - 2015
$90-$127
This is the finest L'Eglise-Clinet made since the estate's exceptional 1985. The wine possesses an impressive saturated purple color, super aromatics in the cassis-scented nose, wonderfully succulent, full-bodied, unctuously-textured, expansive, jammy flavors that coat the palate, and a full-bodied, terrific finish. As the wine sits in the glass some tannin emerges from behind the cascade of fruit. Look for this large-scaled, immensely impressive, beautifully balanced L'Eglise-Clinet to drink well in 3-5 years and last for 20 or more.
Wow...
If you want a the "best wine ever" no...go drink a 100 point CA Cab.
However, and join right in here, there is a phenomenon with Bordeaux, it just takes a while to adjust. CA cabs are muscle cars, Bordeaux requires an argument, which usually resolves like many, with sex...wait...acutally, yes, with sex. You know what I mean? I struggle with the Bordeaux at first then fall in love with them...a process that happens each time I start a glass. Interestingly this phenomenon does not seem to occur at our dinners.
My first taste, after only 30 minutes of airing was...terrible. But with time, and what brought me to wine in the first place, it became the nectar of God's.
Not a lot of fruit, great complexity, moderate tannins...I am wonderfully confused.
Now, one of you other kind souls have had this stuff, talk! Chapman....
Wine Spectator
A very good glass of claret, if slightly one-dimensional and lacking elegance. Pretty aromas of earth, spice and raisins. Medium-bodied, with an earthy, fruity aftertaste. The alcohol shows a bit on the finish.--L'Eglise Clinet vertical. Best after 2000. –JS
Score: 86
Release Price: $NA
Current Auction Price: $41
Country: France Region: Bordeaux
Additional Tastings for CHATEAU L'EGLISE CLINET Pomerol 1994
Issue: Jan 31, 1997
Score: 91
Wonderful, dark color with a deep nose of olive, meat and fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with loads of tannins and a fabulously long finish. From one of the hottest châteaus in Pomerol. Try in 1999.
Wine Advocate
1994 L'Eglise Clinet
L'Eglise Clinet A Bordeaux Blend Dry Red Table wine from
Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Source
Reviewer
Rating
Maturity
Current (Release) Cost
Wine Advocate # 109Feb 1997
Robert Parker
90
Drink: 2002 - 2022
$90-$127 (55)
L'Eglise-Clinet is one of the best-situated vineyards in Pomerol, and proprietor/winemaker, Denis Durantou, is one of the most meticulous producers in Bordeaux. The vineyard is composed of tracts of very old vines (one planted in 1930). The wine, which is made from extremely small yields of two tons per acre, is normally a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, all of it aged in 60% new oak casks. The 1994 exhibits a saturated dark ruby/purple color, as well as a tight but promising nose of ripe cherries, mulberries, and currants, along with a vague notion of black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, with pure fruit, a layered impression, and stubborn tannin in the muscular finish, this wine is not as charming as the more forward 1993. A larger-scaled, richer wine, the 1994 requires 5-6 years of cellaring. An impressive 1994. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2022.
Add to Print List
Wine Advocate # 104Apr 1996
Robert Parker
(90-93)
Drink: 1996 - 2014
$90-$127
This 1994 continues to demonstrate that it is a likely candidate to surpass the estate's beautiful 1990 as the finest wine produced at L'Eglise-Clinet since 1985. The opaque purple color is followed by impressively intense, jammy aromas of black fruits, truffles, underbrush, and subtle new oak. Sexy and rich, with low acidity, an opulent texture, and a stunning concentration of ripe fruit, all crammed into a well-built, multi-layered, fleshy wine, this brilliant effort should drink well when released, as well as over the next 15-18 years.All of the wines in this segment were tasted between March 19 and March 28 in Bordeaux. Most of the important wines from both the 1994 and 1995 vintages were tasted three separate times during my ten-day stay in Bordeaux.
Wine Advocate # 98Apr 1995
Robert Parker
(91-93)
Drink: 1998 - 2015
$90-$127
This is the finest L'Eglise-Clinet made since the estate's exceptional 1985. The wine possesses an impressive saturated purple color, super aromatics in the cassis-scented nose, wonderfully succulent, full-bodied, unctuously-textured, expansive, jammy flavors that coat the palate, and a full-bodied, terrific finish. As the wine sits in the glass some tannin emerges from behind the cascade of fruit. Look for this large-scaled, immensely impressive, beautifully balanced L'Eglise-Clinet to drink well in 3-5 years and last for 20 or more.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Let's drink up!
So the fine G.G., Dr. Gamer just came by to pick up his wine.
That just leaves Robin and Greg (sorry KG, did not bring it last Tuesday).
OK, so how about a group hug this Wednesday? Not? OK, then how about we all drink the Pomerol this Wednesday and write, (post, opine...you know) our opinions. I KNOW you have opinions. The Pomerol is a $115 replacement wine for our $100 bad (corked) wine.
We have a C de B dinner May 18 and G.G. and myself are going to host.
Anyone interested in a Fork-U dinner Thursday April 23?
That just leaves Robin and Greg (sorry KG, did not bring it last Tuesday).
OK, so how about a group hug this Wednesday? Not? OK, then how about we all drink the Pomerol this Wednesday and write, (post, opine...you know) our opinions. I KNOW you have opinions. The Pomerol is a $115 replacement wine for our $100 bad (corked) wine.
We have a C de B dinner May 18 and G.G. and myself are going to host.
Anyone interested in a Fork-U dinner Thursday April 23?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Gary's bill
The cost of the wine was $60 per couple.
Sorry for any inconvenience if you have already sent a check for the dinner.
Please send it, made out to me, to the address listed on the previous post. I have sent a check to Gary for the full amount.
Sorry for any inconvenience if you have already sent a check for the dinner.
Please send it, made out to me, to the address listed on the previous post. I have sent a check to Gary for the full amount.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Post game
So that is what Jill and I call it, the post game, the discussion of the evening on the way home.
"What a fun group, I just think those guys are so funny".
She was speaking, of course, of the gentlemen attending the dinner. Said I "it is unusual for me not to be the most irreverent one, and I'm not even close" We think of this as a good thing.
The ladies added, of course, their own humor (can anyone say estuary?, then let's drink!) , beauty and keen sense of back fashion.
What a great evening and thanks to all. Let's do that again sometime. Gary; how great was that!
By the way, addressing, you know, wine, for a moment, yes my post about the
Château Duhart Milon Rothschild, Pauillac 1996, was correct especially when contrasting it to the Gruaud Larose. Even considering the spaghetti factor.
Does anyone remember what the waitress said we should call ourselves? Hot something
Please send $150 per couple to:
Jim Ganem
2706 E. Ocotillo
Phoenix AZ 85016
I do not know what will be the charge for the wine from Gary.
Lastly
wade right in.
http://politicsandmorningcoffee.blogspot.com
Hey...and if you drink a good bottle of wine or have a wine question, heck, post something, and we could, you know, like, discuss it on the blog.
"What a fun group, I just think those guys are so funny".
She was speaking, of course, of the gentlemen attending the dinner. Said I "it is unusual for me not to be the most irreverent one, and I'm not even close" We think of this as a good thing.
The ladies added, of course, their own humor (can anyone say estuary?, then let's drink!) , beauty and keen sense of back fashion.
What a great evening and thanks to all. Let's do that again sometime. Gary; how great was that!
By the way, addressing, you know, wine, for a moment, yes my post about the
Château Duhart Milon Rothschild, Pauillac 1996, was correct especially when contrasting it to the Gruaud Larose. Even considering the spaghetti factor.
Does anyone remember what the waitress said we should call ourselves? Hot something
Please send $150 per couple to:
Jim Ganem
2706 E. Ocotillo
Phoenix AZ 85016
I do not know what will be the charge for the wine from Gary.
Lastly
wade right in.
http://politicsandmorningcoffee.blogspot.com
Hey...and if you drink a good bottle of wine or have a wine question, heck, post something, and we could, you know, like, discuss it on the blog.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Chateau Duhart-Milon 1996
So the Ganem's are in Sedona, the vortex capital of the world and we finally tried the Chateau Duhart-Milon 1996.
First let's take a moment to say...The Cardinals Won!!! The Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!!! Never thought I would be able to say that....Amazing
The tannins were very Bordeaux but there was not much fruit, almost a little over the hill. However, I think this is what you get with a mid-priced, mid-aged vino. We also had it with not the best pairing, spaghetti, however my kids "cooked it" and so it was terrific.
On the lower left of the label, there is a symbol denoting Rothschild. I have seen this on varying bottles and in fact several years ago purchased a 1997 with this symbol at Costco. Tasting it this past holiday, it was crap. I think it denotes a second (or lower) wine and there must be several. We can ask Gary.
This Thursday should be fun. Gary is very knowledgeable. If anyone has any thoughts about the lecture please post them or send them to me via E-mail. 6:30 reservations.
Executive Wine Seminars: Sanely Priced Bordeaux
Wine Advocate # 122Apr 1999 of the 1996
Robert Parker
90
Drink: 2005 - 2020
$57-$78
A strong case can be made that this is the finest Duhart produced since the 1982. The color is a saturated dark ruby/purple. The bouquet offers aromas of blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice, minerals, and dried herbs. Rich and intense, with considerable finesse, medium to full body, and outstanding concentration and purity, this should be a reasonably priced wine. It reflects the increased attention Lafite's administrator, Charles Chevalier, has been giving this nearby estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.
First let's take a moment to say...The Cardinals Won!!! The Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!!! Never thought I would be able to say that....Amazing
The tannins were very Bordeaux but there was not much fruit, almost a little over the hill. However, I think this is what you get with a mid-priced, mid-aged vino. We also had it with not the best pairing, spaghetti, however my kids "cooked it" and so it was terrific.
On the lower left of the label, there is a symbol denoting Rothschild. I have seen this on varying bottles and in fact several years ago purchased a 1997 with this symbol at Costco. Tasting it this past holiday, it was crap. I think it denotes a second (or lower) wine and there must be several. We can ask Gary.
This Thursday should be fun. Gary is very knowledgeable. If anyone has any thoughts about the lecture please post them or send them to me via E-mail. 6:30 reservations.
Executive Wine Seminars: Sanely Priced Bordeaux
Wine Advocate # 122Apr 1999 of the 1996
Robert Parker
90
Drink: 2005 - 2020
$57-$78
A strong case can be made that this is the finest Duhart produced since the 1982. The color is a saturated dark ruby/purple. The bouquet offers aromas of blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice, minerals, and dried herbs. Rich and intense, with considerable finesse, medium to full body, and outstanding concentration and purity, this should be a reasonably priced wine. It reflects the increased attention Lafite's administrator, Charles Chevalier, has been giving this nearby estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Archery Summit - Dayton, Oregon
DeeAnn and I were home, (McMinnville, Oregon) for the holidays and had a chance to get out to one of our favorite local wineries, Archery Summit. After sneaking past their fiercely aggressive "Watch Cow" we enjoyed a great tasting and picked up some of their 2006 Looney Estate. I like it because it is a bit more full-bodied than many other Pinots. Of course Parker agrees with me and describes it as:
The 2006 Pinot Noir Looney Vineyard is medium/dark ruby with a bit more complexity to its aromatics. This leads to a medium- to full-bodied wine with layers of red fruits, good spice, excellent balance, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. This lengthy effort will be at its best from 2010 to 2018.
Archery Summit is composed of 120 acres, all estate, and produces 15,000 cases annually.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Jan 22
Kind wine drinkers
We have 13 dining at C des T at 6:30 on Jan 22 (Thursday).
Gary has obtained some fine vino for us to consume.
He is going to give a brief lecture about Bordeaux prior to the dinner.
If OK with everyone, I will just cover the charges and send everyone a bill. If your plans change and you cannot attend, obviously let me know.
We will order off the menu but they think it best to order some appetizers to be ready on our arrival.
Gosh, sometime publish a post about some great wine or something, make me faint.
Love, Jimmy
We have 13 dining at C des T at 6:30 on Jan 22 (Thursday).
Gary has obtained some fine vino for us to consume.
He is going to give a brief lecture about Bordeaux prior to the dinner.
If OK with everyone, I will just cover the charges and send everyone a bill. If your plans change and you cannot attend, obviously let me know.
We will order off the menu but they think it best to order some appetizers to be ready on our arrival.
Gosh, sometime publish a post about some great wine or something, make me faint.
Love, Jimmy
Thursday, January 8, 2009
January 22.
Wow, we have hit the mother load.
Our friends Garth and Natalia know a really nice guy Gary Spadafore who is quite the expert.
He has kindly agreed to educate us and procure the vino for the Jan 22 dinner at Coup des Tartes.
Right now all in the Fork-U group have plans to attend except John Olsen who is working on accommodating the date.
Firm plans with times and etc. to follow.
My thought would be for us to order off the menu, agreed?
Our friends Garth and Natalia know a really nice guy Gary Spadafore who is quite the expert.
He has kindly agreed to educate us and procure the vino for the Jan 22 dinner at Coup des Tartes.
Right now all in the Fork-U group have plans to attend except John Olsen who is working on accommodating the date.
Firm plans with times and etc. to follow.
My thought would be for us to order off the menu, agreed?
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