Kalifornien - Ein Tagebuch Fortsetzung folgt. Oberndorfer Str. 2 D-78628 Rottweil Tel. 0741 / 1 72 06 Fax 0741 / 1 72 07 info@bacchus-vinothek.com www.bacchus-vinothek.com Aktualisiert 20.10.2018 Sehr geehrte Kunden, liebe Weinfreunde, immer für Sie unterwegs. August/September verbringen Nina und ich stets in Kalifornien, um unsere Weingüter zu besuchen, neue zu entdecken, die aktuellen Jahrgänge zu verkosten, Kontakte zu pflegen und um Zuteilungen zu kämpfen. Viele 2015er oder 2016er, die wir verkosten konnten, kommen nun erst nach und nach mit Preisen und Zuteilungen. Deshalb ist dieses Tagebuch fortlaufend.. Übrigens so viel vorab. 2015 und 2016 sind ganz groß. Es zeigt sich hier bei den besten Weingütern deutlich der neue Trend in Kalifornien hin zu Frische und Finesse. Balance ist ein ganz großes Thema und jedes Glas macht Lust auf das nächste. Dominus Estate, Napa Valley Dominus ist stets ein Besuch bei Freunden. Dem technischen Direktor Tod Mostero (siehe Bild) und Christian Moueix. Christian Moueix: Dominus Estate, Yountville, California, was established in 1983 by Christian Moueix. Situated on the famed Napanook vineyard, it was, in the 1940 s and 1950 s, the source of fruit for some of the great vintages of Inglenook. In fact, the vineyard s history can be traced back to Napa Valley s beginnings, when in 1838 George Yount, for whom the town of Yountville was named, first planted grapevines there. Today, this historic vineyard produces three wines: Dominus, its flagship, Napanook, and Othello. Christian Moueix chose the name Dominus ( lord of the estate in Latin) to under- score his longstanding commitment to the land. Rooted in values of quality, stewardship, tradition and innovation, the Dominus Estate team shares a vision of producing distinctive wines that are expressive of this singular terroir. The vineyard is entirely dry-farmed, allowing the vines to draw deeply on the land s unique geology. The viticulture and winemaking are undertaken meticulously, with the objective of producing wines that are pure, balanced and complex. Minimal inter- vention and restraint throughout the process of grape berry selection, fermentation and aging preserve the character of the fruit. The resulting wines, with a tremendous potential for aging, convey the very personality of this historic vineyard. Known for its complexity and balance, Dominus demonstrates the potential of a wine produced on exceptional terroir. Structured, seamless and perfectly integrated, Domi- nus is an elegant wine that improves with age. In 1997, a winery designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron was comple- ted. Due to strict enforcement of Napa county regulations, it is closed to the public.
Climatic conditions 2015 was characterized by a wet winter, which replenished the soil s water reserve, followed by a dry spring. A sudden cooling of temperatures in May affected the bloom and reduced the size and number of berries per cluster. The remaining growing season was consistently warm with a three-day heat wave during harvest that sent temperatures above 39 C from September 8-10. Harvest took place from September 2 to September 16. Tasting notes Othello 2015 is a dense, brilliant crimson red. The nose, fresh and refined, expresses aromas of strawberry, blackcurrant and orange blossom with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is supple and rich with silky tannins and a long finish dominated by fresh fruit. 2015 Napanook Michael Grimm (18,5): tolle, frische Frucht, Blaubeere vorne und Cassis dahinter, große Finesse und Balance, Mandeln, feine spicy Noten und Lakritze in der Nase, am Gaumen schöne warme Aromatik, klassisch!, im Finale süße Kirschen Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (93+): Bottled in July 2017, Dominus more approachable, less tannic sister wine, Napanook, is a blend this year of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine is redolent of crème de cassis, potpourri, plum preserves and violets with hints of dark chocolate, menthol, licorice and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, supported by firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins and finishing with great length. James Suckling (96): This is fantastic on the nose with blackberries and forest flowers. Very aromatic. Full body with soft, well-integrated and medium-grained tannins. Undertones of black olives. Love the hints of sandalwood. Drink or hold Antonio Galloni (92): The 2015 Napanook is dark, plush and inviting, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, spice and licorice notes are all pushed forward in a decidedly lush, open-knit Napanook that will be ready to go pretty much upon release. 2015 Dominus Michael Grimm (19,5+-20): große, dichte, blaubeerige Frucht, Weichselkirschen, mineralisch, feine floreale Noten, sehr komplex, so groß, wow, Dichte-Fülle-Frusche-Balance, bester junger Dominus, den ich je verkostet habe Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (100): bottled in July 2017 and composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the Dominus 2015 Proprietary Red Wine leaps from the glass with notes of fresh wild blueberries, crushed blackberries and black currant juice with touches of wild thyme, underbrush, iron ore and aniseed with wafts of lavender and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has incredible energy and vivacity, with the firm, pixelated tannins and lively backbone skillfully framing the muscular fruit, finishing with wonderful length and depth. James Suckling (98): A phenomenal red from the vintage with sandalwood, roses, currants, blackberries and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, extremely structured and intense with a great finish. The tannins are so polished and poised. Shows tension and beauty throughout. Straight and focused. Drink in 2022 Antonio Galloni (97): the 2015 Dominus is fabulous. Explosive and alluring on the palate, the 2015 possesses stunning texture and intensity. Blueberry jam, cloves, menthol, licorice and graphite are some of the many nuances that develop over time. In 2015 Dominus artfully balances the richness of the year with the classic structural elements that are such a signature of this wine. 2015 Othello Christian Moueix: Othello was born from the desire to produce a wine that could embody the greatness of Napanook Vineyard s extraordinary terroir, while being both accessible and enjoyable in its youth. Made under the supervision of the Dominus Estate winemaking team, Othello is rich, elegant, and refreshing, expressing bright aromas of red fruit and round, silky tannins.
Tod Mostero: Othello 2015 is a dense, brilliant crimson red. The nose, fresh and refined, expresses aromas of strawberry, blackcurrant and orange blossom with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is supple and rich with silky tannins and a long finish dominated by fresh fruit. James Suckling (94): This is best Othello I have had. Real earth, mushroom and dark-fruit character. Full body, melted tannins and a clean finish. Dialed in the fresh finish. Drink or hold. Jahr Wein Weingut Einh brutto 2015 Othello - Napa Valley Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 0,75 44,00 2015 Napanook Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 0,75 79,00 2015 Napanook Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 1,5 169,00 2015 Dominus Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 0,75 289,00 2015 Dominus Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 6 3.559,00 Inglenook, Napa Valley Zu Inglenook habe ich eine besondere Beziehung. Zum einen ist es das Weingut, welches 1879 vom Ur- Großonkel von Robin Lail (Lail Vineyards) gegründet wurde - dem norwegischen Kapitän Gustav Niebaum. Sein Großneffe und Vater von Robin Lail war ein solcher Qualitätsfanatiker, dass er die Kosten ausser acht ließ. Er musste am Ende verkaufen. Schon 1975 sicherte sich Francis Ford Coppola mit der Kohle aus dem Film Godfather einen Großteil der Weinberge. Das historische Gebäude konnte er aber erst 1995 erwerben. Und endlich, 2011, konnte er auch die Rechte am Namen Inglenook kaufen. So wurde aus Niebaum-Coppola wieder Inglenook. In den 40er Jahren zählten die Weine von Inglenook zu den besten Kaliforniens. Francis Ford hatte diese Vision auf dem Schirm, als er den ehemaligen Direktor von Chateau Margaux, Philippe Bascaules, mit der Aufgabe betreute, dieses Ziel wieder zu erreichen. Und das ist der nächste Grund zum besonderen Verhältnis zu Inglenook die enge Beziehung zu Bordeaux. Philippe ist seit dem Tod von Paul Pontallier wieder Direktor auf Margaux UND nach wie vor Direktor auf Inglenook. Man spürt die bordelaiser Handschrift beim Verkosten der Weine. 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Michael Grimm (18,5): intensive, klare, blaubeerige Frucht, große Finesse, lang, sehr gutre Säure und feine Süße im Finish Robert Parker (95+): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is a beauty of classicism and balance. Dense purple in color, with notes of crème de cassis, blackberry, cedar wood and forest floor, the wine is full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and pure, with moderate tannins and the potential for 20-25 years of upside. James Suckling (92): A beautiful cabernet sauvignon here with blackcurrants, blueberries, dark chocolate and nutmeg. Full body, velvety tannins and a savory and fruity finish. Drink or hold Jeb Dunnuck (92): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is the entry level effort and it offers delicious notes of currants, leafy herbs, cedary spice and forest floor. Ripe, opulent, medium to full -bodied and frontend-loaded, drink it over the coming 10-15 years. This cuvee is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni (94): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a powerful and dense in the glass. Sweet tobacco, menthol, licorice and grilled herbs give the wine its aromatic nuance. This is an especially savory style, with mid-weight structure and linear tannins that need time to soften. This is a super-classic Rutherford Cabernet.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon Michael Grimm (19+): Komplexe, warme und frische Frucht, feine spice Noten, komplex auch am Gaumen, extrem lang, feine Süße im Finish, großes Potential Robert Parker (95+): The proprietary red, the 2014 Rubicon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) has a saturated black/purple color and a nose of blackberry and cassis with some camphor and charcoal. Chewy, rich and full-bodied, with exceptional precision and personality, this is a stunningly delicious and complex wine with a good 25-30 years of further potential. It is the antithesis of the rustic, somewhat coarse reds that were made under the Rubicon moniker when Francis Ford Coppola first acquired the Inglenook estate. Kudos to him for making dramatic improvements. Approachable already, this wine won t hit its stride for another decade and will last 30 or more years James Suckling (97): Aromas of blackcurrants, dark chocolate and dried flowers. Very aromatic. Full body, velvety tannins and impressive intensity and richness. Opulent fruit, yet this is still lightly austere and velvety. A beauty every sense of the word. Harmonious, classic wine. Drink in 2019 Jeb Dunnuck (95): In the same ballpark as the 2015, the 2014 Rubicon (97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot) is a ripe, full-bodied 2014 that boasts a deep purple color, loads of currants, incense, and cedary spice aromas, terrific mid-palate depth, and building tannin. It can be drunk today or cellared for 15-20 years Antonio Galloni (95): Inglenook's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is dark and quite potent. Inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, chocolate, menthol, licorice and plum give the wine its deep, unctuous personality. Stylistically, the Rubicon is darker, inkier and more voluptuous than the s traight Cabernet. Soft tannins and silky contours add to the wine's considerable appeal Shafer Vineyards, Napa Valley Sonst immer auf dem Plan, hat es dieses Jahr für einen Besuch bei Doug Shafer nicht gereicht. Das Bild auf den Hillside-Weinberg hier entstand im letzten Jahr. Aber soeben sind die aktuellen Weine eingetroffen. 2016 Chardonnay Red Shoulder, 2015 Cabernet 1.5 und natürlich 2014 Hillside,d en wir auch sofort verkosteten. Um die Großformate rangeln wir noch. Hoffe, dass im Frühjahr eine Zuteilung des Agenten erfolgt. and depth. 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select Michael Grimm (19+-19,5): Tiefes Rubin mit bläulichen Reflexen, Cassis pur, Kirschen, spicy, große Finesse, ein mächtiger und doch balancierter Napa-Cab Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (98+): Very deep inky-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is incredibly intense and impactful on the nose, revealing notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries and fresh black currants with underlying notions of charcoal, sautéed herbs, black soil, chargrilled meat and pencil lead, plus a waft of violets. Very full-bodied, very rich and wonderfully concentrated, the wall of fruit is well matched by a firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length Jahr Wein / Shafer Vineyards Einh brutto 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon "Hillside Select" - 98+ Parker 0,75 339,00 2014 Relentless - 96 Jeb Dunnuck 0,75 107,00 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - One Point Five 0,75 89,00 2015 TD-9 0,75 69,00 2016 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay - Carneros 0,75 59,00 20. August
Levensohn Vineyards, Napa Valley https://www.levensohnvineyards.com Wie komme ich immer nur an die ganzen neuen Weingüter, die ich Ihnen vorstelle? Also manchmal kommen die Weingüter auch zu mir. Benoit Touquette (Bordelaiser winemaker) ist der Mann, der bei REALM für die großartigen Weine sorgt. Und er vinifiziert auch Levensohn. Da lag es nahe, dieses Weingut zu besuchen und die Weine zu verkosten. Den 2014er verkostete ich noch im Rottweiler Büro und bestellte. Die Produktion ist mikroskopisch. Ganze 60 Flaschen haben wir beispielsweise vom Jahrgang 2014 erhalten. Aber nun wollten wir das Weingut auch besuchen, um Pascal und Melanie und die Weinberge kennen zu lernen und den 2015er zu verkosten. Pascal finanziert hauptberuflich und sehr erfolgreich junge startups. Das gab ihm die Möglichkeit, seinen Traum vom eigenen Wein zu erfüllen. Mit großer Passion und Vision. Bei der Vorbereitung der Reise erwähnte Melanie, dass Sie im Herbst auch nach Deutschland kommen würde. ja toll!! Aber warum denn das? Sie sei auf einer Rundreise von New York nach Österreich und Deutschland, um ihr Buch vorzustellen. Buch? Was für n Buch? Zwischen uns ein ganzes Leben Diese Frau ist einfach unglaublich. Studierte Politikwissenschaften und Literatur, arbeitete als Pressereferentin für die WHO in Genf aber auch in Krisengebieten und für die Weltbank in Washington, erzeugt zusammen mit ihrem Mann einen der besten Weine Kaliforniens und schreibt jetzt auch noch Bücher. Wir waren neugierig. Für so einen langen Flug nach Kalifornien ist es gut, wenn man ein Buch dabei hat. Melanies Buch. Der Erscheinungstermin lag aber 6 Tage nach unserer Abreise. Schade. Angekommen im Napa Valley, stand bereits am 1. Tag der Besuch bei Levensohn an. Pascal überraschte uns mit einem dichten und kompakten 2015er und einem extrem frischen, blaubeerigen und eleganten 2016er Cabernet. So gut! Da geht der Kampf um Zuteilung grad weiter. Und Melanie überraschte uns mit einem Exemplar ihres Buches. Zwischen uns ein ganzes Leben. Schöne Überraschung. Aber zwischen dem Buch und mir stand auch etwas. Ich mag keine Liebesgeschichten und noch weniger mag ich Dramen. Und nun sollte ich eine dramatische Liebesgeschichte lesen? Tapfer machte ich mich am Abend an die ersten Seiten und las und las und las Trotz vollem Programm war das Buch am zweiten Tag verschlungen. Melanie ist eine großartige Erzählerin. Sie sollten den Wein verkosten und Sie müssen das Buch lesen. Aus diesem Grund folgendes Geschenk an Sie. Sie erhalten beim Kauf einer Flasche 2014er Levensohn das Buch (Wert 16,90) von mir geschenkt.
Jahr Wein Weingut Einh brutto Kaminangebot 1 Flasche 2014er Levensohn + das Buch 179,00 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon - Levensohn Robert Parker (94): This blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot is deep, rich, concentrated and authoritative. Dense ruby/purple-colored, with crème de cassis and blacker fruits, some licorice and incense, it is full-bodied, beautifully pure, with sweet tannin and a long, layered finish. This is high-brow, impressive Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15-20 year 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - Levensohn Michael Grimm (19+): Sehr schöne, frische Frucht, spicy, toll, feine Röstnoten, lang, super komplex Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (95): Containing a 5% splash of Merlot and aged 19 months in French oak (80% new), the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color with vibrant notions of red and black currants, violets, blackberries and black cherries, plus a cinnamon toast and pencil shavings undercurrent. Medium to full-bodied, lively and purely fruited on th e palate, it has a firm, grainy backbone and long finish of spicy layers Jahr Wein Weingut Einh brutto Levensohn, St.- 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena 0,75 179,00 Preimportangebot 2015 = 169,00 statt 179,00 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 voraussichtlich Dezember verfügbar Levensohn, St.- Helena 0,75 169,00 3. Oktober Dieses Jahr mussten wir das Sonoma County aus Zeitgründen ausklammern. Somit auch keine Verkostung auf Verite und Acaibo vor Ort. Aber ich wusste, dass Jackson-Chefin Barbara Banke nach London oder Zürich kommen würde, um den aktuellen Jahrgang vorzustellen. Und solange sich Deutschland am 3. Oktober feierte, verkostete ich in Zürich. 2015 Vérité - La Muse (90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc und 3% Malbec; 14,7 % vol; 17 Monate in 100% french oak) Michael Grimm (19+-19,5): sehr intensive, komplexe Nase, süße Kirschen, Marzipan, am Gaumen sehr schöne Balance, nicht zu dicht, große Finesse, spicy, viel Charme, sehr gute Tannine, frische Säure, blaubeeriges Finish Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (97): the 2015 La Muse sports a very deep garnet-purple color, leaping from the glass with exuberant crème de cassis, blueberry pie and licorice notes plus suggestions of Indian spices, dark chocolate, menthol, sautéed herbs and potpourri. Full -bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it delivers tons of black and blue fruit preserves flavors, accented by exotic spices, framed with velvety tannins and finishing on a persistent earthy/mineral note. 3,900 cases were made. 2015 Vérité - La Joie (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot und 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot; 13,9 % vol; 17 Monate in 100% french oak) Michael Grimm (19,5+): sehr kräftige, klare Nase, klasse Cabernet-Frucht, Cassis, tolle Struktur, sehr feine Süße, Schoko, Mandeln, große Finesse und Balance Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (99): the 2015 La Joie features a very deep purple-black color and almost electric nose of crushed blackcurrants, ripe black cherries and mulberries with sparks of raspberry pie, wild blueberries, unsmoked cigars, charcuterie and crushed stones. Medium to full - bodied and charged with the most amazing energy, the youthful, vibrant black-fruited palate is
framed by very firm, very finely grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with lingering crushed stones and earth layers. 4,000 cases produced 2015 Vérité Le Désir (64% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot und 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec; 14,4 % vol; 17 Monate in 100% french oak) Michael Grimm (19,5): Schöne, intensive Frucht, komplex, sehr schöne Balance und Finesse, frische Säure, spicy, Schoko, sehr lang Robert Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (100): the very deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Le Désir is a little reticent at this very youthful stage, offering glimpses at dusty soil, iron ore, black truffles and salami notes over a core of red currant jelly, black raspberries, blackberries and star anise plus a waft of roses. Medium-bodied, very firm and very elegant yet incredibly intense in the mouth, it delivers loads of red fruit and earthy layers, finishing with great length and depth. 2,500 cases produced Die Preise erwarte ich bis Ende Oktober und Sie finden diese dann an dieser Stelle. An die 2015er Verkostung folgte eine Vertikale La Muse. 5 Jahrgänge von 2002 (19,5-20), 2004 (19+-19,5), 2007 (19,5+-20), 2009 (19+) bis 2012 (19+-19,5). Leider kann ich nicht mehr alle Jahrgänge anbieten. Aber dafür einige andere zusätzlich: 2012 Vérité - La Muse Michael Grimm (19+-19,5): sehr süße, intensive Nase, spicy, fleischige, süpe Nase, feine Röstnoten, erinnert an frische Brotkruste, Finesse und Balance am Gaumen, sehr gute Säure Robert Parker (97): The 2012 La Muse, which is 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, is a smaller cuvée of 1,840 cases. The wine has plenty of spice box, cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake and Asian plum sauce, along with black cherry and blackcurrant fruit. Ripe, round, full -bodied and opulent, this is a wine that can be drunk now or cellared for another three decades. Interestingly, the alcohol levels are not all that high in any of these wines, with most of them rarely exceeding 14.3 10% Rabatt auf diese Listenpreise Jahr Wein Einh stock brutto 2010 La Muse Merlot based 94 Parker 5,00 1 2.995,00 2010 La Muse Merlot based 94 Parker 3,00 1 1.550,00 2010 La Muse Merlot based 94 Parker 0,75 6 398,00 2012 La Muse Merlot based - 97 Parker 3,00 1 1.895,00 2012 La Muse Merlot based - 97 Parker 5,00 1 3.295,00 2012 La Muse Merlot based - 97 Parker 1,50 6 855,00 2013 La Muse Merlot based - 100 Parker 1,50 9 1.130,00 2013 La Muse Merlot based - 100 Parker 0,75 36 425,00 La Muse Merlot based - 100 Parker - 2014 OWC of 1 1,50 3 830,00 La Muse Merlot based - 100 Parker - 2014 OWC of 3 0,75 6 395,00 Und am Ende der Verkostung folgte ein flight mit 2008er Weinen. Mouton-Rothschild, Vega Sicilia Unico, Sine Qua Non B20 und Cardinale, Napa Valley. Der Unico hatte mir nicht so gefallen. Kenne diesen besser. SQN war toll aber ausser der Reihe, da Syrah und Grenache. Mouton war die coole und Cardinale die warme Komplexität, was die Aromatik angeht. Beide auf alle Fälle großartig. 2008 Mouton-Rothschild (18,5+-19), Unico (18+??), Cardinale (18,5+-19), SQN (18,5-19+) Leider habe ich keine älteren Cardinale mehr. Aber!!! Ich kann Ihnen den 2012er anbieten: 2012 Cardinale
Robert Parker (98): Cardinale s 2012 Proprietary Red, the flagship wine from the Jackson Family, was looked after and put-together by winemaker Chris Carpenter from numerous vineyard sites traversing Napa Valley. The 2012's final blend was 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot with 94% new French oak used. Terroirists undoubtedly lament the fact that nine different vineyards an d seven different appellations were utilized, but the resulting wine is prodigious. A dense purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, blackberries, blackcurrants, roasted coffee, vanillin, baking spices and forest floor. With enormous complexity and richness as well as full-bodied power and voluptuousness, it is a wine of exceptional purity, intensity, and well-integrated acidity, alcohol, tannin and wood. This seamless, majestic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated 2012 should drink well for two decades Listenpreis Vorzugspreis Jahr Wein Einh stock brutto brutto 2012 Cardinale 0,75 24 269,00 239,95 La Jota Vineyard Howell Mountain Der letzte Abend in Kalifornien gehört traditionell einem New York Steak. Morton s ist immer eine sehr gute Adresse. Nicht nur wegen der Fleischqualität, sondern vor allem auch wegen der Weinkarte. Chris Carpenter ist einer meiner Lieblings-winemaker in Kalifornien. Er macht große Weine wie Lokoya oder Cardinal. Und er ist der Mann hinter La Jota. Leider ist der in Deutschland normalerweise kaum zu bekommen. 18 Flaschen konnte ich mir vom 2013er nun sicher. Aber die kommen gleich mit dem 2014er, welche von parekr noch höher bewertet wurde. Hier müssen Sie auf meine Einschätzung warten, bis der Wein in ca. 3-4 Wochen am Lager ist. 2013 La Jota Howell Mountain Michael Grimm (18,5+): sehr schön, komplexe Nase, schwarze Johannisbeeren, spicy, sehr schöner Körper, Charme und Struktur und sehr gute Länge. Robert Parker (93): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain is the largest cuvée (2,675 cases) and a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec. It s a beauty. Opaque purple, with notes of licorice, charcoal, lead-pencil shavings, blackcurrants and spice, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, lavishly rich and pure, with sweet tannin and a long finish. This wine is approachable now, but promises to age beautifully for 20-25 years. he owners of La Jota, the Kendall- Jackson group, finally are getting this estate back to its early 1990s qualitative level. Certainly winemaker Chris Carpenter, who does such a fabulous job at Cardinale and Lokoya, should get some of the kudos. This is the strongest lineup I ve tasted yet under the Jackson family, but it is a phenomenal vintage as well 2014 La Jota Howell Mountain Robert Parker (95): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is 75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged in 89% new French oak. The wine displays the great fruit that is possible from these two sites owned by the Jacksons. It has an opaque purple color, a big, sweet kiss of crème de cassis and blackberry with a touch of lead pencil shavings, vanilla and incense. It is full-bodied and dense, with moderately high tannins but beautiful sweetness and fruit. Drink it over the next 25-30 years. This is the greatest set of wines to emerge from La Jota Vineyard Co. since the early 1990s, when it was under different ownership and the winemaker was Helen Turley. In this case, winemaker Chris Carpenter, who has done such a fabulous job at Lokoya and Cardinale, has finally gotten this acquisition by the Jackson family up to the high potential they had hoped for when they purchased the estate. Readers will be thrilled to see two profound Merlots have been produced from this high -
elevation site, as well as a magnificent Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Moreover, pricing is moderate, although that s likely to change, so jump on these 2014s, which are the best wines to emerge from La Jota in nearly twenty years. La Jota Vineyard is back and producing splendid wines La Jota Listenpreis Vorzugspreis 2013 La Jota Howell Mountain 0,75 89,00 79,50 2014 La Jota Howell Mountain 0,75 89,00 79,50 22. August 2018 REALM Napa Valley Stag s Leap District Sicher einer der beeindruckendsten Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre. Kein start-up, wo nur Geld geparkt wird. Juan Mercado und Scott Becker sind extrem ambitioniert, haben große Visionen und setzen alles daran, aus REALM eines der besten Weingüter Kaliforniens zu machen. Sie sind auf dem besten Weg. Der Jahrgang 2016 ist der erste Jahrgang mit eigenem Zuhause im Stag s Leap District. Und von hier, aus dem eigenen Weinberg, stammen auch die Trauben für den Moonracer. Die Weine tragen alle die Handschrift von Benoit Touequette, dem bordelaiser winemaker, der dafür sorgt, dass sich die Wärme und Dichte der Weine mit Finesse und Frische die balance hält. Jeb Dunnuck: I m just back from a quick trip through Napa Valley that was focused on winery visits and the newly released 2016s. I ll be back in the Valley in November for larger, comprehensive tastings, and the full Napa Valley report will be published in December. To give a quick overview of the 2016 vintage, this is another brilliant year for the region and the wines show beautiful purity of fruit, ripe, rounded, concentrated profiles, and incredible balance. The 2016s don t have the sheer wealth of fruit or sexy style found in the 2015s, yet possess more freshness, purity, and elegance. The fruit shows a slightly cooler profile, no doubt due to the cooler end of the year, yet the ample hang time resulted in complete phenolic ripeness and sound, supple underlying tannins. Quality is also incredibly consistent. At this point, the top wines appear to be either a beefed up version of the 2014s, or a slightly more elegant, forward version of the 2013s; take your pick. The full report due out later this year will have a complete vintage breakdown, but in the meantime, know that this is a fabulous vintage for Napa Valley 2016 The Bard Michael Grimm (19+-19,5+): sehr schöne, reife, warme Frucht, dicht, Cassis!!, sehr viel Charme und Struktur, spicy, sehr gute Säure, großer Wein Jeb Dunnuck (97): The Left Bank Bordeaux theme release, the 2016 The Bard checks in as roughly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This cuvee is sourced from sites such as To Kolan, Dr. Crane, Weitz, and Fortuna, as well as a few others, and is brought up in plenty of new oak. It has a mammoth bouquet of crème de cassis and blueberry fruits intermixed with ground herbs, graphite, chocolate, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, opulent and layered on the palate, with a powerful yet balanced, incredibly classic style, it has a certain approachability today but is going to go cruise for two decades. It s a brilliant wine
2016 The Tempest Michael Grimm (18,5-19+): dichte, softe, warme Frucht, spicy, sehr gute Säure, Brombeeren und Cassis, auch Kirschen, auch am Gaumen feine spice-noten, lang, sehr elegant, schöne Frische im Nachhall Jeb Dunnuck (97): the 2016 The Tempest is always a Merlot dominated release and is 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2016. It comes from multiple sites in the valley and sports a deep purple color as well as a rocking bouquet of plums, chocolate, scorched earth, and spice-box, with an alluring mole-like character developing in the glass. It s deep, rich, and powerful on the palate, yet has a forward, layered style as well as rocking purity, no hard edges, sweet tannins, and a great finish. My money is on it being one of the finest Merlot dominated blends in the vintage 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Michael Grimm (19,5+): dichte, fleischige Frucht, Frische, viel Cassis, spicy, schöne, blaubeerige Frucht, feine Bitterschokolade, tolle Süße, lang, schöne Röst- und Brotkruste Jeb Dunnuck (98+): From a rocky site outside of St. Helena, just next to Las Piedras, the stunning 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) boasts a deep, gravelly, intellectual profile that s reminiscent of the 2015 Haut Brion on steroids. Blackcurrants, chocolate, cold fireplace, and smoke tobacco all flow to a full-bodied, deep, layered, lengthy Cabernet Sauvignon that takes plenty of time to unwind in the glass. This is structured, backward, and deep, with serious power, yet it excels on its complex and layered style just as much. I suspect it will warrant a triple-digit score in 3-5 years and keep for 3-4 decades 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Michael Grimm (19,5+): komplexe Frucht, Cranberries, Cassis, Kirschen, Blackberries, elegante Mitte, mineralisch, Soja, sehr lang Jeb Dunnuck (100): An incredible wine that tops out on my scale, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon comes from one of the great terroirs of the world and delivers everything you could want from a Napa Cabernet! Literally off the hook notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, black cherries, violets, plums, smoke tobacco and incense all soar from the glass. It s a massive wine, yet stays perfectly balanced and pure on the palate, with loads of tannins, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish. It s undeniably about as sexy as it gets, yet stays graceful and light, with an ethereal personality. Don t miss it. 2016 Cabernet FRANC Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (nur als Mag verfügbar) Jeb Dunnuck (100): First made in 2015, the 2016 Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon is a cofermentation of two blocks and is 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in
new oak. Just singing on the nose with awesome notes of spring flowers, layers of black and blue fruits, flowery forest floor, spice, and incense, it s full-bodied, incredibly powerful, deep, rich and intense. However, despite it s almost over the top style, it stays seamless and weightless, and just glides over the palate. It s another perfect wine from Benoit Touquette and the team at Realm and is a legendary Cabernet Franc from Napa that s going to have 20-25 years (or more) of prime drinking 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Michael Grimm (19,5-20): dichte, kompakte, noch sehr junge, verschlossene Nase, extrem schöne Süße am Gaumen, Charme, alles im Fluss, lang, fleischig, im Nachhall viel Cassis und blueberries Jeb Dunnuck (96): The third vintage from this estate vineyard in Stag s Leap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot (which is close to the breakdown of the vineyard). It offers a beautiful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed rocks. While it doesn t have the density of the To K olan and Dr. Crane releases, it is seamless, full-bodied, incredibly complex, and multi-dimensional. Already impossible to resist, drink this pure, elegant beauty anytime over the coming 20-25 years 2016 Falstaff Cabernet Franc based Michael Grimm (18,5+-19): die Trauben stammen aus dem To Kalon Weinberg gleich neben MAYA Dalla Valle. Sehr süße, aromatische Frucht, feine Röstnoten, frische Brotkruste,, Schokolade, sehr gute Säure, lange, sehr gute Balance, feine Pfeffernote im Finish Jeb Dunnuck (98+): The 2016 Falstaff is the Cabernet Franc blend of the estate (there s 37% Cabernet Sauvignon) that was sourced primarily from the Oakville Appellation. Ripe black cherries, currants, scorched earth, chocolate, and a flowery, forest floorlike character all emerge from this powerful, concentrated, structured Cabernet Franc. It doesn t have the sexiness of the To Kolan Cabernet Franc release yet is classic Cabernet Franc all the way and offers sensational purity of fruit. Hide this for 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades 2015 ABSURD Michael Grimm (19,5+): superkomplexe, süße Nase, Soja, feine Mineralität, feine floreale Noten, einfach nur komplex mit großer Struktur. Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (100): The third vintage from this estate vineyard in Stag s Leap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the singular, absolutely compelling 2015 The Absurd opens with a seriously intense black currant cordial and plum preserves core, slowly revealing cedar chest, mincemeat pie, potpourri and spice box hints plus a waft of chocolate-covered cherries. The full-bodied, concentrated palate is packed with opulent black fruits and baking spice layers, featuring a rock-solid backbone of tight-grained tannins and just enough freshness to lift and tantalize on the long, seductive finish. Only 250 cases were made Realm Cellars, Napa Valley max Fl. 2015 Absurd 0,75 3 625,00 2015 Absurd 1,5 1 1.550,00 2016 Cabernet Franc - Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 1,5 1 1.550,00 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon - Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 0,75 6 425,00 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon - Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 0,75 6 425,00 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Falstaff - Napa Valley 0,75 6 199,00 2016 Moonracer - Stag's Leap District 0,75 6 310,00
2016 Moonracer - Stag's Leap District 1,5 1 780,00 2016 Tempest - Merlot based Blend 0,75 6 135,00 2016 The Bard 0,75 24 145,00 2016 The Bard 1,5 1 325,00 2017 Sauvignon Blanc "Fidelio" 0,75 3 65,00 Michael Silacci (chief winemaker): Marking the warmest year since 2008, the 2015 growing season set a record for early bloom. Drought conditions persisted, and rainfall was erratic, with most of the much-needed rain falling at the end of the previous year and supplemented by only a single storm in February; but, it was enough water to sustain the vines. Cooler conditions during flowering ultimately lead to a smaller number of berries on each cluster and lower than average yeilds. Warm summer months led to an advanced veraison which was followed by perfect ripening conditions. Harvest began on September 1stwith short pauses; heat spells and continued warmth allowed for the berries to be steadily picked at ideal maturity. The harvest was completed on October 8th. Initial dark fruit, spice and baking aromas in the 2015 Opus One are interwoven with seductive notes of violet, black tea, and sage. The entry is vibrant with ripe dark fruit flavors of plum, blackberry and blueberry followed by hints of vanilla and cocoa. Silky, fine-grained tannins provide structure and a creamy texture. The wine finishes with fresh acidity and a rich lingering finish that promises longevity in the cellar. The 2015 Opus One is composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. During fermentation and maceration, component lots received an average of 21 days of skin contact prior to 18 months of barrel aging in new French oak Art Jahr Wein Weingut Einh 9064 2015 Opus One Opus One Winery 0,75 Pre-Importpreis Preis Brutto künftiger Listenpreis brutto Gültigkeit des Angebots Bis zum erfolgten Import voraussichtlich Ende Oktober 2018 355,00 398,00 Michael Grimm (19+-19,5+): Extrem komplexe Nase, süße, rote bis blaue Früchte, Cassis und Blaubeeren, spicy, große Frische und Struktur, shr auf der eleganten Seite, kein Powerwein, just große Eleganz, Finesse, Frusche und Komplexität. Ein Riesenwein von Chief winemaker Michael Silacci Parker/Lisa Perrotti-Brown (97+): Composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec, Opus One's 2015 Proprietary Red Wine is truly an iro n fist in a velvet glove, delivering a powerhouse of flavors and structure with a seductively plush texture. It opens with a deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully spicy notes of cinnamon stick, cloves and fenugreek with a core of cherry preserves, redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie and warm plums plus hints of camphor, lavender and cigar box. Full-bodied, rich and bold in the mouth, it fills the palate with exotic spice-laced black and red fruits, framed by firm, beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing with epic persistence. Although it is already approachable, allow it another 3-5 years in bottle for its myriad of subtle accents to fully blossom and then drink it over the next 30+ years.
Call it a hattrick: Opus One knocks it out of the park with three excellent, if very different, takes on the the last string of vintages: 2015, 2016 and 2017. Already previously reviewed as a barrel sample, the 2015 was a show-stopper from barrel and is equally impressive in bottle. The last of the "drought" years and a rather warm one at that, the resolute nature of these impeccably tended Oakville vines is apparent in the complex layers, beautiful freshness and rock-solid frame of this wine. 2016 is the vintage winemakers can't remember because it was so uneventful. "We had plenty of rain in the early part of the year," commented Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci, "followed by an early budbreak. We were able to pick fairly regularly with an even flow in the cellar." The more 2016s I taste, the harder it is to fault this decadent, rich, blue and black-fruited vintage. James Suckling (98):..Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold Antonio Galloni (96+):..The 2015 Opus One is just as fabulous from bottle as it was from barrel. Dark, sumptuous and voluptuous in the glass, with no hard edges, the 2015 captures all the essence of the vintage while retaining a good bit of aromatic freshness. At this stage, the new oak is still a bit prominent, but that should not be an issue as the wine ages. There is more than enough depth for the 2015 to develop positively for 20-25 years, perhaps more. Just bottled a month prior to this tasting, the 2015 is naturally a bit more reticent than it has been in the past. Winemaker Michael Silacci add that the 2015 will, in his view, follow a similar trajectory to the 2008, which he later opened for the sake of comparison. In my view, the 2015 will always be more extroverted, although it does need time to be at its most expressive. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Winespectator (93): Red Pure, rich dark berry, plum and gravelly earth flavors are framed by spicy, cedary oak notes, ending long, clean and elegant, with just the right touch of tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Best from 2020 through 2030. 21.600 cs J.L Die Preise verstehen sich pro Flasche und inkl. Mehrwertsteuer. Die Rechnung ist innerhalb von 8 Tagen zahlbar. Lieferung erfolgt nach Import der Weine. Das Angebot ist freibleibend. Zwischenverkauf vorbehalten. Es gelten die üblichen Zahlungsund Lieferbedingungen laut Homepage.