This post sent me on a little Google outing. I hadn't realized that Daou is the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch ("HMR").I've been a big Daou fan for awhile now. Their entry cab is a great mid-range semi-splurge. But last night it was a disappointment. It was not nearly as big or "cabby" as in the past. It even tasted a bit sweet.
I wish I kept better track of vintages... now I'm wondering if I've had this one before.
Here's hoping the 2021 is back to their usual level.
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Today his estate – at 650m the highest in the area planted with Bordeaux varieties – comprises 280 hectares of which 81 are planted to vine, but this is set to grow dramatically; last year his new vine plantings accounted for some 4% of the total across the Golden State.
Burger Wine: jammy, forward, smooth, little to no oak.
Had a good one last night (with burgers--score!). Foppiano Vyd "1896" red blend. No blend info listed. I assume it is mainly Zin and Petit Sirah
66.59% Petite Sirah 13.63% Carignaine 8.36% Barbera 7.29% Mouvedre 4.13% Zinfandel.
This wine offers an aromatic explosion of black fruit, cinnamon, rose petals, dried thyme and warm tar. On the palate, there Aromas of blackberry jam, nutmeg and cinnamon. On the full and structured palate, there are flavors of dark plum, blackberries, blueberries, and a dense minerality (which leads into a softer mid-palate, well- integrated oak, and balanced acidity). The lingering finish tastes pleasantly of plums and mulling spices.
We had a great time visiting Foppiano years ago (ok, there is a chance I've got it mixed up with some other place, but I think it was them).Foppiano...
That sounds right. Lou Foppiano died about 10 years ago. IIRC he was like 101 or thereabouts. He was kicking around the winery doing things until the last 5 years or so of his life.We had a great time visiting Foppiano years ago (ok, there is a chance I've got it mixed up with some other place, but I think it was them).
They had their zin on tap in the tasting room and people could bring in growlers and refill them at a discount.
The woman running the tasting room went home sick and old man Foppiano took over.... quite a character.
When we were ready to leave, we wanted to buy some wine. Foppiano says, "I'm not quite sure how to sell you wine. They normally don't let me touch the computer. You wouldn't have cash, would you?" He eventually figured it out and we left happy.
Is that a really small butternut or a really big (Polish) plate?View attachment 185272
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This is a nice Nerello Mascalese from a young vineyard est. 2007 North side of Mt. Etna - vines for this wine were planted 2008. Light in color. Tart cherries, and a hint of cassis on the palette. Pleasent finish that lingers. Soft tannins. Paired well with my steak topped with shitake mushrooms sautéed with onions, and butternut squash. I'd buy this again.
Small butternut. Using up the runts from the garden. The bigger ones are cured for storage-hopefully. Good catch on the Polish plate-my wife's heritage.Is that a really small butternut or a really big (Polish) plate?
Impressions?
Such a great producer.
totally agreeSuch a great producer.
Edit: @cantunamunch if you're a Beaujolais lover and can find a bottle from Daniel Bouland, it's a must buy.
A nice Beaujolais is something I would drink with my Thanksgiving dinner, seemed to go well with the turkey. I am not sure it really is a good pairing for turkey but my guests didn’t complain.totally agree
Jacques Charlet Vauxonne is a Beaujolais I've really enjoyed lately. La Vauxonne has the reputation of producing some of the darkest, deepest Beaujolais. Generally I like Beaujolais for its grace and light touch, but the Vauxonne is both interesting, and really good.
No, that is a great pairing for Beaujolais!A nice Beaujolais is something I would drink with my Thanksgiving dinner, seemed to go well with the turkey. I am not sure it really is a good pairing for turkey but my guests didn’t complain.
No, that is a great pairing for Beaujolais