Three bottles tonight that might be the best lineup I’ve had in a while:
São Lourenço do Barrocal Vinho de Talha DOC Alentejo 2021 — If you haven’t explored Talha wines yet, do yourself a favor. This is fermented and aged in traditional clay amphorae (talha), a technique that goes back to Roman times in Portugal’s Alentejo region. The result is a white wine with this incredible beeswax funk — waxy, textural, almost savory. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, and it’s unlike almost anything else you’ll drink. Old vines, hand-picked, minimal intervention. A total conversation starter.
Auteur Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 — Anderson Valley single vineyard Pinot from one of the best producers working in that region. Auteur has been quietly putting out exceptional site-driven Pinots, and Ferrington is one of AV’s benchmark vineyards. This delivered exactly what you want from cool-climate California Pinot — perfumed, precise, acid, pine, earth. So good.
Kapcsándy Family Winery Roberta’s Reserve 2015, State Lane Vineyard, Yountville — The showstopper. 100% Merlot from a producer who consistently delivers at the highest level out of their estate State Lane Vineyard in Yountville. At 11 years old this was in a perfect drinking window — grippy but resolved, with beautiful structure. If you think Merlot can’t be serious, Kapcsándy will change your mind. One of the best Merlots I’ve ever had.
by Proper_Wear_3993