qotd: Caves Jean Bourdy Chateau-Chalon (vin jaune)

Question related to this episode (as I continue my trek through WLTV history): What are the characteristics of a wine, particularly a white wine, that has been over-aged? We tend to consume wine really young these days, but you mentioned in this episode that you were concerned that one of these wines may have already passed its prime at four years. I just had a seven-year-old, mid-priced chardonnay the other day that I thought tasted great (although the color was perhaps a little bit faded).

So is my palate just untrained, or would it be obvious if the wine were too old? What characteristics would it have if it were too old?

Thanks, and great show. I'm having a great time running through the old episodes.

Just now saw this ... "Kav" made me laugh!

2004 was a searingly hot summer in the East, and Niagara had a really difficult time. NOT good for most whites, and yields for reds were down but quality was high for many vintners.

However, I am not a big fan of Cave Springs chardonnays. There have been some really good ones, but Cave Springs seems to be less consistent to me than some other Niagara wineries.

Adding to Daniel O's suggestion, I'd add Peller Estates (sister winery to Hillebrand), Angel's Gate (2000 old vines chard was THE BEST I've ever had) and the Collectors' Choice offerings from Hillebrand. The Showcase line, while spectacular, are pricey. Worth it, but for everyday, the CC series is normally great value. At $9.99, the '97 CC chardonnay was spectacular, edged out only by the 2000 Angel's Gate.

I love the fact that you tried the Sakonnet Vineyards wine! My parents live right down the street from there...the area is lovely and the wine is awesome!

Happy to see Sakonnet Vineyards given a try. Little Compton is one of the best areas to live in RI. It's cooler in the summer because of the ocean breeze, and warmer on the wintertime because of that same ocean breeze. Lots of small farms in the area.It is the original home of the Rhode Island Red Chicken. Glad to hear the RI Chard did well. Some other varietals have received good reviews before. Unfortunately the only one I've tried was their Gewürztraminer. I don't remember what year it was, but it was was of the few, really bad wines I've ever had. It was very thin, and exhibited none of the characteristics of a good Gewürztraminer.

I'm curious to know why you keep pronouncing it "Kav Springs" when it is "Cave Springs"? Rhymes with Dave, save, and brave. ;-)

I'm not a huge fan of chardonnays, but there are some really good chardonnays from Ontario/Niagara. You should check out Chateau Des Charmes, Malivoire, or the Hillebrand Showcase series. Those should impress and demonstrate that California isn't the only place in North America that can produce a solid chardonnay.

Yep, Card is the everytime everywhere grape ... same over here: people planting Chard on each plot they think can grow vines. Better experiment with German varieties.
C ya.

Great to hear of other places. Just wish as you that they weren't all Chardonnays. Will have to try the Idaho and RI wines

Gary,

big ups to RI!!! good episode. FYI- Sakonnet is pronounced Sa-CON-nit.

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=15267

Taste this on Friday's show.... I know this is a last minute entry, but check it out
Great "everyday" wine....
thanks, cj

I'm watching this Thursday episode late (Friday afternoon.)

Cool play buttons for the segments of the show. An awesome addition that makes getting "tasting notes" easier. Thanks!!!

QOTD: It's too late, but I'd like to see you taste the Barone Cornacchia Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2002 ( http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=27847 )

I would like you to taste Library Code: 9473. Thanks.

Gravitar??

Gravitar?

...ok so maybe I don't have a gravitar...gotta fix that NOW!

FINALLY I have a Gravitar...pretty excited. Can't wait for EP 197 today!!

QOTD: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=27799

Qotd....Mirassou Napa Pinot Noir Library Code: 4985

Gary, gary, gary... You gotta post a good photo of yourself for the vlog voting! Man that photo is scary! And you're still in 2nd place! You're a shoe in for 1st if you go get a glamour shot..

I'm just ribbin ya a little... ;-)

QOTD: For a blind test... You don't get to know what the wines are! Have someone from your office who's familiar with your tastes go out and pick 4 or 5 bottles....

QOTD: I would like you to try Botalcura Carmenere Reserve 2003 (http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=6374). I love this stuff!

Oh I still dare you to try a mead!
No I haven`t yet. You do it and I`ll do it at the same time.

This has to do with a wine you tasted a while back the
2003 Di Majo Norante Contado Aglianico you gave it a great rating your first 90 minus.
We opened one bottle and we didn`t like it. Wondering if we should open an other and see if it was just the bottle?
We still have 1/2 the bottle may me vinegar now!

One more suggestion on the new format....I would love a drop down menu that would allow me to "jump to" a certain episode #
(or can I already do that somehow beside clicking the dreaded "previous entry" button?)

Are there any Jersey wines that are GOOD?

Gary

How about a Petit Sirah?

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9674

Interesting episode. These are all pretty obscure regions. I’ve had wine from Michigan, Ohio, and Canada but I’ve never had any of these. Sometimes I wonder why people try to make wine in some of the regions that they do.

QOD: I’m a little late in getting this in but taste the Chateau Monbousquet 2002 on Friday if it has come in yet. Link -> http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29800
If that wine has not come in, how about the 2004 Altos de Luzon -> http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8249

QOTD- Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Library Code: 7992 I love this winery and have heard good things about this new vintage.

I am bummed to hear about the basketball team. I said I wanted in. What's the deal?

Taste Doug Nalle's Zin !!!

Couldn't watch yesterday but nice to have a Canadian wine on. Having said that, you really have got to get some riesling and not from the large producers like Cave spring (pronounced like a hole in the earth by the way). If I get a chance when I am down in the states I am going to send you a bottle or two of some small wineries up here in Niagara for you to taste on the show. Where should I send them?

It's pronounced "Su.." as in suck, like what the the Jets do on Sundays; "Con", Like the majority of the Jets players, cons; and "It". like it. Su.. con... it. Emphasis on the middle syllable. And no, I'm not trying to be fresh and make a Micheal Hunt joke. It's a New England thing.
(From the home of the dirty Pats, still wiping up the field with the weak sister Jets.)
PTN

QOTD: Wolffer Cabernet Franc 2003
| Vintage: 2003 | Library Code: 5738

QOD: Gary, how about trying the Carol Shelton Zin.http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9638 never heard of this one Thanks

QOTD
Gary, if it's going to be blind, you have to taste:

Clone 5 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Library Code: 29687
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Library Code: 29719

Others to consider:

Cousino Macul Finis Terrae 2004 Library Code: 28692
Bodegas Arrocal 2005 Library Code: 29810

Pignolo? Prieto Picudo? Lirac? Three comments in a single thread? It's a brighter day already.

Since you suggested it yourself, why not follow up this episode with a tasting of wines which better suit the colder climates of this area.

2 Thumbs up for the new format.

QOTD: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30464

How about Magnificent Wine Company House Wine red?
Code: 4587
OR
some Melville Estate Syrah?
28579
Cheers,

GG

Great show. Liking the new format!
QOTD: #3818

QOTD: How 'bout these Italian wines?

Library Code: 5052
Aminea Greco di Tufo 2004 http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=5052

or Library Code: 9732
Travalgini Gattinara 2001 http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9732

Both are a little of the beaten path, decent scores, and under 20 bones.

Ditto the Ch. De Pez WL#6445 from post 139. Perhaps a comparison with ch. Meyney '03 WL#27705. Same year same price same appelation. Probably infanticide to open them but it would be nice to see how these wines from a hot dry vintage are coming along. Are they headed to '90 vintage status or are the elevated tannins destined to delineate the wine? Toby needs to know.