Eight New Biodynamic Wines - The Living Vine
Date: Mar 29/12, Thu Time: 04:00:00-07:00:00 Style: Drop-In
Eight New Biodynamic Wines - The Living Vine returned to the Reserve with eight new biodynamically-produced wines from their portfolio, including one of the mostly highly reviewed Brunellos of 2006.
Samples of the following were on hand:
2009 Charles Heintz Vineyard, Chardonnay, Littorai, Sonoma Coast, California - $69.95
94 pts Wine Spectator - Serves up a complex range of ripe pear, tangerine, nectarine, cedar, green fig and green apple delivered on a laser beam. Crisp, clean and refreshingly complex, with a finish that sails on and on.
2009 Heymann-Lowenstein, Riesling, Von Blauem Schiefer, Mosel, Germany $49.95
91 pts Wine Advocate - The 2010 Riesling Von Blauem Schiefer Reserve – at 13.5% alcohol rich in stuffing and almost opulently in texture – at the same time displays the bright, refreshing, apparently also leavening acidity – here in the guise of fresh lime, grapefruit, white currant, and blueberry – that characterize this aberrantly non-malo Heymann-Lowenstein collection. What’s more, the cooling sense of herbal essences – in this instance prominently evoking hyssop, fennel, and tarragon – and of wet stone that typically characterize this bottling are present in spades, and a saline savor to the long finish sets the salivary glands pumping uncontrollably. I expect this will perform well for at least 6-8 years.
2009 Milton Opou, Chardonnay, Gisborne NZ 2009 - $24.95
91 pts Wine Advocate - Produced from whole bunch pressed grapes naturally fermented in small oak barrels, less than 20% new, the 2009 Opou Chardonnay presents aromas of fresh peaches, warm apple slices and under-ripe pineapple with nuances of toast, cashews and preserved ginger. Medium bodied and very nicely balanced in the mouth, it offers layers of concentrated stone fruit and savory flavors, finishing long. Delicious now, it should cellar to 2015+.
Chateau Tire Pe, Bordeaux, France - $22.95
88-90 pts Wine Advocate - One of my favorite low level Bordeaux, this exceptionally well made wine displays a dense purple color in addition to abundant blackberry and blueberry fruit intertwined with notions of licorice and incense. Fleshy, full-bodied, and ripe, this delicious Bordeaux coats the palate. It should drink beautifully for 3-4 years.
Cowhorn, Syrah, Oregon - $34.95
91 pts Wine Spectator - This spacious style lets its blackberry and black cherry flavors expand nicely against streaks of mineral and pepper, coming together smoothly on the ripe but contained finish.
2009 Gravner Ribolla Gialla Anphora, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy - $99.95
94 pts Wine Advocate - The 2005 Ribolla Gialla Anfora is what Barolo might taste like if Nebbiolo were a white grape. A gorgeous, powerful core of fruit sits on a frame of gripping, yet beautifully integrated tannins. The Ribolla possesses more weight and richness than the Breg, if slightly less aromatic complexity. It is an ideal wine to pair with rich winter stews. I am amazed at how well this wine has come together over the last year. It is another gem from Gravner.
2006 Pian Dell Orino, Brunello Di Montalcino, Italy − $99.95
97 pts Wine Advocate - The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass with warm, seductive black cherries, flowers, tobacco, minerals and underbrush. The interplay between the richness of the fruit and a classic sense of structure is totally spellbinding in this mysterious, dark Brunello. I love the element of sensuality here. The intensity of the fruit builds like waves towards the inevitable, luxurious, palate staining finish. This is simply a wine that won’t be denied. It is remarkable in every way.
