July of 2023 Roundup
photo 1. Festive cover
In July, my schedule was devoid of any concerts, leaving me with an abundance of free time to venture beyond the realm of music. It was the perfect opportunity for me to indulge my curiosity and explore the world of wines. Surprisingly, I discovered that I wasn’t the only one with this idea. Many others, too, were on the lookout for more exciting wines to savor, and summer seemed like the perfect excuse to discover a delightful selection of seasonally appropriate wines. Fully embracing this trend, I decided to embark on a wine-tasting journey, eager to dive deep into the diverse and captivating world of wines. With no performances or rigorous practice to distract me, I could fully immerse myself in every sip of the wines I sampled, honing my ability to distinguish and detect various notes and flavors without even having to swallow the wine.
Instead of including every photo of the wine I tried like past roundup posts, I am going to make collages of the memorable ones and only comment on them. Everything will still be listed for the future reference.
photo 2. A great backyard barbecue wine with friends and family.
photo 3. “California meets Jura”
1. 2020 Bedell First Crush
My wife and I discovered this wine at Flatiron Wines and Spirits during one of the weekends in June. While enjoying a leisurely stroll, we came across the shop and decided to pick up the latest issue of Noble Rot magazine. On that particular day, Bedell from North Fork Long Island was hosting a tasting event, and among the selections, we found that we liked their First Crush the most. This wine caught our attention due to its easy-drinking quality, with pronounced notes of plum, strawberry, rhubarb, and cherry.
To complement the wine, we decided to pair this delightful Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend with grilled pork and sweet onions prepared in the Korean BBQ style. We served the wine chilled, at a slightly lower temperature than the average for light-bodied wines, and the experience was nothing short of perfect.
Given the pleasant experience we had with this wine, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another bottle the next time I come across it. In fact, I’m already looking forward to serving it at our next friends and family dinner.
2. 2020 Fumey Chatelain Arbois Chardonnay
3. 2021 Phelan Farm Savagnin & Chardonnay
“California Meets Jura.” I came across this unique wine at Jersey Wine and Spirits during one of their Friday afternoon tastings. The experience was truly mind-blowing, as I would never have guessed that this wine hailed from California had I sampled it blind. It exhibited a remarkable fusion of Jura and California influences.
The wine presented a captivating blend of buttery textures and crisp qualities, accompanied by distinct notes of lemon zest, celery, and delicate white flowers. Without a doubt, this was a truly memorable tasting experience that left a lasting impression.
4. NV M. Ant. De la Riva ‘La Riva’ Miraflores Baja Manzanilla Fina Sherry
A Massive Rosé Tasting at Somm Cellars
5. 2021 Bisol Jeio ‘Cuvée Rosé’ Prosecco
6. 2018 Dominique Gruhier Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé, Extra Brut
photo 4. Picture, if you will, the sensation of gliding through effervescent rose water, its delicate bubbles caressing your skin in a dance of delightful refreshment.
photo 5. a utility player
7. 2019 Schramberg Brut Rosé, North Coast
This sparkling wine, reminiscent of rose petals, stood out prominently at the rosé tasting event. My friend Spencer had mentioned this winemaker, so my expectations were already high. What caught my attention was the delicate sweetness and the fine, small bubbles that elegantly enveloped the palate. The wine exhibited floral characteristics along with a subtle hint of green notes, reminiscent of celery. Its robust and enjoyable flavor lingered strongly, prompting me to savor another taste before departing the shop.
8. 2022 Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé, Côtes de Provence
9. 2021 Gavoty Recital de Roselyne Rosé, Provence
Light and pleasantly refreshing, this wine captures condensed floral notes that add a unique charm. Its versatility makes it a fitting companion for a wide range of dishes.
10. 2022 Château Peyrassol ‘La Croix’ Rosé, Mediterranée IGP
11. 2022 Peyrassol Les Commandeurs Rosé
12. 2021 Château Les Mesclances 'Saint Honorat Rosé
13. 2021 Domaine du Gros Nore Bandol Rosé, Provence
14. 2022 Domaine Tempier Rosé, Bandol
15. 2022 Domaine La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé
16. 2022 Château de Pibarnon, Bandol Rosé
17. 2022 Fontsainte Corbieres, Gris de Gris Rosé
18. 2021 Château Simone ‘Les Grands Carmes de Simone’, Rosé
19. 2022 Domaine Charvin Côtes de Rhône Rosé
photo 6. Yet another versatile option that can effectively address your requirements.
photo 7. Uncorking this bottle on a beautiful afternoon would truly brighten my day.
20. 2022 Château de Trinquevedel, Tavel Rosé
With its savory and mineral qualities, this wine boasts a well-defined structure and a textured profile. Its versatile nature would undoubtedly complement a variety of culinary delights.
21. 2022 Thibaud Boudignon Rosé de Loire
22. 2021 Guiberteau Saumur Rosé
23. NV Paul Prieur Sancerre Rosé Perpétuel
24. 2022 Isabelle Garrault, Sancerre ‘Les Grands Monts’ Rosé
25. 2022 Sacy Sancerre Rosé
26. 2022 Philippe Gilbert Menetou-Salon Rosé
27. 2022 Chateau de Chaintres ‘Les Hirondelles’ Saumur Rosé
28. 2022 Charles Joguet, Chinon Rosé
29. 2020 Joseph Roty Marsannay Rosé
Marsannay Rosé holds a special place among my favorite rosé wines due to its captivating harmony between fruit and floral elements. Roty’s Marsannay Rosé, in particular, showcases alluring fruity nuances, including hints of plum. Its medium level of sweetness makes it a refreshing choice and serves as an excellent palate cleanser, especially after sampling rosés from regions like Loire and Bandol.
30. 2022 Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé
31. 2015 Dominique Gruhier Bourgogne Epineuil Rose Grande Cuvée
32. 2019 Dominique Gruhier Bourgogne Epineuil Rosé Capucine
33. 2021 Domaine de la Prébende, Beaujolais Rosé
photo 8. Beauty, elegance, and finesse in a liquid form
photo 9. This is definitely my kind of wine.
34. 2020 Bruno Clair Marsannay Rosé
The allure of this Marsannay Rosé was the primary motivation behind my attendance at this tasting event. Already familiar with Bruno Clair’s 2019 Marsannay Les Longeroies, a wine I hold at home, I was deeply intrigued by the winemaker's prowess. Yoomin from Somm Cellars had urged me to experience Domaine Bruno Clair’s Marsannay Rosé, noting its scarcity. This electrically transparent ruby-hued Rosé proved to be a standout, boasting pronounced and captivating raspberry and herb notes. Its well-defined structure and balanced body were complemented by a refreshingly dry yet acidic character.
The desire to acquire this wine and witness its evolution over time in my own collection was strong. However, it turned out that this particular wine was only available for purchase by the case. Nonetheless, I’m committed to securing a bottle the next time it’s offered for individual sale, as this wine left a lasting impression that I’m eager to explore further.
photo 10. Side B of Chanterêves Marsannay Rosé
photo 11. Powerful yet sensitive. Bold yet delicate.
35. 2021 Chanterêves Marsannay Rosé
Following the captivating Bruno Clair’s Marsannay Rosé, I had assumed that finding something equally impressive would be a challenge. However, Chanerêves’s Marsannay Rosé shattered my expectations. The wine’s cloudy orange-pink hue was so dense that it obscured the liquid, creating an intriguing visual element. To my delight, a subtle effervescence added a refreshing touch to the wine, enlivening my palate.
Notably, the wine’s body and structure, likely a result of an extended pressing process, stood out as fuller and more substantial compared to most of the rosés I had sampled that day. This unexpected depth made it a standout among the selections. I made the decision to bring a bottle of this rosé home, eager to share the full experience with my wife. The anticipation of opening and savoring this wine is truly palpable, as I anticipate discovering all the nuances it has to offer.
36. 2021 Santi Chiaretto di Bardolino ‘Infinito’ Rosé
37. 2022 Feudo Montoni, Sicilia Nerello Mascalese Rose di Adele
38. 2022 La Spinetta, II Rose di Casanova
39. 2021 Sierra Cantabria Rioja ‘Rosado’
40. 2022 Bodegas Muga, Rioja ‘Rosado’
41. 2022 Wölffer Estate ‘Summer in a Bottle’ Rosé
42. 2021 Railsback Frères, Les Rascasses Rosé
43. 2022 Von Winning, Pinot Noir Rose
44. 2021 Weingut Jäger Zweigelt Rosé, Wachau
45. 2021 Galil Mountain Winery Rosé, Galilee (Kosher)
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46. 2016 Cascina Baricchi Barbaresco Riserva ‘Rose delle Casasse’
My wife and I took this bottle to Rolo's. For a detailed account of our experience, you can read more by clicking HERE.
47. 2022 Vouette et Sorbée Champagne Fidèle
48. 2020 Faiveley Mercurey Vieilles Vignes
Battle of the Champagne Tête de Cuvées Seminar at Somm Cellars
49. 2014 Bollinger Brut ‘La Grande Année’
photo 12. Taittinger, Taittinger, Taittinger... the enjoyment of sipping Taittinger surpasses the delight of even saying it thrice!
photo 13. This cuvée exuded boldness, confidence, and a compelling power. It's the type of wine I'd readily stock up on, envisioning the pleasure of uncorking it even decades later if financial considerations were of no concern.
50. 2012 Taittinger ‘Comtes de Champagne’ Blanc de Blancs
Vibrant notes of stone fruits, such as peach and apricot, harmoniously intertwined with the subtle essence of fennel seeds. Each sip offered a refreshing and delightful experience. This particular wine stood out as one of our favorites, prompting a spirited debate about whether to choose this one or opt for the Billecart-Salmon.
51. 2012 Moët et Chandon ‘Cuvée Dom Pérignon’
52. 2014 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’
53. 2013 Pol Roger ‘Cuvée Winston Churchill’
Boasting bold flavors and an alluring bouquet, this well-balanced cuvée caught me by surprise. Despite its widespread recognition and frequent mentions, I had never encountered an opportunity to taste it before. Experiencing it firsthand, I now understand why this cuvée garners so much attention. What stood out to me was the equilibrium between dill and apricot notes, all complemented by the effervescence of lively bubbles.
54. NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siècle Nº 25’ Champagne Brut
55. 2008 Piper-Heidsieck ‘Rare Millésime’ Brut
photo 14. The gem we carried home. #electric
photo 15. You know what I am opening next time I celebrate something!
56. 2008 Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs ‘Cuvée Louis’
This cuvée was a remarkable display of exceptional complexity, spanning a range from herbaceous tones to the rich allure of brioche. Its flavor profile included a medley of fruits, including pineapple, starfruit, and apricot. Alongside these, there were intriguing savory characteristics that added depth to this intricate wine, all tied together by a satisfying, lingering acidity.
Described by Daniel as akin to "drinking Chablis with bubbles," I relished the electric quality that this cuvée exuded. Both my wife and I were so enamored by this wine that we decided to make it our own by purchasing a bottle.
57. 2008 Krug Millésime
58. 2008 Krug ‘Clos du Mesnil’ Blanc de Blancs
59. NV Krug Grande Cuvée 160ème Édition
Daniel from Somm Cellars treated everyone to an incredible tasting experience by uncorking the Krug Grande Cuvée, a gesture that showcased his generosity and appreciation for exceptional wine. The sheer magnificence of this wine left a profound impression on me. Crafted from the 2004 harvest, this cuvée displayed a harmonious interplay of brioche and yeasty tones that elegantly danced alongside smoky and savory attributes.
This particular Krug Grande Cuvée embodies a level of excellence that makes it a perfect choice for commemorating special occasions. Its indulgent nature invites us to savor each and every drop, transforming any celebration into an unforgettable experience.
photo 16. Complex, delightful, and exuberant. This is the best party starter one can ask for!
photo 17. The biggest surprise and pleasure I had in July. I want to stock up this and see how it changes over the years.
60. NV Laflaive Extra But Blanc de Blancs CV|17|50
As a welcome drink before the class, this Blanc de Blancs made a delightful introduction. I was pleasantly surprised by its full-bodied structure, which revealed subtle layers of savoriness and a gentle spice reminiscent of white pepper.
61. 2019 Domaine Antoine Lienhardt Bourgogne Côte d'Or Gamay du Pierrot Gamayoptère
A recent find from Somm Cellars’s daily newsletter. For further details, you can read more by clicking HERE.
photo 18. Make sure you aerate this one before you start sipping!
photo 19. Kanpachi sashimi: I can have this again anytime.
62. 2020 Dureuil-Janthial Bourgogne-Aligoté
On the first day, this wine presented itself in a more subdued manner; however, on the second day, it unfurled to reveal a vivid and invigorating character. Being a dedicated enthusiast of Aligoté, I found this particular bottle to be a delightful companion to my meal. I chose to pair it with Kanpachi sashimi, and the wine’s acidity skillfully accentuated the inherent sweetness of the Kanpachi, resulting in a harmonious combination.
photo 20. Lively bubbles, fresh fruits.
The seared branzino was incredibly flavorful, leaving a lasting impression. It was undeniably delectable, a dish I wouldn't hesitate to enjoy for two consecutive meals.
63. NV Pierre Gerbais Champagne Extra Brut La Loge
Elegant bubbles enveloped by the essence of lemon and yeast. I chose to pair this Champagne with an array of dishes, including roasted vegetables, pan-fried string beans with chili, and a seared branzino fillet. The wine’s sharpness harmonized splendidly with the savory tenderness of the branzino. I'm often struck by how Champagne, with its inherent potential, can seamlessly traverse an entire meal, rivaling the versatility of both red and white wines.
July proved to be a month filled with memorable wine experiences. I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to sample some truly valuable selections that I can now cherish as references for the future. As August unfolds, the stage has been set for performances and work-related travels. While the end of summer brings a touch of melancholy, the excitement of returning to performances and rehearsals alongside fellow musicians has provided me with a refreshing sense of renewal. While my summer chapter may be drawing to a close, I eagerly anticipate the potential for more opportunities to engage with a diverse range of wines in the times ahead.