June of 2023 Roundup

The first week of June marked the end of the concert season for me, with final performances that were truly wonderful. I had opportunities to play incredible repertoire alongside amazing musicians, conductors, and orchestras. I could not have asked for a more. In addition to the memorable moments in my career, June also introduced me to some incredible wines. What made these wines even more special was that I shared them with people I care about.

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These four wines should have been included in the May Roundup, as I enjoyed them during a supper with friends, Spencer and Julie, over Memorial Day weekend. However, I intentionally chose to feature them as the first ones in the June Roundup post because they left a lasting impression and were truly memorable. It was a beautiful gathering where we indulged in our shared passion for appreciating quality wines, enjoying music, and savoring delicious food. The evening passed by all too quickly, but the memories will last for a long time.

0.1. 2021 Souleil Vin de Bonté Le Rosé

This wine was part of the trio from the COTE Drink Pink Box, sold by Convive Wines in Alphabet City. I had high hopes for this rosé because it was featured multiple times on the Instagram stories of my wine idol, Victoria James. To my delight, the quality of this fine rosé surpassed my expectations—it was truly amazing. This pale, light pink rosé offered a refreshing aroma of fresh-cut grass, herbs, stone fruits, and a bouquet of flowers. On the palate, I experienced flavors of starfruit, honeydew rind, cucumber, and watermelon. Its invigorating acidity cleansed the palate before the meal. I also served it to complement some Korean-style marinated short ribs. Souleil Wines is a team of dedicated French winemakers, tirelessly pursuing their passion. They alter the varietal ratios for their white, rosé, and red wines every year to perfect the color, aroma, and taste. I am eagerly looking forward to trying their white and red offerings!

0.2. 2017 Domaine de Bellene Savigny-lès-Beaune Vieilles Vignes

This was a rather disappointing experience. The wine started off well, but its drinking window turned out to be disappointingly short once uncorked. For about 45 minutes, this dark ruby-colored wine with a slight brown hue showcased enticing aromas of strawberries, herbs, and peony flowers. On the palate, it offered a refreshing hint of celery, the subtle tartness of red plum skins, and a touch of sour cherry. With low tannins and a smooth, silky texture, it was easy to drink. However, I was greatly let down by its underwhelming performance as time passed. I paired this wine with an ensemble of roasted roots and vegetables, as well as a pan-seared chateaubriand steak.

0.3. 2019 Georges Noëllat Côte de Nuits Village

Our friends generously brought this bottle, and it ended up saving the party and the chateaubriand steak. While the underwhelming Savigny-lès-Beaune failed to enhance the dining experience, this beautiful Côte de Nuits Village wine elevated the entire soirée. It boasted a dark garnet hue, captivating the eye. As I took a whiff, I detected the enticing aroma of wild berries and some elusive purple notes that I struggled to put into words. On the palate, I savored the flavors of blueberries and blackberries. This wine was impeccably balanced and well structured, and I felt immense gratitude for discovering this exceptional producer through our friends' generosity.

0.4. 2010 Simon Bize & Fils Bourgogne ‘Les Perrières’ Rouge

The night was still young! We had finished all three bottles and still had plenty of laughter and passion to share. That is when I decided to open the bottle of Simon Bize. This particular vintage was crafted before Chisa took over, making it one of the last vintages that Patrick made before his passing. It was my first time trying Simon Bize wine, despite hearing so much about it from many people. And let me tell you, the hype was well-deserved!

As soon as I opened the bottle, I could tell it was something special. The wine had already developed a beautiful character, thanks to its bottle aging, the exceptional vintage, and the domaine's expertise in producing fine wines. When a maker can create such a remarkable wine, even for an entry-level offering, it is a clear sign that their higher-end wines must be even more exceptional. I look forward to trying them in the future.

The wine possessed a deep garnet hue, almost reddish-violet in appearance. On the nose, I detected notes of very ripe strawberries and a hint of blackberries. On the palate, I savored the flavors of incredibly sweet blackberries and blueberry jam, reminiscent of the homemade jam my mom used to make when I was a child. As I mentioned, the wine had aged beautifully in the bottle, making it ready to be enjoyed as soon as it was uncorked.

The Real June List

1. 2019 Ferme de la Sansonnière Les Vieilles Vignes des Blanderies

Can one describe the experience of drinking this wine as akin to listening to beautiful music and/or gazing at a captivating portrait? To delve deeper into this comparison, click HERE for the full post.

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We had gone to Jersey Wine and Spirits to pick up what we had asked them to set aside the previous month. While we were there, we could not resist the opportunity to try some exciting wines. We tried Nos. 2, 3, and 4 during their regular Friday afternoon tasting.

2. 2022 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé

Chinon is located in the Loire Valley of France, a region renowned for its rosés. This was my first time trying a rosé from Chinon. The wine had a beautiful pink color with hints of orange and apricot hues. It had a slight grip on the palate and a refreshing bitterness to it. I loved its complexity and freshness, and I thought it would pair beautifully with both hearty meat-based dishes and light vegetable-based dishes. I decided to bring a bottle home to explore its full potential.

I had a friend over for supper and we revisited this wine. To discover more about this vibrant and enjoyable wine, click HERE.

3. 2021 Joseph Colin Bourgogne Aligoté ‘Les Jardins de la Côte’

The second wine to try in the flight was this beautiful Aligoté by Joseph Colin, who happens to be the brother of Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. Aligoté is one of my favorite grape varieties, yet I find it to be quite under-appreciated. The high acidity and refreshing quality of Aligoté can truly captivate the imagination and palate of wine lovers. This particular wine exhibited a pale yellow vibrancy reminiscent of lemon juice. On the nose, I detected green notes such as celery, lettuce stem, and Granny Smith apple. On the palate, I experienced flavors of lime juice with a subtle hint of lemon. The wine showcased a vibrant acidity and an extra level of freshness.

4. 2020 Domaine Grégoire Hoppenot ‘Fleurie Indigène’

The last wine in the tasting flight was a Beaujolais rouge. While I am not the biggest fan of Gamay, I am still curious about wines from the Beaujolais region, and I am always willing to try something new. There are exceptional winemakers who can change your perspective and make you appreciate varietals you did not think you would enjoy. After all, a good wine is a good wine. This particular wine had a darker garnet hue with subtle violet undertones. Both on the nose and palate, I detected flavors of ripe blueberry and cherry. There were also slight tannins that provided a gentle grip and contributed to the wine’s overall structure.

5. 2019 Laberinto Cenizas Pinot Noir

The combination of Chile and Pinot Noir piqued my curiosity. The color of the wine was a light ruby, reminiscent of Maison Bellene’s Savigny-lès-Beaune that I had tried in early May. This particular wine exhibited sharper, acidic notes along with flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry, and quince. As the wine started to open up, the sharpness gradually diminished. I was amazed at how the winemaker was able to recreate some of the qualities found in Burgundy and effectively express the characteristics of Pinot Noir. Knowing that the maker handpicks all the grapes, it is evident that a great deal of thought and effort went into the winemaking process. I recommend enjoying this wine in one dinner setting, because it has a relatively short drinking window once uncorked.

6. NV Saratoga Sparkling Wine Co. Sweet Moscato

I discovered this delightful wine at a farmers market in Troy, New York while I was there for performances. I had the opportunity to try everything they had brought from their winery, and this one truly stood out. Perhaps it was the hot day that made me enjoy it the most, but there was something special about this wine. It came in a small glass bottle, making it perfect for a small picnic, and I enjoyed sipping it alongside a simple dinner.

7. 2022 Jean-Marc et Romain Pastou Sancerre Vieilles Vignes

I discovered this easy-drinking wine at Costco, and it was reasonably priced. This Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley presented a pale lemon yellow color with a slight green hue. On the nose, I detected aromas of lemon, lime, and green apple peel. On the palate, I savored flavors of green capsicum, asparagus, as well as lemon and green apple. This light-bodied and dry wine was incredibly approachable, providing a refreshing cleanse to the palate before or between dishes. What intrigued me the most about this wine was its ability to unveil a different side. It gradually revealed softer, silkier, and rounder characteristics, with a slightly reduced acidity. Additionally, it exhibited a subtle sweetness reminiscent of canned yellow peach.

8. 2019 Pierrick Bouley Volnay ‘Les Pluchots’

Elegance meets splendor! That is one way to describe this exceptional wine. If you are curious to learn more about this fine wine, please click HERE.

9. 2012 Cosimo Taurino ‘Notarpanaro’ Negroamaro Salento

Wines Nos. 9 and 10 were introduced to me during a dinner event at Darke Pines, my local butcher shop. This wine is from Salento, located on the heel of the boot in Italy, and made with an indigenous varietal called Negroamaro. Despite being from the year 2012, they were still very youthful. The color of the wine, however, exhibited slight signs of aging, with a garnet hue and a touch of brown, while maintaining a ruby rim. On the nose, I detected notes of honeysuckle, oak, a hint of strawberry, prune, and dark plum. Due to its youthful state, this wine has the potential to age beautifully for another decade.

10. 2021 Ferraris Sant’Eufemia Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato

Another gem crafted with an indigenous varietal from Italy! This wine is made with Ruchè grapes in Castagnole Monferrato, located in Piemonte. It exhibited a garnet color, and its taste profile featured notes of black currant, black cherry, and raisin, accompanied by medium tannins and grip, and low acidity. With a medium body, it showcased a well-balanced blend of silkiness and grip. I enjoyed two glasses of this wine with my meal, one at room temperature and the other chilled. When served chilled, I could envision it as a splendid, effortless summer wine to be shared with friends and family.

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Wines Nos. 11 through 15 were savored during the Juneteenth weekend, as we gathered with friends who also share the love and passion for wine. Interestingly enough, we also enjoyed some exceptional wines with them over the Memorial Day weekend (Nos. 0.1 through 0.4). Our friends curated a stunning selection of delicious wines (Nos. 11, 12, 13, and 15), and we brought No. 14 to contribute to the shared experience.

11. NV Bérêche & Fils Champagne Brut Réserve Vieilles Vignes Cuvée non Filtrée

One of our hosts, Spencer, has a particular fondness for exploring fine bubbles, especially Champagne. He treated us to a well-chilled bottle of Champagne before presenting the cheese board. This Champagne displayed a pale golden hue and offered enticing aromas of green apple, brioche, lemon, and butter. Its exquisite effervescence, with beautifully delicate small bubbles, danced elegantly in the glass. On the palate, we were treated to flavors of brioche and citrus, creating a truly sophisticated and lingering experience.

12. 2000 Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Kabinett

As Spencer aptly described, this Riesling was a true ‘honey bomb.’ The 2000 vintage exhibited a golden yellow color with a subtle green undertone, releasing enticing aromas of honeysuckle, soft cheese, and a delicate hint of petrol. On the palate, the acidity had mellowed significantly over time. The wine revealed flavors of wild flower honey, accompanied by a gentle savoriness reminiscent of sea salt, followed by a delightful touch of sweetness.

13. 2021 Domaine Hubert Lignier Bourgogne ‘Grand Chaliot’

A few days prior to this supper, I noticed that Spencer had tried Domaine Hubert Lignier's wines. We exchanged text messages discussing this producer, which sparked my curiosity to learn more about them, especially since I have a bottle of the 2019 Domaine Lignier-Michelot Morey St. Denis 1er Cru ‘Les Chenevery,’ and suspected it was from the same family. I discovered that Hubert Lignier was the first one to start ‘domaine bottling’ in the 70s. Sharing this maker’s wine was Spencer’s very thoughtful gesture.

This medium-bodied wine exhibited a deep ruby color. The nose immediately revealed the captivating fruitiness such as blackberry, red cherry, and delicate floral undertones. On the palate, I discerned flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and a subtle hint of licorice. The intensity and flavor profile reminded me of the 2019 Monthélie-Douhairet-Porcheret Monthélie 1er Cru ‘Le Meix Bataille.’ While I wasn't particularly fond of last month's Monthélie, I appreciated the fruitiness and medium-bodied texture of the ‘Grand Chaliot’ very much.

14. 2019 Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Les Champeaux’

Displaying a deep garnet color with a slight brown hue and a clear rim, this wine revealed delightful notes of strawberry, plum, and a floral perfume. On the palate, it showcased flavors of plum, herb, and hibiscus. With its excellent structure, medium to full body, and medium tannins, this wine was spectacular. It was recommended to me by Jason from Somm Cellars during their Spring Warehouse Sale. Given the extensive selection, I was unsure where to begin, so I reached out to Jason via email for recommendations on which producers to explore. He suggested Domaine Henri Maginen, and this particular wine proved to be a captivating discovery. I will definitely be seeking out more wines from this producer in the future.

15. 2008 Weingüter Wegeler Riesling ‘Vintage Collection’

I took a sip of this one. Although slightly younger than the earlier Riesling, this wine showcased a pleasing rounded acidity and refreshing green notes on the palate. Sharing Nos. 11 to 15 with friends who share similar interests and passion made this weekend truly epic.

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A Meursault Masterclass Seminar at Somm Cellars

Wines Nos. 16 through 27 were part of a Meursault class and tasting at Somm Cellars. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Burgundian Chardonnay, but I'm always open to trying the exceptional ones. Somm Cellars consistently presents a wonderful lineup during their in-depth seminars focused on specific communes, exploring different vineyards within the region. Whenever my schedule allows, I make sure to attend their classes. It was delightful to sample a superb selection of well-crafted wines. I was truly amazed to discover that each vineyard possessed distinct aromas and flavors, despite the fact that Meursault spans a mere three-mile stretch. The wines marked with an asterisk were my personal favorites.

16. 2020 Alexandre Parigot Meursault ‘Les Vireuils Dessous’ *

Nose: white flowers, pear, apple

Palate: high minerality, hints of asparagus, lemon and lime

17. 2020 Y. Clerget Meursault ‘Les Chevalières’ *

Nose: more fruit than flower

Palate: slight honey, sweet nectarine, lemon, high mineral, slight bitterness the one from vegetable

18. 2020 Jean-Philippe Fichet Meursault ‘Tesson’

Nose: weak, but subtle hint of honeydew melon

Palate: bitter, acidic, celery, stone fruit

19. 2020 Georges Noëllat Meursault 1er Cru ‘Les Cras’

Nose: oaky, fennel leaf, deeper aroma than previous ones

Palate: kumquat, lemon peel, mineral, toffee, nutty

20. 2020 Laurent Pillot Meursault 1er Cru ‘Les Caillerets’

Nose: white flower, fennel stalk, celary

Palate: celary, butter, wood, high acidity

21. 2020 Marquis d’Angerville Meursault 1er Cru ‘Santenots’

Nose: lemon, barnyard, manure

Palate: clementine, honeysuckle, manure

22. 2020 Vincent Bouzereau Meursault 1er Cru ‘Goutte d’Or’

Nose: sharp lemon, mineral

Palate: round and balanced, butter roasted lemon

23. 2020 Génot-Boulanger Meursault 1er Cru ‘Boucheres’

Nose: oceanic cool breeze

Palate: sea salt, savory, pink moon oysters

24. 2020 Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru ‘Le Poruzot Dessus’

Nose: bread crumb, stone

Palate: unripe apricot, hard yellow peach

25. 2020 Rémi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru ‘Genevrières’ *

Nose: white flower, cheese, banana peel, mango, overripe fruit

Palate: mango, lemon, creamy, quince, lemon

26. 2020 Darviot-Perrin Meursault 1er Cru ‘Charmes’

Nose: overripe fruit, mango, cheese, dill, burnt butter

Palate: slight acidity on the palate, star fruit, charred wood

27. 2020 Heitz-Lochardet Meursault 1er Cru ‘Perrières'

Nose: beer, malt, geese, pear, white pepper

Palate: clean, sour beer, grain, fruits

28. 2021 Fossil and Fawn ‘Yummy’

We purchased this wine after discovering it on @twobottlestef’s Instagram. She mentioned that the wine had a sour beer taste and notes, which appealed to our tastes. We got this bottle back in May with the intention of bringing it to Scale Fish Market to enjoy alongside their lobster roll and daily specials. On its own, the wine didn't elicit a “wow” moment, but when paired with shrimp tacos and the lobster roll, it truly came to life. The addition of corn and onion in the tacos provided a refreshing element that the wine initially lacked, while the wine's bitterness and grip beautifully complemented the spiciness of the dish. With the lobster roll, the wine exhibited its sour beer quality, transporting me to a beachside setting where I could savor a beer alongside this delectable treat. It felt as though the wine was crafted specifically for this particular meal. As I've delved deeper into my appreciation for wine, I constantly contemplate how to best pair it with food, striving to bring out the best of both worlds in each combination. This pairing was an exceptionally delightful experience.

Scale Fish Market offers a remarkable selection of the freshest seafood available daily, along with skillfully prepared dishes from their kitchen. The best part is that it's a BYO establishment. So, if you're yearning for seafood, oysters, and exquisitely crafted seafood dishes, grab your favorite beverage and head over to Scale Fish Market.

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Wines from Galicia

The wines from Nos. 29 to 34 were introduced during Jersey Wine and Spirits’s class titled ‘Wines from Galicia.’ As always, Jason masterfully showcased different regions and terroirs that can express the indigenous varietals, highlighting the most talented makers from the region.

29. 2019 Manuel Moldes A Capela de Aios Albariño

The nose immediately revealed crisp and fruity acidity, while the palate displayed rounder qualities reminiscent of the Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. This buttery and floral wine quickly became my second favorite from the lineup. Manuel Moldes is undeniably one of the most talented makers from the region, and I thoroughly enjoyed every sip of it.

30. 2020 Cume do Avia Colleita Nº 8

Unlike the first wine, this one is a blend of Albariño and Treixadura. It presented an intriguing combination of notes on the nose: floral and aromatic, with less emphasis on fruit and a hint of barnyard. As Jason aptly described, this wine was like “Spring in a Bottle.” On the palate, it exhibited a pronounced acidity, subtle petrol notes, and a lingering aroma. The acidic yet refreshing quality of this wine reminded me of Aligoté from Bourgogne.

31. 2017 Luis A. Rodríguez Vázquez A Torna Dos Pasas ‘Escolma’ Tinto

This wine truly stole the show that evening. It was masterfully crafted, exhibiting a complex range of aromas that spanned from black cherry to earthiness, with hints of licorice, crushed ripe blackberry, fennel, anise, oak, and tobacco. In addition to the diverse array of aromas, the palate revealed notes of blackberry, anise, cinnamon, fennel, licorice, and allspice. The wine had a medium grip and a lingering finish that lasted approximately 9 seconds. It had been aged for one year in barrels and an additional three years in bottles before being released to the public. I liked this wine so much that I ended up bringing a bottle home after the class.

32. 2019 Adega Saíñas Saíñas o Boliño

This was my first time trying Mencía, an indigenous varietal. The wine is made predominantly of 70% Mencía and 30% Garnacha. While it had a vibrant ruby color and pleasant red fruit notes, such as red cherry, I couldn’t fully enjoy it due to a lingering medicine cabinet smell. The wine exhibited herbal and spice notes reminiscent of a medicine cabinet, which I suspected were attributed to the varietal itself. While personal preference plays a significant role in choosing a wine, it doesn’t negate the fact that this wine was well-crafted, showcasing a diverse range of flavors, including fruity, herbaceous, and earthy elements.

33. 2019 La Perdida ‘O Trancado’

This wine also had a hint of the medicine cabinet smell, although less pronounced compared to the previous one. It turned out to be a blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Mencía. In addition to the medicinal aroma, this organic and biodynamic wine showcased a well-defined structure with prominent black plum notes.

34. 2019 Nathan K. Dry Riesling

I paired this wine with Szechuan food, as many people suggested on wine forums. The wine’s acidity, fruity and floral notes, and refreshing quality cut through the spiciness of the Szechuan cuisine. On the nose, this wine revealed distinct aromas of petrol, white flowers, and green bell peppers. The palate showcased flavors of pear and white flowers. Overall, it was an effortlessly enjoyable wine that enhanced the dining experience. I found it to be a perfect candidate for a fantastic summer wine, capable of sparking engaging conversations. If I were to describe this wine using different words, I would say it acts as a social glue, a smooth talker, an old friend, and an old joke that resonates with everyone.

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LOVES:

2010 Simon Bize & Fils Bourgogne ‘Les Perrières’ Rouge

2019 Ferme de la Sansonnière Les Vieilles Vignes des Blanderies

2019 Pierrick Bouley Volnay ‘Les Pluchots’

NV Bérêche & Fils Champagne Brut Réserve Vieilles Vignes Cuvée non Filtrée

2019 Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Les Champeaux’

LIKES:

2021 Souleil Vin de Bonté Le Rosé

2019 Georges Noëllat Côte de Nuits Village

2022 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé

2012 Cosimo Taurino ‘Notarpanaro’ Negroamaro Salento

2021 Ferraris Sant’Eufemia Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato

2000 Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Kabinett

2020 Rémi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru ‘Genevrières’

2017 Luis A. Rodríguez Vázquez A Torna Dos Pasas ‘Escolma’ Tinto

2019 Nathan K. Dry Riesling

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Good wine is good wine, regardless of its price point. More specifically, good wine has the power to bring people together and create cherished memories. It sets the stage for enjoyable conversations, laughter, and shared experiences. As an oenophile, I take pleasure in selecting exceptional wines to share with others, ensuring that each gathering is elevated by the presence of fine craftsmanship and exquisite flavors. By bringing the best wines to the table, I aim to create an atmosphere where everyone can savor the nuances of each sip and forge meaningful connections. After all, we gather together not just to drink, but to share in the pleasure of good company and the creation of lasting moments of joy and camaraderie.

Celebration of Unity at Rolo’s

When Reality Surpasses Expectations

notes and nose