May of 2023 Roundup
Happy June! May 2023 was an incredibly exciting month for me. It was filled with captivating concerts that I had the privilege of playing, a diverse selection of exquisite wines from around the world, and numerous delightful dinners that I had the pleasure of hosting. It truly was a month filled with joy and unforgettable moments. Today, I am thrilled to share with you all the remarkable wines I had the pleasure of trying throughout May. Let's dive into this wonderful journey together!
photo 1. (order: left top-middle-bottom; right top-middle-bottom)
1. 2017 Maison Roche de Bellene Savigny-les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes
This medium ruby-colored wine displayed strong notes of unripe strawberry, pomegranate, and cranberry. With the help of a decanter, the wine opened up to reveal hints of dark cherry and black plum juice. I paired it with lemon-infused pasta cooked with mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano, and olive oil. The black plum note became more pronounced, accompanied by pencil shavings, sour cherry, and allspice. I believe this wine would pair excellently with dishes like steak frites, pan-seared duck breast, and grilled mushrooms. Overall, I found this wine to surpass expectations given its price.
Wines of the Canary Islands
2. 2021 La Araucaria Rosado
3. 2022 Bermejo Malvasía Volcánica Seco
4. 2021 Envinate Palo Blanco Vinos atlánticas
5. 2021 Envinate La Santa de Ursula
6. 2019 Bermejo Listán Negro
To learn more about the five exquisite bottles mentioned above, please check out this post HERE.
photo 2. (order: left top-middle-bottom; right top-middle-bottom)
7. 2021 Čotar Bela
I was thrilled to come across this truly funky Slovenian wine. It was wild, capricious, and had a remarkable personality. I asked my wife to find something “out there” and “funky,” and she brought back this gem from Discovery Wines. If you're curious to delve into the details of this intriguing wine, click HERE.
8. 2016 Manuel Marinacci Barbaresco
I have had the pleasure of tasting this wine on three separate occasions, which is a testament to how much I adore it. The 2016 vintage holds a special place in the world of Italian wine, and its richness is evident in every sip. With its brownish red hue, the wine exhibits enticing notes of smoked meat, dark fruits, tobacco, and cigars. If I come across this wine from the same vintage, I will definitely make sure to stock up.
9. 2019 Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin
This wine was a delightful and complex experience. It displayed a translucent ruby hue and offered alluring notes of strawberry, raspberry, along with subtle undertones of toast, cinnamon, and a hint of leather. The wine possessed a delicate yet powerful character, showcasing its sensitivity. I decided to pair it with mushroom tagliatelle and bavette steak with basil sauce, which brought out the floral and fruity qualities of the wine, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
10. 2020 Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir Pétillant Naturel
I was browsing through Vivino to discover available and recommended wines. Ever since I experienced the pleasure of Čotar's Bela, my curiosity for natural wine has grown. Natural wines tend to undergo more pronounced development. This particular wine exhibited an opaque and dark pink color. The aroma carried floral notes of roses, along with an intriguing barnyard scent that reminded me of the end of summer. On the palate, I detected a pleasant bitterness reminiscent of kale, accompanied by a subtle sweetness of blackberries. I believed this wine would be an excellent pairing with Korean-style marinated short ribs (양념갈비; galbi). The bitterness of the wine would harmonize beautifully with the sweet flavors of the marinated beef.
11. 2017 Botanica Arboretum
This wine left me feeling disappointed. It presented itself as a typical Bordeaux blend, showcasing a deep garnet color. The prominent flavors consisted of woody elements, overly ripe blackberries, strawberry jam, very ripe prunes, and hints of nutmeg. Surprisingly, it reminded me more of wines from Southern France.
12. 2019 Maison Chanzy Mercurey 1er Cru “Clos du Roy”
I opened this bottle when a friend of mine came over for dinner. Since it was a very young wine, I decided to decant it and let it aerate. The wine showcased a dark ruby hue. At first, the aroma reminded me of freshly crushed grapes, but as it opened up, notes of blueberry, lilac, and lavender emerged. On the palate, I experienced flavors of blueberry jam with subtle hints of smoke. Overall, I found this to be another excellent wine that offers great value for its price.
photo 3. (order: left top-middle-bottom; right top-middle-bottom)
13. 2017 Weingut Hermann Ludes Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett feinherb
This German Riesling is an excellent choice for those new to the varietal. It strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, creating a delightful experience. The fruit syrup-like sweetness is incredibly pleasing, leaving your mouth watering for more. It's the perfect wine to serve as an apéritif, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
14. 2021 Weingut Hermann Ludes Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett "Monster" feinherb
This particular riesling was recommended to me by Jason from Jersey Wine and Spirits, and it completely transformed my perception of the varietal. Its stunning golden hue, luscious syrupy texture, and honey-like sweetness were a revelation. The subtle carbonation on the palate provided a refreshing touch, while notes of lemon zest and nectarine complemented the overall sweetness beautifully. I'm already planning to purchase another bottle before summer comes to an end, as it has become a favorite indulgence of mine.
15. 2019 Jerôme Galeyrand Marsannay “Combe du Pré”
This wine, recommended to me by Jason from Somm Cellars, was a stunning example of beauty, juiciness, and elegance. When asked about my favorite maker, I wouldn't hesitate to mention Jerôme Galeyrand. The wine showcased delightful fruity notes of ripe blueberry, alongside earthy tones reminiscent of wet soil and a forest's essence. It was an effortless yet exquisite drink that left a lasting impression.
16. 2020 Jerôme Galeyrand Fixin “ Champs de Vosger”
This wine holds a special place in my heart as it reignited my passion and love for fine wine. It displayed a captivating blend of complexity, delicacy, and excitement that has the ability to please everyone. It was akin to an aromatic firework, bursting with captivating flavors. I even saved some and revisited it two days later, and it remained just as remarkable.
17. 2018 Olivier Horiot Coteaux Champenois Riceys Blanc “En Valingrain”
I invited a friend to join me in tasting wines Nos. 15, 16, and 18. As a generous gesture, he brought along this exquisite wine, making it a total of four bottles for us to enjoy that day. My craving for a remarkable white wine had been building up for quite some time, and this wine exceeded all expectations. It was truly fulfilling. This particular bottle is a rare find, as Jason had secured the last one available. While its scarcity may pose a challenge for others to find, the beautiful mouthfeel and the memories it created will linger with me for quite some time.
18. 2019 Monthélie-Douhairet-Porcheret Monthélie 1er Cru “Le Meix Bataille”
This wine possessed a striking power, evident in its deep ruby color and pronounced flavors of forest, ripe blackberry, and mushroom. I found the tannins to be on the higher side for a Burgundy wine. While it didn't quite become a personal favorite of mine, I could easily recognize its potential to appeal to others. Intriguingly, when I saved some and revisited it two days later, it had lost its vigor and seemed rather flat.
photo 3. (order: left top-middle-bottom; right top-middle-bottom)
Summer at Scale (Pairing Event with Jersey Wine and Spirits)
19. 2020 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres “Clos de Fremine”
Wines Nos. 19, 20, 21, 22, and 24 were expertly paired by Greg from Jersey Wine and Spirits during a collaborative event with Scale Fish Market, my local fish store. It was during this occasion that my perception of pairing oysters was transformed, as I had always believed Chablis to be the perfect choice. However, this delightful Chenin Blanc proved me wrong, showcasing its ability to harmonize beautifully with oysters, specifically the West Coast Dabob and East Coast Pink Moon varieties. As someone who isn't particularly fond of Chardonnay, I was overjoyed to discover the exceptional pairing potential of Chenin Blanc with oysters.
20. 2022 The Monarch Challenge Rosé
This Rosé, made from a blend of Grenache and Pinot Noir, was expertly paired with a sesame-crusted seared ahi tuna, complemented by a ginger miso glaze and a refreshing cucumber watermelon salad. The Rosé itself exhibited delightful notes of watermelon and watermelon rind, accompanied by a subtle fizziness on the palate. With its low to medium body and gentle acidity, it proved to be an effortlessly enjoyable wine. The slight acidity of the wine harmoniously balanced the flavors of the ahi tuna. Notably, the tuna, weighing in at 240 lbs., was caught in the Asbury Park, NJ area. The crispness of the wine brought together the flavors of the watermelon and cucumber salad. Impressed by the pairing, I promptly reached out to Greg via email the following day to secure a bottle before it runs out.
21. 2020 Thomas Pico Pattes Loup Chablis Vent d’Ange
This Chablis exhibited the characteristic high minerality and lemony notes that are often found in wines from the Chablis region. Upon nosing the wine, I also detected hints of stone fruit, specifically peach. Alongside its beautiful light golden hue, what intrigued me the most about this wine was the subtle savory note in the aftertaste, reminiscent of the taste of saltwater from the ocean during my childhood. This particular Chablis paired exceptionally well with the seabass crudo, which was freshly caught in Montauk. The wine's high acidity effectively cut through the richness of the seabass, while the pomegranate garnish introduced a pleasant tartness that harmonized with the wine. Furthermore, the addition of olive oil enhanced the creamy aspects of the Chardonnay, creating a well-rounded and delightful culinary experience.
22. 2020 Ellsworth Red Table Wine
This wine is a delightful blend of 80% Zinfandel and 20% Petite Syrah. It possessed flavors reminiscent of cherry syrup found in Dr. Pepper, along with spice notes on the nose. During the event, I had the pleasure of savoring this wine alongside a delectable dessert: a graham cracker crust wild blueberry lemon custard pie. The pie was a culinary masterpiece, combining the nutty richness of the crust, the creamy citrusy delight of the custard, and the luscious sweetness of the jammy blueberry toppings. While indulging in this delightful treat, I discovered that the wine had a grip and a subtle tartness, which added an extra layer of enjoyment to the pie's flavors. It was an exquisite pairing that elevated both the wine and the dessert to new heights of enjoyment.
23. NV Laherte Frères Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature Champagne
This particular wine was not part of the list for Summer at Scale, but @twobottlestef graciously brought it to share with everyone who attended the dinner. It was a stunning Champagne that captured my attention, remarkably dry and minerally. On the nose, delicate hints of brioche and toast emerged, while on the palate, pleasant yeasty notes were present. The effervescence was vibrant, a testament to its youthful character. Following a delightful 5-course meal, this Champagne served as the perfect palate cleanser, allowing us to reset our taste buds and savor its refreshing qualities. It was a truly memorable addition to the evening.
24. 2020 Enderle & Moll Liaison Pinot Noir
I had longed to try this wine for quite some time, and finally got the chance. It had a beautiful ruby-like hue, a soft mouthfeel, and a well-balanced taste with notes of dark fruits like black plums and prunes, as well as earthy forest floor undertones. It was a delightful surprise to discover hints of Burgundian red wines in this German Pinot Noir. The wine was perfectly paired with chimichurri-marinated swordfish and Parmesan criolla potato purée, creating a harmonious blend of savory and fruity flavors. The following morning, I promptly emailed Greg to secure a bottle of this outstanding wine.
photo 5. The Summer at Scale Dinner
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Overall Reflection of the Wines (LOVES and LIKES)
LOVES:
2021 Čotar Bela
2016 Manuel Marinacci Barbaresco
2021 Weingut Hermann Ludes Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett "Monster" feinherb
2019 Jerôme Galeyrand Marsannay “Combe du Pré”
2020 Jerôme Galeyrand Fixin “ Champs de Vosger”
2018 Olivier Horiot Coteaux Champenois Riceys Blanc “En Valingrain”
LIKES:
2021 Palo Blanco Vinos atlánticas, envinate
2019 Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin
2017 Weingut Hermann Ludes Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett feinherb
2020 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres “Clos de Fremine”
2022 The Monarch Challenge Rosé
NV Laherte Frères Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature Champagne
2020 Enderle & Moll Liaison Pinot Noir
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Wines in May bring back cherished memories, laughter, and precious moments shared with family and friends. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share more exceptional wines in June.