Gate 20 Two
The Standish Wine Company
Single Vineyard Shiraz 2003
So, many of you have not had the pleasure of having Dan’s wines. It is largely due to the fact he doesn’t have a US importer. He sells all his mid production level wines through his mailing list. That makes importing from his mailing list as restrictive as the import fees. They are equal to the price of the wines you order. Not something you’ll do. I didn’t. You need to find his wines on the secondary market to be cost effective.
We had the privilege of visiting his Cellar Door in the Spring of 2017. What a fantastic visit and walk of his Estate with him. The age of his Estate vines are 100 plus years old and their yield is less than a ton per acre which, does not make for a lot of wine but, instead a very concentrated wine.
Dan traveled to and worked in many of the key wine regions before settling in as Torbreck’s Winemaker and then marching to his own drum doing his own thing as “The Standish”, his way. No compromises.
The first thing you need to know about Dan’s wines is you can drink them early but, that would be a huge mistake. This 03 is sensational now but, is worthy of more cellaring. It has 10-20 years of life ahead of it...proper storage of course.
This is a second night wine for us and it is still big.
The nose reveals smokey; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, blueberries, mulberries/boysenberries, baked/poached strawberries & some raspberries, sweet tarriness, dark berry cola, black pepper, steeped tea, eucalyptus, mint, tree bark with sap, herbaceous, dry crushed rocks, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, moist, forest floor with dry leaves with withering; dark, red, purple flowers framed in violets & strong lavender.
The body is full, round, lush & ruby. The tannins are still big, round, tarry & meaty. The structure, tension, length & balance are just there & yet still not there. It is still a monster on day two. Smokey; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, black cherries, blueberries, mulberries/boysenberries, baked/poached strawberries & some raspberries, sweet tarriness, grilled meats, dark berry cola, black pepper, steeped tea, eucalyptus, mint, tree bark with sap, herbaceous-sage & rosemary, used charcoal, graphite, dark spice with palate heat, burned ambers, incense, rubber toy, dry crushed rocks, moist clay & top soil, dry stone, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, moist, forest floor with dry leaves with withering; dark, red, purple flowers framed in violets & strong lavender. The acidity is round and a rushing river. The extremely long finish is, big, round, elegant, floral, well balanced, runs juicy to dry with persistence for days falling onto earthiness & dark spice on the long set.
Photos of, a plaque that hangs above my kitchen sink that speaks to me always, Dan Standish, his Cellar Door and surrounding buildings. — 4 years ago
Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Reserve Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
I had great experience with their estate Merlot, and this reserve cab is quite impressive as well.
The initially shy nose slowly reveals black and blue berries, cedar, pencil lead, incense, cocoa, and hint of crushed rocks. The slightly ripe palate is round yet delicate, showing its classy with well woven streaking acidity and mellow tannins.
100% Cab from two vineyards from HHH, raised in 100% French oak barrel (45% new) for 20 months. — 5 years ago
Ferdinando Principiano
Boscareto Barolo Nebbiolo 2011
Another Nebb I was forced to pay attention to as it was paired with one of the courses during dinner. Bigger than the 14' Cascina Fontana - perhaps even the biggest red of the night, but somewhat not unexpected for the vintage. Nevertheless, it's still elegant and polished. Palate was full of dry sweet red fruit and spice, balanced by a clean racy finish and dense minerality. Nose was driven by sweet berry notes, some orange oil, leather, pepper, dried herbs, balsamic. Gripping tannins. Muscular, but finessed. A momentous effort. As expected of CW's choice!
NB: Macerated for 30 days and then aged in large Slavonian Oak (20 HL to 40 HL) for two years, followed by two more years in the bottle. Annual production is usually around 4000 bottles. The write-ups on Chambers St Wines and Vinhulen are nice reads - Ferdinando's change from modern to traditional, to eschewing chemicals in the vineyard and even letting the undergrowth run wild, to the "greatness" of Boscareto. Excellent discovery! — 6 years ago
Seavey Vineyard
Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
The nose reveals; dark currants, blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries. Black tea, expresso roast, anise, crushed dry rocks, big vanilla, clove, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, woody notes with dark fresh & withering flower bouquet.
The body is big and lush. The tannins are big, meaty and tarry. Very dark currants. Blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries & strawberries as they open up. Black tea, expresso roast, steeped fruit tea, anise, crushed dry rocks, dry clay, big graphite, big vanilla, dark spice, clove, light dry herbs, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, cedar with violets dark fresh & withering flower bouquet. The acidity is round, fresh and beautiful. The big, long, well balanced finish is excellent and look forward to having this in 15-20 years. This one will be a stunner!
Photos of, the barn where they make wine and hosts tastings, our private tasting area inside William’s old office. William desk and their outside terrace area.
Producer history & notes...Seavey Vineyard is located along Conn Valley Road in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, about 15 minutes from the valley floor.
This historical property was originally a cattle ranch. However, records indicate grapes were planted on some of the hillsides as early as the 1870’s. The stone dairy barn, still in existence, was built in 1881.
William & Mary Seavey purchased this property in 1979. The estate was originally founded by the Franco-Swiss Farming Company in 1881 which, closed down when Phylloxera destroyed their grape vines and the Volstead Act (Prohibition) went into effect. At the time of their purchase, they were a horse and cattle ranch. They quickly planted the slopes with grapes and initially sold their fruit to Raymond Vineyards. They have never purchased grapes, all their wine is made from estate grapes. Their vineyards are separated into 20 plus individual blocks.
Today, the property is about 200 total acres of which, 40 acres are planted to vine. Their hillside vineyards produce low yields of rich concentrated fruit. A small block of Chardonnay grows in a cooler lower part of their property. Besides grapes, they also raise cattle which are used to graze the hillsides. They feed the vineyard with the cattle cuttings. In 2003, they were one of the first Napa wineries to install solar.
Mary passed away in 2008 and William died in 2016. There daughter Dorie returned to the family business and now oversees the winery operations. Her brother Arthur also handles national and some small international sales, primarily to restaurants. However, most of their wine is sold direct to consumers.
Seavey’s first commercial vintage was released in 1990 a year after they renovated the stone dairy barn into a working winery. Today this stone building is the centerpiece of the property and is where tastings are hosted.
Since 2011, Jim Duane has been their day to day Winemaker. He’s worked at Robert Mondavi and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. It should also be noted that Philippe Melka Winemaker/Consultant has been with Seavey since 1995...one of Philippe’s two initial wine making jobs in the Napa Valley were with Seavey and Lail Vineyards.
Seavy makes about 3,200 cases annually depending on what mother nature brings. They make around two hundred cases of Chardonnay, slightly more Merlot and the rest is of the production is comprised of their Caravina and Estate Cabernets.
— 7 years ago
Georges Laval
Brut Nature Cumières 1er Cru Champagne Blend 2018
Deg 9/20 tasting better than last two bottles — 3 years ago
Tenuta Monolo
Riserva Bramaterra Nebbiolo Blend 2000
Younger and more lively than the 1990. Nose has the hoisin, soy thing but it seems more youthful. Insane spice. So so good. Glorious spice, tar, leather and chestnut. There is major major umami on this nose. Layered, soupy and sappy also Groucho. And Harpo. A nose one can say is the epitome of Brameterra 9.6 nose for me. Insane freshness and purity. Like the most fresh thing you can imagine for a 21 year old wine. This is teeming with energy and freshness and just wow. This is the old person who can still run a 40 yard sprint and still compete with people 20 years their younger. Insanely insanely comlplex and the balance is just perfect. Has 10 years ahead of it. Wowsers. What a gorgeous wine. 1990 finish is longer but this is more complex.
Update. 2000 is much better than 1990. After two hours it is stunning and super expansive aromatically. 9.4 to 9.5. — 4 years ago
Stafford Hill
Holloran Pinot Noir 2017
I drink a lot of Oregon Pinot Noir in the $20-30 price range. Right out the gate, this might be my new favorite. Light but with enough body to keep me interested. — 5 years ago
(5305ba728953f6d73900c05f -> 5305bb458049af4f3a014565) Rhiannon
Two Range Napa Valley Red Blend 2016
Nice Rutherford label if you can get for $20. — 5 years ago
Domaine de la Combe
au Renard Beaune Pinot Noir 2002
Wow! Opened 2/21/20 and what a beauty! Still recall the distinctive metallic funky notes early on after buying at Gordon’s but for this bottle it is just astonishingly Burgundian. Light ruby color and a perfume floral dried cranberry and rose nose followed by an almost sweet touch of aged port palate and yes that sensual feel long read about but never fully experienced. Lively texture that dances and good long harmonious finish. No sulfur added and biodynamic. Hope others are like this! Well the magic kind of dissipated next day. Perfume and sensual texture went down and it’s more acidic though still very balanced and excellent wine. Score down by two to 9.3. Kind of expected it as a bit of wine left in glass went downhill over couple hours and sour by next morning. Hope the rest have that magic! — 5 years ago
Château La Fleur des Rouzes
Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2015
Delicious, well made, value Bordeaux from a great vintage. Very giving right out of the gate but with two hours of air the structure really shows. Lovely balance. Black currant, graphite, pipe tobacco. Super drinkable now but will age well. — 6 years ago
Beringer Vineyards
Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The 2016 Beringer 'Private Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely fantastic and seems to be even more impressive than last years outstanding wine at this early stage. Composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Verdot sourced from vineyards in Howell Mountain (60%), St. Helena (20%), Oakville (15%), and Mount Veeder (5%), which spent 20 months in new French Nevers oak (83%), and 16 months in bottle prior to release. It instantly opens to wonderful aromas of dark currants, spiced plum, graphite, baking spices, cedar, fresh sage and dusty nuances all taking shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate this medium-plus to full-bodied, displaying remarkable overall balance with gorgeous velvety tannins and a wonderful seamless texture. It goes on to impress with excellent poise and concentration, as flavors of red and dark currants combine with exotic spices and expand gracefully through the long, polished finish. This is a sensational showing from Beringer, which is already extremely appealing, however also possesses the characteristics to thrive in the cellar over the course of the next two decades. — 6 years ago
Château Calon-Ségur
Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1996
On the nose, a touch of barnyard. Sweet & sour dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, baked strawberries and hues of blue fruits. Dry crushed rocks, dry stones, rich black turned, soft leather, cedar, underbrush, tobacco, light vanilla & clove, medium spice, limestone, fresh & withering dark red floral bouquet.
The body is just full. The tannins are soft, rounded, chewy & sticky and still have some teeth. The wine elegantly guides smooth over the palate...very little that pushes back. It’s still youthful but not as youthful as my expectation. Sweet & sour dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, baked strawberries and hues of blue fruits. Dry crushed rocks, dry stones, rich black turned, soft leather, cedar, underbrush, tobacco, some dry herbal notes, sweet tarry notes, light vanilla & clove, medium spice, powdery limestone, loamy clay & top soil, graphite, dark spice with lifting heat, fresh & withering dark red floral bouquet and haunting violets. The acidity is near perfect. The structure, tension, length are in a very place but, will still improve for another 15+ years. The long, finish is ripe, round, balanced and lasts minutes.
Photos of, the Chateau, Technical Director Vincent Millet, beautiful stainless steel tank room and their new barrel room.
Producer notes & history...historic records show that Calon Segur was in existence as far back as 1147, when it was owned by Monseigneur de Calon. He was an important Bishop in the community. This makes Chateau Calon Segur one of the very oldest properties in Saint Estephe. Eventually, the property came to be owned by Nicolas Alexandre de Segur. Hence where part of the name of the Chateau comes.
After passing through generations, the estate became the property of the famous Marquis de Segur. de Segur is an important figure in Bordeaux history, not only for his ownership of numerous top Bordeaux estates in that day but, he also owned Lafite and Latour. de Segur is credited with uttering the words that spawned the idea behind the heart shaped logo of Calon Segur. The story is that de Segur is quoted as saying: “I make my wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon.” This famous saying lives on the label of Chateau Calon Segur, where the drawing of a heart is prominently featured on the bottle.
Chateau Calon Segur was one of the original three Bordeaux vineyards in Saint Estephe. In 1825 Chateau Montrose was a forest without a single vine belonging to the massive Calon Segur estate. In fact, Chateau Phelan Segur was also once part of the vast Segur estate. The holdings of the Segur family were so large, they included what would later became Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour and Chateau Mouton Rothschild!
The more modern era by European standards began in 1894 when its Left Bank vineyards were purchased by Georges Gasqueton and Charles Hanappier. Hanappier was a large negociant at the time. The Gasqueton family managed the estate until 2012. Madame Gasqueton ran the estate until she passed away at the age of 87 in late September, 2011.
In July of 2012, Chateau Calon Segur was sold for 170 million Euros or 215 million US dollars. The buyer was a French Insurance Company, Suravenir Insurance. Jean-Pierre Moueix, the owner of Petrus and the massive negociant company Duclot also took a minority stake in Chateau Calon Segur.
Since taking over Calon Segur, they started renovating the property with the focus on the wine making facilities. They followed a trend to vinify on a parcel by parcel basis. The estate replaced their older vats with new stainless steel tanks that vary in size and number to match the size of the various vineyard parcels.
The new tanks accompany a completely new vat room as well with everything moving completely by gravity. The new tasting room was remodeled as well. The renovations were completed in 2016.
Their cellars also needed work. Immediately after closing, the new owners began an extensive replanting of the Calon Segur vineyard. There were a number of reasons they chose to do this. They needed to increase the level of vine density and add more Cabernet Sauvignon.
The extensive renovation of Chateau Calon Segur cost somewhere north of 20 Million Euros. Other changes, the new owners took full control and brought in Vincent Millet as the Technical Director.
The 55 hectares of Calon Segur are located just north of the small town of St. Estephe and are planted to 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
Chateau Calon Segur is one of the few walled in vineyards in the Left Bank. Calon Segur is also known as being the northern most Classified Growth in Medoc.
The terroir of Calon Segur is a blend of gravel, rocks, clay, sand and limestone soils on the surface with gravel that can be as deep as 5 meters. Underneath, you find marl, clay and limestone.
On average, the vines are 25 years of age. However, they have older vines that range in age from 45-60 years of age.
The vineyard of Chateau Calon Segur remains almost exactly the same as it did at the time of the 1855 Classification.
Since the remodel was completed, fermentation takes place in 70 conical shaped, stainless steel tanks that range in size from 25 hectoliters to 120 hectoliters. Vintages are now aged in 90% to 100% new, French oak barrels for up to 20 months.
Production of Chateau Calon Segur is around 20,000 cases per year. They also make a second wine, which was originally named Marquis de Calon. Now, the second wine is sold under the name of Le Marquis de Calon Segur.
There is also a third wine, which is sold under two names, La Chapelle de Calon, and St. Estephe de Calon Segur, which is produced from vines that mostly come from a specific plot with more limestone. — 7 years ago
Abreu Vineyards
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012
You have to be patient. Out of the gate everyone loved the Maybach which is just so delicious right out of the chute. Give it an hour (probably more) and this really starts to shine. Two hours into dinner this was amazing and just outshined the Maybach. To be clear I love both. Start with Maybach finish with this and just be incredibly happy. Happy anniversary. — 4 years ago
Cavallotto
Bricco Boschis Barolo Nebbiolo 2016
Double-blind. This note is from memory but what an impression it made! I called Barolo along with a few others at the table; likely from a vintage like 2012 or 2015 since everything seemed well and open for business. Dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, and roses with monumental structure. This was a touch glossy on the fruit side and I thought that had more to do with the generosity of the vintage rather than the producer. We were all surprised (and also a bit, “yeah, that makes total sense) when it was revealed to be the 2016 Cavallotto Bricco Boschis. Surprised because the 2016 vintage from such a traditionalist was drinking so well out of the gate! Not surprised with the glossy nature of the fruit which I find to be a hallmark of Cavalotto; simply gorgeous texture. An utter delight now and, I suspect, will be stunning with time. Now that I think of it, the 2013’s were very good upon release as well and there are a lot of similarities between the two vintages. — 4 years ago
Château Lynch-Bages
Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1995
Exquisite and impressive. Firm color loaded with kirsch, red and dark currant flavors and the presence of horse sweat, horse blanket and leather. Even a red rose aroma. Tannin is light and impressively balanced. Holds its presence two hours plus decanted. With soft tannins that eventually fell into the glass. I predict this wine would hold well 15-20 years — 5 years ago
Château Cantemerle
Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2012
One of the best BDX QPR killers, never disappoints. The 2012 isn't quite there yet, quite linear and still tight, but the cassis / blackberry backbone is there, as well as an herbal scrub midpalate and pencil lead finish. Maybe not the deepest or broadest vintage, but quite enjoyable nonetheless, and at less than €20, tough to find a better true expression of old school BDX. Give it a year or two before checking back in, this won't have the legs of a classic vintage, but should provide great pleasure relatively soon. — 5 years ago
Raul Pérez
Ultreia Saint Jacques Mencía 2017
Raul is one of those special and unique producers whose wines stand out in just about any field with others of similar quality. I could fill pages with tasting notes, but I feel it’s more appropriate to simply reiterate that these wines are beautiful, complex, superbly crafted and downright delicious. It is nearly impossible not to drink a whole bottle. I’m giving an extra point or two for the Saint Jacques Mencía cuvée because of the exceptional value it delivers at well under $20. This would embarrass many village level Burgundies at three or even four times the price. — 5 years ago
Clos del Rey
Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2010
60/40 Carignan/Grenache...Opened as midweek foil for Filets and Bakers. Showing little sign of age... vibrant dark berry notes with noticeable ABV... bit more “modern” and fruit/forward than expected. Recall buying two of these at 50% discount. Probably at $15-20 a far price...but tasted fully “Parkerized”. Little if any sense of terroir or connection with place. — 6 years ago
Kuleto Estate
India Ink Napa County Red 2015
Dark purple in color with a purple rim.
Fruity nose with cherries, plums, blackberries, black currants, vanilla, licorice, spices, oak, leather, earth, chocolates, coffee, light vegetables, graphite and black pepper.
Full-bodied and smooth with medium-plus acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with plums, black currants, cherries, sweet raspberries, tobacco, spices, wood, vanilla, cloves, dark coffee, chocolates, bitter herbs, cola, earth, vegetables and peppercorn.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a nice Napa red blend. Still young, but already enjoyable even by itself. Needs a year or two to balance itself out. Showing nice complexity and a great mouthfeel. A little bitter on the ending, which will disappear in time. This is very enjoyable.
Needs 2 hours to open up properly and show some tannins.
A blend of 60% Petite Sirah, 20% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Zinfandel and 3% Syrah.
14.8% alcohol by volume.
89 points.
$23. — 7 years ago
Daniel Bloom
Well here’s a weird one, in the best way.
Grown in a concha, “ sun basket” amongst cacti, figs, etc. high up in Piedmonte.
Varieties: Avana 30%, Chatus 20%, Bequet20%, Avarengo 15%, and Barbera 15%. Harvested by funicular. Raised in SS for two years.
N: Dirt in the best way,loam, Cherries, tobacco.
P: Tobacco, Cherries, tarry, tannins that run down the middle of your tongue.
14.5°
If you love northern Italy it’s up your alley. — 3 years ago