Lost In The Andes

Edmond Vatan

Clos La Néore Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2002

So, this Sancerre is one of those IYKYK wines that I purchased nearly 20 years ago and lost in my cellar — Edmond Vatan (who I believe has been deceased for some time, his daughter is running the tiny estate these days) made around 500 cases of this amazing Sancerre, but the dumb ass typing this note thought it’d easily last 20-25 years (2002 being a fine Loire vintage) — obviously I significantly miscalculated, as this should have been consumed 10 or more years ago. With that said, with fresh grilled tuna steaks, the wine is standing up well, very nice richness, still excellent acidity. but any freshness has long ago faded. Yet, my admiration for Monsieur Vatan is only enhanced by the fact this shows pretty darn well for a wine not likely intended to be aged as long as the dumb ass typist thought it should!! — 17 days ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
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Doug Powers

Doug Powers

So, as further defense for my stupidity, I was introduced to Vatan Sancerre in the late 1990s by an online wine mentor who said you HAVE to age them AT LEAST 10, and preferably more, and onna visit to my mentor in DC around 2002 or so, he pulled out a few bottles (likely 1989 & 1990), and I was blown away!! Also, like Raveneau and their golden waxed bottles that screamed “age me, a LONG time, or you will never be worthy”, Vatan also waxed his bottles in those days (puke green in Vatan’s case), so I of course deduced that these bottles should be aged!?!?
Of course, Randy Dunn used (uses still??) red wax, and even though I purchased some of my early Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernets while still less than 30, most of them will last until I’m nearing 130, which I concede ain’t happening!?!? 🤔🤷🙄🍷

Bodega Sur de los Andes

Reserva Mendoza Malbec 2016

Another solid vintage of this ripe and juicy red. Aromas of cooked red berries and plums. Full and round pallet that features cassis, blueberry and plum. Touch of minerality and earth on the very long finish. Very smooth tannins. Silky texture. Bright, fruit forward and fresh. More fruit than tertiary flavors in this vintage. Excellent QPR. — 3 years ago

John liked this

Seña

Aconcagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021

Somm David T
9.4

One of my favorite stops in Chile. Amazing property that Robert Mondavi had a hand in siting & starting. The view from the top of their mountain side beautifully overlooks their vineyard and the Andes Mountains.

This producer is meticulous in every step of product. If they are not certified bio-dynamic, they follow that practice.

94-96 with another 5-7 years of cellaring

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec, 17% Carmenere and 6% Petit Verdot, fermented mostly in stainless steel and 10% in oak foudre.

WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025.
— 2 months ago

Shay, Rob and 14 others liked this

Matervini

Antes Andes Valles Calchaquies Malbec 2015

187 cs made. From 8000 ft. In Salta. Yield is 1.4 tons per acre. — 7 months ago

Château Margaux

Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1949

1949 vintage (!!!). Very special half bottle, but more than half the volume lost to evaporation. Opened this gem at Totoraku yesterday to go with two full bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1996 and 1952 (!!). This Temple of Beef demands special occasion wines. Cork fell apart in the bottle so we poured it all in a decanter but did not wait to sip. Pale strawberry-orange color, surprising tart fruit nose, supremely delicate taste with just a bit of fruit and life left. Not the best bottle on the table but certainly not in any way undrinkable. Interesting experience. Would gladly do it again in the name of science. Oldest Red Bordeaux I have ever tasted. — 2 years ago

Ira liked this

Snowden

Lost Vineyard Merlot 2017

A really nice introduction to Snowden Vineyards with this one. Deep cherry color with a thin rim. The amount of earth on the nose is really nice. Graphite and soft red cherries leads to just about the right amount of cedar. Juicy blueberries take the lead after a heavy decant.

Single vineyard Napa Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon thrown in just for good measure. Medium bodied with tannins on the supple side. 14.0 but doesn’t get the balance off. Nice acidity and structure. The palate mirrors the nose with brambly fruit and toasty wood elements. Long finish with spices and herbs. Next time your dumb friend starts quoting Sideways, give them this.
— 4 years ago

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Cuvelier Los Andes

Grand Vin Red Blend 2018

2018 vintage. Léoville-Poyferré-involved concern. 73% Malbec 18% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot 3% Syrah 1% Cab Franc. 100% delicious. Medium/medium-heavy body. Nice balance of grip/zip and sleeko suave. Can hold its own in a street fight now or be the scheduled, 12-round, main event in 2040-your choice. $28.85 resto cost on 3 cases. 14.5% ABV. Definite big red blend value contender. 04.13.25. — 3 months ago

Bob, Daniel and 7 others liked this

Cuvelier Los Andes

Mendoza Malbec 2020

2020 vintage. Lean and mean with plenty of palate thrust and a bit of evident craft. Gets down to $15.50 a bottle resto cost on 3 cases. This is from the Château Léoville-Poyferré group. Tough to say "no" at that price. Not the biggest Malbec fan as I usually find it too one-dimensional and drunken Godzilla....er...plodding. 15% ABV. Keeping in the notes tho...04.12.25. — 3 months ago

Ted, Bob and 6 others liked this

Viña Perez Cruz

Reserva Maipo Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

More full bodied than anticipated, but in the best way. Absolutely fantastic with a good steak. — 2 years ago

La Rioja Alta

Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial Tempranillo Blend 2001

Sold by Cork owner as “best in store” ca 2016. Drink the 2001 on 1/15/2022. (Notes lost by the app, but we loved it.) — 3 years ago

Severn, LM and 7 others liked this