Spice Block

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2007

If there were ever an archetypical Syrah, Jamet's Cote-Rotie would be a strong candidate. To me this is a pure expression of a classic Northern Rhone Syrah. It is not a single site, but a blend of terroirs, encompassing over 20 sites mostly from hard rock schist bedrock with little to no topsoil. There is NO Viognier in this wine like one might expect from most Cote-Rotie that might have 1-5% co-fermented.

Importantly, there is also a lot less of the oak character that can dominate and overwhelm many Northern Rhone wines. The oak maturation, while not short at 22 months, only uses 15% new oak with no trace of it on the palate as it is perfectly integrated. Grape bunches are whole cluster fermented and macerated for up to 3 weeks.

The 2007 we have here was drinking superbly for a young wine, showing lively and racy layers of peppercorn spice, roast beef, and warm blackberry and currant fruit from the hot 2007 vintage. While from a warm vintage, not a hair is out of place. Density and purity exude from the nose and hint at what a brilliant future this wine has. Perfect acidity and fleshy ripe tannin provide the backbone structure for father time to peel back the layers of this beauty. I will be chceking back in 5 years at the earliest.
— 9 years ago

LM, Jim and 11 others liked this
LM Segal

LM Segal Influencer Badge

Nice note. 🍷
Tom Kobylarz

Tom Kobylarz Influencer Badge

Thanks! 🍷

Williams Selyem

Block 10-Mass Selection Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

This is has definitely come together more since November. — 11 years ago

Laurent, Anthony and 1 other liked this

The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend

Great. Rich. Complex. Perfect balance of spice, fruit, and mineral. — 13 years ago

Arietta

H Block Hudson Vineyards Cabernet Franc Merlot

This is an inarguably great wine. And all the more impressive to me that it is stylistically not my typical leanings. Serious power, depth, balance - still so young - and I'll be damned if this wine isn't mindblowing in 10 years. Bravo @Fritz Hatton — 10 years ago

Liz, Steve and 11 others liked this
Brent Mayeaux

Brent Mayeaux Influencer Badge

I really enjoy when a wine that "isn't my style" impresses me in this way. It encourages me to keep trying everything(I don't need that much encouraging though) and to have an open mind.

Liparita

V Block Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

When compared side by side with Liparita's less expensive Rutherford Cab release, V Block can be likened to a parent's favorite offspring. Although both wines may share similar genetic material and upbringing, V Block has gained more dimension and self confidence through increased care and attention from infancy. #ridiculous :p — 11 years ago

Quivet Cellars

Hulda Block Las Madres Vineyard Syrah 2011

Violets, smoked game, blue/black fruits for days. Deeyyyamn Mike! Snacktakular. — 11 years ago

Anthony and Lundmark liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2000

2000 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon:
From Jay. Dark ruby red in color. A preponderance of black forest fruits on the nose mixed with cedar and some menthol and a touch of spice. Rich blackcurrant, black cherries and traces of vanilla on the palette. This is a solid effort from Ridge and although it does not have the makings of an epic wine it will certainly improve with time. Drink 2017 to 2030. 91/100


— 11 years ago

Karine liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Jimmy Smith
9.2

2011: all varieties. Meaty, lavender, garden herbs, smoky, but still very vibrant red fruit. Lovely vibrancy of red fruit and all Mouvedre and Grenache aromatics. Sweet fruit, juicy acidity, hot indian spice and liquorice. Plum, cherry, spiced. Quite ready now. — 11 years ago

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend 2012

Amazing taste! Perfect color, perfect structure, great spice, love the fruit! Enjoy with my mochi ice cream dessert — 11 years ago