A few brief notes from a recent unexpected one night stopover in Los Angeles.
N.V. Krug Champagne Grande Cuvée Brut – Champagne, France
The first bottle was a bit flat on the palate so a second was opened and it was much better. Vanilla, apple, ginger and pine nuts on the nose. Power and precision intertwined on the palate into a superbly long finish. I know everyone has now moved on to small grower producers (which I also love) but I still think this is wonderful. 93/100
2011 Soleil Rouge Rosé de Pinot Noir (Saignée) – Sonoma Coast, California, USA – 12.6% alc, 119 cases
Quite appealing light strawberry and pink floral nose. Crisp and light on the palate but there is a touch of an earthy character to give it a bit of interest and depth. 88/100
2010 Liquid Farm “Golden Slope” Chardonnay – Santa Rita Hills, California, USA – 14.1% alc, 250 cases, 18% new oak
A genuine surprise. Lemon curd, flapjacks (the oat bar, not the pancake), straw and pear on the nose. The palate has fruit richness and power but there is composure and mineral driven focus to it as well. There is depth and texture with a long finish, the more time I spent with it the more impressed I was. I would not be surprised if this is still drinking very nicely in 5 or so years time. 93/100
2009 Holdredge Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, USA – 14.3% alc, 700 cases
A red hued nose of rhubarb and raspberry, with just a smattering of earth and aniseed. The palate shows restraint with a good balance between delicate red fruit and earthy savoury characteristics. It isn’t especially complex but it is drinking well and is quite enjoyable now. 89/100
2003 Bert Simon Serriger Herrenberg Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel – Saar, Germany
On the nose a mix of cinnamon, peach, pear and burnt orange. The palate is on a knife edge, with just ever so barely enough acid to focus the rich botrytis driven sweetness. I’m slightly torn on this wine, I like the complexity of the nose but the palate is totally un-evolved, it may just need more time but I hope the acid holds. 91/100