I like to watch the puddles gather rain.
I am the luckiest man alive. Forming CLONYC has been one of
the best wine-related decisions I have made. It has opened doors that might
never have opened for me before. That said, I would be remiss if I thought all
the joy was mine alone; there is a group of about 10-18 friends of mine that
get to reap some of the ‘clonycal’ rewards too. Last night that group, myself
and my beautiful daughter Danielle indulged in the CLONYC wonderful gift of
hosting winemakers. Mr. Brian Loring just ‘popped’ in with a few of his wares,
15 of them, all with backup bottles. I know you all must be sick and tired of
me telling you what a wonderful time was had, so I will save you the suffering.
I do want to mention Brian’s sense of humor, one that strangely aligns with
another 54 year old I am very familiar with, myself--- that Brian dude is
funny, down to earth and quite talented in his vocation. Add that to the
amazing wines, wonderful conversations , great grub and smiling faces and it
was a magical…….oh, I forgot I was not going to do that to you again; my ‘bad’,
and I don’t even use that stupid saying.
On to it…
One bit of housekeeping: I was told to remind you all from
Brian that no dolphins were harmed in the making of ANY of the LWC wines but I
have not tested my mercury as yet today to confirm such.
2009 LWC Brut Rose- WOW, this is amazing. I never pretended
to know much about great bubbly but I know one when I taste one and this is
spectacular. Recent disgorged (Feb) and just overflowing with notes of
toastiness , creaminess with a full body but lithe feel. Amazing stuff that
confused me as it had a beer-like crown cap on it. Find it, love it, you’re
welcomed.
2014 LWC Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay- This is light and airy
with intensity that it should not have. Beautiful citrus notes with an amazing
viscosity I really dig. Just awesome. 100% Chardonnay from the 3D vineyard you
won’t find in 2015.
2014 LWC Rosella's Vineyard Chardonnay- Wow, a different
direction for sure. More tropical fruit in its approach with wonderful acidity,
this is super fragrant and glossy. Wowsa.
OK, if you have had one too many ‘awesomes or wows’ I would
well understand if you closed this thread down and go back to that PC thread. I
got your back….
I think I messed up as there was a Durrell Chardonnay that I
should have served next. Hey, I’m an old man, what do you expect, perfection?
Pinot Flight number 1
2014 LWC Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir- Beautiful structure
with pretty aromatic even if a little butter popcorn is in there. It’s deep and
lovely.
2014 LWC Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir- Always a fan of
Ed Kurtzman’s Keefer, this one seems to ring my bells in a big way. Nose of
deeply perfumed frangipani this is deep and long and quite spectacular. Light
on it’s feet and deft in it’s approach with fine tannins and awesome balance.
My favorite of a great flight.
2014 LWC Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir- I know Gary’s Vineyard
has its followers, I wish I were fine-tuned enough in my Pinot-prowess to
discern bottles like this. I found it the ripest of the group and the darkest.
2014 LWC Rosella's' Vineyard Pinot Noir- beautifully
textured with deep dark red fruits. Intense and near-flamboyant and in the same
class at the Gary’s above. Me not worthy to discern more. Maybe when I am 55…..
Pinot Flight number 2
2014 RASI Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills- I have been with
Rachel and her little label since inception, even if that inception was a year
ago with her 2013 version. This one comes of a bit more complete and polished.
Nice blue-black fruits with great bounce and lift while being full and super
balanced. Great wine and one you owe to yourself to at least try.
2014 LWC Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir- Another one of my
favorites on the night and keeping with my own demons, I have become enamored
with a few vineyards in particular and Clos Pepe is within my top 3. This (to
me) has it all, verve and harmonic while crisscrossing my palate with elegance
and style. Wow.
2014 LWC Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot Noir-This one has some
edginess and maybe a bit more tannins a-poppin. Lovely and in sync with its
family and glad to have a peek in.
2014 LWC Rancho La Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir- similar to the
Kessler-Haak but I guess it would be, these all come across as more serious in
approach and maybe could use some bottle time. Try one in February and report
back wow
Last flight of the night
2012 LWC Russell Family Vineyard Grenache- Nice and fragrant
wine but let’s face it, I’m done.
2012 LWC Russell Family Vineyard Mourvedre- OK, it may be
late but lateness can’t cover greatness and this is amazing. Lithe and airy
with dark red fruits and a fragrance that is almost haunting. My daughter loved
this one and so did I
2009 LWC Divergence- Hmmm, I said this was a bit port-like
and dense but it had it’s fans, so there you naysayers, I don’t always love
every bottle that crosses my lips.
The simple voting went like this RASI had 6 WOTN. Gary’s had
3. The Mourvedre had 2 and the Keefer had 1----me!
By the way, accompanying Brian was his lovely assistant,
Miss Rachel Silkowski who is responsible for that little bottle of RASI we
poured tonight. Check out what the Prince Of pinot has to say about her wine
and email her as soon as you can.
What a great night. The conversation ranged from pizza to
porn. Good stuff!!
Thank you, Brian and Rachel!
