#4 Pandemic Wine
A lot of people like wine. A lot of people like “good” wine, whatever “good” means to them. They like drinking wine and maybe even learning about wine brings them joy, satisfaction, or a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Oftentimes, and even more so during these uncertain times, I feel that luxury items which bring such joy as a 2009 Le Forts de Latour are held on to for some special occasion that never “feels right” and thus never arrives. You hold on to that bottle, waiting for a special moment that is built up in your head forever and are not sure when to pop it — just depriving yourself of happiness.
There is no need nor time to do this given the current state of the world. The solution is to just “celebrate” more. Made it through another long week at work? Hell yeah, open your favorite 2013 Napa Cab. Beat your PR for a workout? Pop your champagne. Listening to some good Dean Martin and feeling good? Drink the Barolo. Because, well, why not?
There is an unimaginable amount of wine in the world, and if you have a special bottle of wine, the evening you drink it will become special and you will remember it. If drinking, smelling, or sharing a specific wine brings you happiness, then you should do just that. If you can share with a close friend, relative etc during this time, do that too, your generosity will never be wasted.
Here are some damn cool wines I've had the good fortune to drink over the past couple months and if you can find them, buy them, and drink them.
E Pira & Figli Langhe Nebbiolo 2015
A huge, classic bouquet that smacks you across the face. Fresh, floral, specifically with hints of roses, saddle leather, and a nice bite of tar. On the palate this wine is bold and masculine, yet balanced, with a pleasant acidic core, beautiful dark fruits, and a hint of salinity and menthol. This wine's leathery texture, and beautiful dried fig, black cherry, and slightly herbaceous qualities develop 1hr + after opening, so either decant or be patient and let it stretch its legs a bit because it's had a long flight — you won't be disappointed. This is, as most Chiara Boschis wines, tough to find, ask your local wine store.
Tabali Wine ‘Talinay’ Sauvignon Blanc, Limari Valley, Chile 2019
This appears as the one of the palest wines I've ever tasted. It looks like 99 parts water and 1 part lemon juice. But wow does it pack a punch. Intense aromas of fenugreek seeds, cardamom, green bell pepper, alfalfa, jalapeños, and paprika. I'm taken back to the smell of my mother cooking Indian food at home when I was a kid. Deliciously pungent. The jalapeños carry to the palate, but taste grilled and more smoky than on the nose. Paired with lovely lemon zest, freshly cut leeks, bright and fresh acidity, and a layer of salinity and minerality, the clean and crisp finish makes this my favorite Sauvignon Blanc I have ever tasted.
Husch Vineyards 'Special Reserve' Chardonnay, Mendocino County, California 2018
This wine is not your 'typical' CA chard by any means, and I love it for that.
On the nose, aromas of fresh banana candy and tropical fruits wave at you — guava and honeydew melon are hanging out. Subtle notes of lemon curd and graham crackers notes are present, but in the background. On the palate this is bright, fresh, and creamy, like key lime pie. The oak is well-integrated, and the tropical fruits from the nose are confirmed and a fantastic pineapple-like acidity is persistent but not overbearing. Perfect summer wine for al-fresco dining.
Dowsett Family Wines, Gewurztraminer, Celilio Vineyard, Columbia Gorge, Washington 2016
This is one of the best wines I've drank in the last year, hands down. The bouquet is beautiful, a clear expression of lychee, white peach, lilies, and nectar. This wine is complex, with mouthwatering, granny smith-apple acidity. It's bright, fresh, and lively with notes of peach skins, minerality, and lychee on the palate. Absolutely delicious, and Dowsett Family's flagship wine for a reason. 2016 is sold out, buy the 2017 while you can here.
I‘ve had some other amazing wines during the past few months, and have included photos + brief commentary below.
Andrew Will, 'Sorella', Champoux Vineyard, 2014 (second from left) - in my opinion one of the best bottles of wine in the US. Put it against anything. I bought this from my favorite local wine shop, Vinic Wine in Evanston IL, while I'm not sure if this vintage is available anymore, you can try the current Sorella here.
Andrew Will, Cabernet Franc, Two Blondes Vineyard, 2017 (first from right) - absolutely beautiful, delicate and fresh. Punches way above it's $35-40ish weight. Buy a lot, drink some, cellar more.
Alexandria Nicole Cellars, 'Quarry Butte', Destiny Ridge Vineyard, 2015 delicious, perfect summer and fall wine for outdoors and company. Introduced to this wine/winery in the past year, I'm looking forward to drinking 'Quarry Butte' for the next 15 years. Current vintage available here
Dowsett Family Wines, 'Becklin Vineards’ Pinot Noir , 2016 - I have already written about this wine. It's great. Do yourself a favor, pick some up here.
Dowsett Family Wines, ‘Georgia Rose’, Becklin Vineyard, Oregon, 2019 - I love this wine and will always drink it. I'm attached sentimentally but also because it's no-nonsense, beautiful and easy drinking. Buy some here. Don't let anyone tell you that Rosé is only for summer.
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