Category: Events

A feast for the senses. WCM’s October tasting, we decided to explore Left Bank Bordeaux from several 90s vintages.

Post author By MH
Post date November 4, 2023

What distinguishes a truly exceptional Bordeaux from one that is highly praised? Age. And to many in the wine world, Bordeaux has mastered wine’s greatest friend: Time. While most wines are made to drink young, several Chateaux would recommend you wait at least 10 years before noticing the magic in their wines. The structure starts to give way, opening the floor for silky tannins, tertiary aromas, complex flavors that change on a dime, and epic finishes on the palate. Here is what we tasted:

Considered an impressive lineup of wine nobility with age and finesse working in harmony

- - Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1994 (Pauillac, 12.5% ABV)
  - Château Léoville Las Cases Grand Vin 1998 (Saint Julien, 13% ABV)
  - Château Léoville Barton 1995 (Saint Julien, 12.5% ABV)
  - Château Ducru-Beaucaillon 1996 (Saint Julien, 13% ABV)
  - Château Montrose 1998 (Saint Estèphe, 12.5% ABV)
  - Cos d’Estournel 1996 (Saint Estèphe, 13% ABV)

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1994, Pauillac

The Montrose and Barton showed up to dance, while the Cos d’Estournel was a bit shier than expected. The Pichon was also a winner tonight with subtle aromas of stewed cherry, delicate leather and tobacco leaves.

Events

Great Wines of the World 2023 Grand Tasting Visits Miami Beach

Post author By Brian Smith
Post date March 15, 2023

James Suckling hosts Great Wines of the World 2023 Grand Tasting at the Miami Beach Convention Center

James Suckling brought over 300 world-renowned wine producers to Miami Beach for the Great Wines of the World 2023 Grand Tasting – one of the USA’s best and largest wine gatherings featuring the top wine regions in the world. This tour of top-scoring wines, which were all rated at least 92 points (most scoring 95-98 points) featured many of the JamesSuckling.com Top 100 Wines of 2022 list. The event featured celebrated winemakers from iconic wineries sharing their valuable insights.

James Suckling hosts Great Wines of the World 2023 Grand Tasting at the Miami Beach Convention Center

Beaulieu Vineyard’s Ruterford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($85) dubbed “Baby George” held up quite nicely beside their signature 100-point Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2019 ($150)

FUTO Estate Vineyards 2019 FUTO OV | SL and FUTO Oakville Cabernet
FUTO Estate Vineyards pours their 2019 FUTO OV | SL ($270) 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and FUTO Oakville Cabernet ($480) 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Daou Vineyards’ Soul of a Lion and 2019 Estate Mayote
I’ve always enjoyed Daou Vineyards’ signature Soul of a Lion ($150) and was equally impressed with their 2019 Estate Mayote ($125)

Concha y Toro’s Don Melchor 2019 and 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
Long-time favorite Chilean wine producer Concha y Toro poured their 2019 and 2020 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($145)

Vik Millahue from Chiles Cachapoal Valley
After 24-months barrel aging, Vik Millahue ($149) from Chile’s Cachapoal Valley perfectly pairs with wagyu steak and herb rubbed roasted lamb ribs.

Seña unique Bordeaux-style red blend
Seña ($150) is a unique Bordeaux-style red blend with a very Chilean soul backed by family heritage, Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi. Its predominant variety is Cabernet Sauvignon while Carmenere ties it to Chile.

Baronesa P. from Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Maipo, Chile
Baronesa P. ($68) is a full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere with Cabernet Franc from Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s operation in Maipo, Chile

Cathiard Vineyard’s new range of limited-production wines

Florence and Daniel Cathiard of Bordeaux’s Smith Haut Lafitte recently acquired Cathiard Vineyard, a historic property in Napa Valley. The prestigious estate is situated in Rutherford and St. Helena at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, and the winery’s tasting boutique offers on-site experiences featuring Cathiard Vineyard’s new range of limited-production wines.

2020 vintages of Saint-Émilion’s Château Tour Saint Christophe ($35) and Château Haut-Brisson ($30) under stewardship of Peter Kwok and his daughter Elaine.

Château Mouton d'Armailhac and Château Clerc Milon
Château Mouton d’Armailhac ($75) and Château Clerc Milon ($105) Fifth Growth neighbors located between two prestigious First Growths, Château Mouton Rothschild and Lafite in Pauillac.

Ruffino Super Tuscan Modus ($29) features a blend of three noble grape varieties and punches way above its weight class.

Second Grand Cru Classé Château Pichon Baron ($200) and their second wine Les Griffons de Pichon Baron ($60) hail from one of the great historic vineyards of Bordeaux.

Sons of Eden Remus 2019 Eden Valley ($80) and Romulus 2019 Barossa Valley Old Vine Shiraz ($80) showcase an exceptional Barossa vintage for old vine Shiraz that should age gracefully for many years to come.

Prats and Symington Chryseia and Post Scriptum
Prats + Symington Chryseia ($106) and its second wine, Post Scriptum ($36), are consistently amongst the most highly rated Douro wines

Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny ($50) and Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port ($53) provide the perfect finish to any tasting

Wine Club Miami

Events Tastings

Wine Club Miami 2022 Annual Event at Orilla Miami Beach

Post author By MH
Post date January 16, 2023

2012 Demiere-Ansiot Blanc De Blanc Grand Cru
Region: Côte des Blancs/ Champagne Grand Cru ‘Oger’ Grapes: Chardonnay “This classic and utterly delicious blanc de blancs spends four years on the lees and offers sexy floral and citrus notes, with a lovely texture and energy.” David Yarus, President, Wine Club Miami

2019 Aubert LaurenVineyard Chardonnay
Region:North Coast / Sonoma County Grapes: Blend of Burgundy old world clones: Montrachet & Corton-Charlemagne (and Wente + MountEden) “Sea spray, crushed cashews, beeswax and allspice over a core of fresh pineapple, passion fruit, lemon meringue pie and toast. That combination produces a wine of uncommon elegance. Texturally alone, the Lauren is so distinctive. Pear, lemon confit, chamomile, marzipan and dried flowers all grace the Lauren, a wine that is just off the charts.” David Yarus, President, Wine Club Miami

Wine Club Miami Founder, Jeff Tenen offers up a 94′ Vintage Warres Port

2006 Kapcsandy State Lane Magnum
Region: North Coast / Napa Valley. Grapes: 48% Cab Sauv, 48% Merlot, 4% Cab Franc. “Displays classic aromas of pain grille espresso roast black currants mocha and chocolate presented in a full-bodied deep textured impressively pure style. The oak is restrained the acidity noticeable but not tart and the tannins substantial but sweet.” Notice the Family Crest which dates back to the 1730’s.David Yarus, President, Wine Club Miami

2008 La Spinetta Barolo Campe
Region; Northern Italy / Barolo Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo. A strong and chewy wine with polished and rich tannins. Cedar and mushrooms. Full and intense. Goes on for minutes. Finish goest to flowers and dried fruits. Powerful yet enjoyable- James Suckling.

Events Tastings

Miami Beach Tasting at Tropezón

Post author By MH
Post date October 22, 2022

512 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139 tropezonmiami.com
Phone: (305) 763-8523

Bodegas Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Cosecha: This 1976 Sierra Cantabria Rioja with nearly fifty years of maturation is an exemplary aged Rioja. This treasure has kept both tannins and acidity in the mid range allowing the wine to show off its beautiful texture and lift. At the same time its evolution now expresses with profundity the nuances we lovers of old wines admire. In the case of this bottle, there was bouquet of dried violets, sandalwood, milled herbs, light toast, saddle leather, wet tobacco, mild cherry and plum. To speak of its range, it stood up very well to tapas as well as medallions of cooked Iberico pork. This is a stunner of a bottle I soon will not forget. Thank you @dyarus for sourcing this rare treat for @wineclubmiami recent gathering highlighting all things Espana- Jesus Cabarcos, Wine Club Miami

Terrific paring menu to match exceptional wines.

Champagne Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut: Incredible value for a blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir) grower Champagne from the grand cru vineyards of Bouzy. It shows gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, citrus and strawberry, with complex brioche nuances, remarkable balance, ongoing elegance and a rich, refined, persistent finish-Decanter.com

Events Tastings

2021 Holiday Tasting at Tigre Miami

Post author By MH
Post date December 28, 2021

Tygre Restaurant Miami — Tigre Miami 620 NE 78th St, Miami, FL 33138

2021 Larmandier-Bernier Vielle Vigne du Levant Grand Cru
Varietal: Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs
Region: Champagne, France
Notes: “Bursting with aromas of pear, peach, toasted almonds, white flowers, fresh bread and oyster shell”

2015 Chateau Pommard Hospice Meursault Premier Cru
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: Meursault, France
Notes: “Fantastic deep honey, crisp minerals, creamy apple, lush lemon, pineapple and apricot”.

2016 Mayacamas
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: Mount Veder, Napa, CA
Notes: “Expressive tones of flint, fig, pear, lemon peel, structured and complex”.

2001 Chateau Pradeaux ” Cuvee Longue Garde”
Varietal: Mourvedre
Region: Bandol, France
Notes: “Untamed deep delicious crunchy flavors of smokey floral, charred wood and salty black cherry”.

1996 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Varietal: Bordeaux { 70 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 14 % Merlot}
Region: Bordeaux, Saint-Julien, France
Notes: “Caressing Cassis, cherry liquor, pain grille, & dark chocolate meets blackberry, cedar and current flavors”

1998 M. Chapoutier L’ Ermite Emitage
Varietal: Syrah,
Region: Northern Rhone
Notes: “Multi-Notes: dimensional silky tannis, black fruit, inky notes of smoke and pepper. Fresh and beautifully delineated”

Tags Tygre Restaurant Miami

Events

2020 Holiday Wine Dinner at Strip Steak Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Post author By MH
Post date January 9, 2021

Wine Club Miami members enjoying the private dining room at Strip Steak Fontainebleau

Piper-Heidsiech Rare Millesime 2005- 96 points Wine Spectator: Aromas and flavors of toasted brioche and grilled nut enrich the yellow plum, nectarine and grated ginger notes of this rich and creamy Champagne. Finely woven and beautifully integrated, with a firm backbone of mouthwatering acidity providing precise balance for the lush range of flavor. (Wine Spectator)

Chateau Pichon-Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville 1989- 90 points Decanter: “Good nose, lovely clean fruit; an excellent wine that is holding up extremely well, although as with all of these it is fully in its drinking window, and should be enjoyed soon. This was aged in both cement vats and oak barrels. Ducru was owned by the Borie family in 1975, as it is today, but as they had not yet bought Grand Puy Lacoste (1978), both Jean-Eugène Borie and his son François Xavier were making the wine here in Saint Julien (although François-Xavier would not join full time until 1978). An estate that often takes a long time to soften, even in more celebrated vintages, this really showcases its potential to hold steady and reward long ageing.” (Decanter)

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 1975-95 points Wine Spectator “What a nose here, from crushed mulberry to tanned leather to tar. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins that are soft and caressing, like cashmere. This is so tight and powerful still; it seems to be holding back. Be patient, because it will open with another five or six years of bottle age. Hard to wait. So why do it?” (Wine Spectator)

Cote Blonde 2009- 95 points Wine Spectator
“Very perfumy at first, with violet and singed bay leaf notes leading the way for very silky plum and cherry confiture flavors. The long, dark finish lets an iron hint flitter through as this expands steadily, revealing lots of charcoal-tinged grip that blossoms and blossoms, turning this into an intense, dark, brooding wine.”(Wine Spectator)

2003 La Tour Blanche, Sauternes-97 points Wine Spectator “Dark gold in color already, with intense aromas of dried apricots, citrus, honey and maple syrup with lots of spice. Full-bodied, with lovely sweetness and a long, creamy peach tart, tobacco, honey aftertaste. This is pure botrytis. Best ever from here. Has an incredible finish.” *Highly Recommended* (James Suckling)

1985 Warres Port, –91 points Wine Spectator “Ruby-colored, with grape, dark chocolate and plum. Full and chewy. Tannins are still there and need to mellow. Medium-sweet and grapey. A little one-dimensional still, but impressive. ’77/’85/’97 blind Port retrospective. Drink now.” (Wine Spectator)

See you in 2021 ! Stay safe and wear a mask!

Tags Holiday Wine Dinner

Events

River Yacht Club: 2016 Holiday Party and Wine Pairing

Post author By MH
Post date January 8, 2017

Charles Krug “Grande Cuvee” Brut Champagne, NV 95 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. The harmonious juxtaposition of creaminess and lees enrichment with bright, juicy citricity and of expansive richness with levity is stunning. Citrus zest notes segue seamlessly into the fine stream of CO2 without bitterness, while succulent white peach garlanded in lily-of-the-valley is laced with rich, subtly piquant nut oils and saliva-liberating salinity. The team at Krug has long taken pains to emphasize that the task of assembling their Grande Cuvee from a hundred or more lots reflecting reserves of widely varying ages is mind-bogglingly complex. (DS) (Taken from wine review)

2013 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru (90 Point Vintage. After the ravages of the phylloxera epidemic at the end of the 19th century the Latour family took the then unusual decision to tear up the dead Aligoté and Pinot Noir vines and replace them with Chardonnay. This decision leads them to create one of Burgundy’s most celebrated white whites. Today the Latour family owns 11 hectares which makes them the biggest owner in the appellation. The Latour’s Corton-Charlemagne vineyards are located on a prime section of the Corton hillside where the south-easterly aspect ensures maximum exposure to the sun. The fruit is harvested as late as possible to guarantee maximum ripeness. (Taken from wine review)

2009 Domaine de L’Arlot Nuits St. George, Clos de Forets (95 Point Vintage. The 2009 Nuits St. Georges Clos des Forets Saint Georges comes across as dark, brooding and totally intense. Black cherries, tar, licorice, smoke and menthol are some of the many notes that are woven together in this rich, deep wine. There is a baritone register to the fruit that is absolutely gorgeous. The powerful, structured finish begs for considerable cellaring and suggests a long life of great drinking lies ahead. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034 (Taken from wine review)

1989 Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien (98 Point Vintage). Delivers fabulous aromas of crushed red fruits, with leather, tar, tobacco and mint. Full-bodied, offering supersoft and silky tannins, as well as a beautiful polish. Open and luscious, with amazing richness of fruit and decadence at the same time. (Taken from wine review)

2003 Château Rieussec, Sauternes (95 Point Vintage) Château Rieussec was originally owned by monks, though after the French Revolution it was confiscated from the church and sold off at public auction. Current owners, Domaines Barons de Rothschild. Located in Fargues, the chateau includes 186 acres planted to 90% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Muscadelle. Oak for the fermentation barrels come from the Château Lafite cooperage. About 6,000 cases of Château Rieussec are produced annually.(Taken from wine review)

Tags Charles Krug, Château Rieussec, Domaine de L’Arlot Nuits St. George, Gruaud-Larose, Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne, River Yacht Club

Events

Wine Club Miami 2015 Annual Event

Post author By Brian Smith
Post date December 10, 2015
3 Comments on Wine Club Miami 2015 Annual Event

Events

Wine Club Miami Holiday Party 2014

Post author By Brian Smith
Post date January 5, 2015
1 Comment on Wine Club Miami Holiday Party 2014

Wine Club Miami made its mark this holiday season celebrating eight years of wine and great friendship. Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau was a terrific setting as we paired an exceptional collection of notable wines with excellent Italian fare.

Five selected non-vintages, arranged by our incoming president Jeff Tenen featured 4 wines and excellent Brut Rose Champagne to start a memorable evening with a few memorable highlights. Nice mix dry and soft white wines with the complexities of aged Italian wines.

Many highlights, having both Montrachet’s was notable and it seems the group was split on which one was the dominant choice. The Italian reds did seem to be nicely placed with the Duck Foie Gras Ravioli as well as the Braised short ribs and the Spaghetti.

• Henri Abele, Brut Rose Champagne (non-vintage)

• Domaine Bader-Mimeur, Saint-Aubin Ler Cru “En Remilly”, Chassagne-Montrachet, 2011 & 2013

• Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2005 Le Rocche Falletto- (96pts- WS; 95pts-ST; 94+pts WA)

• Fontodi Flaccianello Della Pieve, 2006 (99pts-WS; 96pts RP)

A terrific holiday evening to mark our 8th year and to toast our new President as we head off into 2015.

Best, MH

Events

Wine Club Miami Annual Holiday Event

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date December 15, 2013
2 Comments on Wine Club Miami Annual Holiday Event

It’s that time of year… The end. We had a memorable year in our tastings. The “Collector’s” tastings are still hovering in our minds. We don’t name drop so please review our tastings. January & March tastings brought us wines that made fulfill items to the “bucket list”.

As Wine Club Miami created an evening of fine dining and entertainment, we selected wines that would recap our year. Let’s face it, a year of snubbing the wine and saying, “it’s ok” to what people would hardly have a chance to drink (limited production) comes to pause as we mostly enjoy the time with family and friends.

Tuyo allowed us to start gathering in their Wine/Cooking Theater. We sipped on Piper-Heidsieck Magnums and sampled Hors d’oeuvres. Wesley Castellanos thanked the club for a stupendous 2013 year and began his swan dance. Following the gratitude, Wesley announced Stephen Gamson as the new president for Wine Club Miami 2014.

Stephen Gamson is an individual who does not shy away from letting the club know what his wine & food palette desires. He has been with the club for many years and will partake in an active role as President.

Chef Norman Van Aken of Tuyo and the club met prior to assure the dishes and wines complimented each other…

We paired our appetizers with a 2010 William Fevre Chablis les Lys. This wine was delicate with a taste of minerals that exemplified the chardonnay notes. By know you should know what a French Chardonnay should provide.

The main course was paired with the Rivietto Barolo ’09. Even though it was extremely young and tight, it softened the powerful flavors of the main.

We drank the Barolo into our desserts which the chocolate mousse or flan was a great match.

The President Gamson elect hosted an after hours event for the club.

Wine Club Miami wishes you all a happy holiday season and please drink wine like it is the last day on earth.

Tags Piper-Heidsieck, Rivietto Barolo, Tuyo, William Fevre Chablis les Lys

• Henri Abele, Brut Rose Champagne (non-vintage) • Domaine Bader-Mimeur, Saint-Aubin Ler Cru “En Remilly”, Chassagne-Montrachet, 2011 & 2013 • Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2005 Le Rocche Falletto- (96pts- WS; 95pts-ST; 94+pts WA) • Fontodi Flaccianello Della Pieve, 2006 (99pts-WS; 96pts RP)