Category: Reviews

The time with us was short and sweet

We will mention your name as we fall from our seat

With your contributions, our knowledge and palates have evolved

Wine Club Miami won’t be the same when you’re not involved

Off to the mountains and greener pasture But the door is always ope

for our Zen Master

Pierre Peters Cuvee Reserve Grand Cru The wine is clear or pale with hints of green typical to the Chardonnay. The mousse is fine and regular with a pretty ribbon of strong bubbles. The first nose is both flowery and fruity, then comes notes of fresh nuts and fresh bread. In the finish there is citrus which brings a beautiful impression of smoothness and freshness. Wine description provided by Wine.com. Fragrant, with floral and mineral accents, this vibrant blanc de blancs shows tropical hints of passion fruit and guava layered with salted almond and honey notes. Finely knit, featuring a lasting, delicate finish. Wine Spectator

2006 Piper-Heidsieck “Cuvée Rare” Brut Champagne The 2006 Brut Cuvée Rare is a rich, gourmand rendition of this prestige bottling, unfurling in the glass with a complex bouquet that mingles aromas of yellow orchard fruit, pears and fresh pineapple with nuances of buttered toast, iodine and smoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and textural, while remaining fresh and surprisingly tight-knit at the core, concluding with a long and saline finish. There’s sufficient structural tension here to promise more than a decade’s graceful evolution, and although this is nicely balanced, it’s a generous, sun kissed rendition of the Cuvée Rare that reflects the warm vintage. (WK) Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

2015 Mersault Premier Cru “Genevrieres” Hospices de Beaune Nestled at the southern end of Meursault, the “Genevrières” plot gets its name from “juniper”, a spiky shrub inhabiting the parcel. Classified as a Premier Cru, it is known for its rocky soils producing deep, full-bodied and mineral white wines. Its exposure to the morning sunlight, allow the grapes to become plump and aroma-concentrated. Every year, the Hospices de Beaune organize an auction for their world renowned wines with all the proceeds going to charity. Our Meursault Premier Cru “Genevrières” is one of them.

1998 Les Cailloux (Lucien et André Brunel) “Cuvée Centenaire” Châteauneuf-du-Pape Dark, brooding aromas of fig compote and a spiced Port reduction unfurl from the glass, leading to a rich, velvety palate that shows notes of plum sauce, braised chestnut, macerated boysenberry, bittersweet chocolate ganache and dark rum-soaked prune. There’s powerful structure, but the layers of exotic fruit just absorb it all. A very impressive showing. Wine Spectator

2003 M. Chapoutier “Le Meal” Ermitage Rouge The best bottle I’ve had, the still inky-purple 2003 Ermitage le Meal was firing on all cylinders on this occasion and was certainly a match for the 2009 and 2010. Tasting like a dry vintage port, yet with no sensation of heat or alcohol, it offers an insane bouquet of cassis, cracked pepper, violets, and mint that’sliterally overflowing the glass. Full-bodied, uber concentrated, voluptuous and still fresh and pure, it’s a heavenly example of this killer terroir that will continue to knock your socks off for another 2-3 decades. Drink through 2045. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

We are coming to the end of our ninth year together, and beginning our tenth. Traditionally, this is the start our “Tin” anniversary, but I prefer the more modern symbol of our tenth year together, “Diamond”. 2015 was a year of getting back to fundamentals.

We started our year with the introduction of a series of lectures led by Brian Connors, Wine Professor from Johnston & Wales. Brian taught us the same professional tasting techniques used by master sommeliers. We quickly formed a great appreciation for the difficulty associated with trying to blindly determine region, varietal and vintage.

However, with each successive tasting this year, our group as a whole, was able to detect the nuances associated with different regions and varietals. Personally, I find myself going through the sight, smell, and taste routine as I drink all wines now.

A few highlights of the year were:

• A vertical tasting of arguably the top Malbec producer in the world, Achaval-Ferrer
• The 1991 Dominus Estate (courtesy of Arnie) Blind Tasting
• Wines of Italy sponsored by Sarah Brownell of Cru Artisan Wines featuring Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino
• France vs USA (Pinot Noir) Blind Tasting
• Gourmet Chef’s Dinner paired with lesser known regional wines (Chef Chris Caplan of Cantinetta Vintners)
• Napa, California vs Wala Wala, Washington (Cabernet and Meritage) + 10 year vintage variance Blind Tasting
• 2000 Bordeaux
• Champagne and rare wine tasting from a private collector’s cellar
• Youth vs Age in Barolo Blind Tasting

Beyond the educational focus in 2015, I also believe that our club has found a good balance in the social aspect as well. Attendance this year was one of the highest I can remember, and on the occasion that a member could not attend, open spaces were quickly filled by past members and friends. The commitment and contributions of our members has and will always be the backbone to the success and longevity of our group.

It has been my pleasure serving as President for the past 12 months, and I wish David Yaris much success as our new President. l look forward to celebrating our diamond anniversary year with more great wines, cherished friends and a weekend away to commemorate this milestone.

–Jeff Tenen, President, Wine Club Miami