TNs: 15 Felsina CC, 16 Vacheron Chambrates, 10 Sorella

  • 2015 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (7/13/2020)
    Paired with garlic and Parmesan over pasta. Darker garnet. Nose of cherry pits, leather, damp cellar, floral notes. With air, buoyant layers of dark cherry, plum, earthy leather, and holiday spice on the satin-textured palate. Lovely acidity and firm, slightly dusty tannin leading to a longer finish of softened red fruit and earthy grip. Though young, already exhibiting classic profile of CC goodness. (91 pts.)
  • 2016 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Chambrates - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre (7/12/2020)
    Served moderately chilled. Pale white gold color. Nose of grassy citrus, stone, white pear, and alpine flowers. Layers of delicate, etched grapefruit and lemon/lime elements arching over a steely spine of white stone and refreshing acidity. Long, persistent finish of white pear and grapefruit laden with flint and satisfying grip. Enough anchored elegance to make one pause. (93 pts.)
  • 2010 Andrew Will Sorella Champoux Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills (7/9/2020)
    Opened about 90 minutes before being paired with grilled ribeyes. Dark opaque garnet. Nose of cassis, currant, fresh cut berry, beef blood, violets. Classy, focused layers of red currant, blackberry, pleasing sauvage, and tobacco on the palate. Smoothed, fine-grained tannin and excellent acidity. Long finish of chiming red fruit with leather and grip. Quintessential example of intensity without weight. (93 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Great notes, Doug. Your comment if, “Quintessential example of intensity without weight.” is what I love so much about the best 2010s from Washington. What a great vintage.

Thanks, Brandon. Wish I had more WA 2010’s. There was something so “right” and balanced about the 2010 Sorella, even though we tasted it early in its evolutionary path. Although labels aren’t always reliable, the alc content was listed as 13.2%, which seems admirably restrained.

Cheers,
Doug