Old Port Wine Diaries: October 2024
Old Port Wine Diaries: October 2024
As October comes to a close, I’m reminded of why this month always holds a special place in my heart. The crispness in the air, the vibrant fall foliage, and the gentle transition between seasons create a unique atmosphere that feels both refreshing and reflective. While work and travel kept me on my toes this month, making for a slower pace when it came to exploring wines, October still delivered some memorable moments. We discovered a handful of exceptional bottles from Old Port Wine, each offering something special. Though the month may have been busy, it certainly wasn’t short on great finds. Enjoy this wrap-up of October’s highlights!
2022 Crochet Grand Chemarin Sancerre – 88 Points
Bright acidity with a crisp, refreshing profile. Aromas and flavors of green apple, peach, and a hint of flinty minerality evoke classic Sancerre character. For Sancerre lovers, this bottle is a standout, offering impressive quality for its price.
Price: $$
2015 Terre Rouge “DTR Ranch” Fiddletown Syrah – 92 Points
A gem from Bill Easton—if everyone knew his work, I could stop right here! This Syrah is stunning and beautifully balanced. Firm tannins gradually soften over a couple of hours, allowing the wine’s true character to emerge. Flavors of plum, black cherry, pepper, and an earthy, funky undertone add layers of complexity that keep you engaged with each sip. It’s drinking exceptionally well now, with little need for further aging. An outstanding find under $50—buy, open, and enjoy!
Price: $$
2020 Mary Taylor Gaillac Perlé – 87 Points
Perfect pre-dinner pick! This bottle is slightly sweet, yet crisp and refreshing, with a fruit-forward profile and bright acidity that pairs effortlessly with food. For under $15, it’s a standout. Mary Taylor’s lineup continues to impress—definitely worth exploring!
Price: $
2019 San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello di Montalcino – 91 Points
What a powerhouse! This Brunello shows delicious potential but is still in an early stage. It’s bold yet elegant, with notes of plum, red cherry, leather, and tobacco. Silky and approachable initially, it takes on a more reserved profile after some time in the decanter. A fantastic pairing with dinner now, but patience will reward those who can wait a few more years for it to reach its full expression.
Price: $$$
2011 S.A. Prüm Sonnenhur Wehlen Riesling GG VDP. Grosse – 93 Points
My wine of the month—an absolute standout! Aromas burst from the bottle the moment the cork is popped: subtle petrol notes, sweet apple, and crushed flower petals. The wine has vibrant acidity, a wonderfully long finish, and just the right touch of sweetness. The palate showcases ripe fruit, stone, and a hint of honey. It’s drinking beautifully now, with all the elegance of a finely aged Riesling. While it certainly has years ahead, there’s no need to wait—if you’ve got a bottle, open it and enjoy!
Price: $$$
2019 Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Clos’ – 93 Points
Mama mia! On my second bottle, and I still can’t get enough—this is an outstanding Chablis. Luscious notes of pear, apricot, lemon, and stone are perfectly balanced with bright acidity. Fantastic with food or on its own, it’s the kind of wine that makes you reach for another glass, only to find it already gone. If Old Port Wine stocked magnums, I’d be first in line! Incredible value for the quality, even at the current price. Still so young, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves… if I can resist opening every bottle in my fridge this year!
Price: $$$$
2015 Remelluri Reserva Rioja – 90 Points
A fine Rioja with a few years of bottle age, perfect for food pairings! Aromas of black cherries, leather, cassis, and a hint of smoke create a complex nose. The tannins are already well-integrated, and the wine finishes with a smooth, velvety texture. It’s in a great spot now, but will only improve over the next few years.
Price: $$$
2022 Résonance – 89 Points
It’s hard to resist this bottle, given its approachable price and the stellar scores it has earned in recent years. If you’re seeking a solid Oregon Pinot Noir, you won’t be disappointed. Silky, balanced, and with a touch of complexity, it delivers notes of ripe raspberry, oak, cherry, and rose petals. While it may not have the standout complexity of some higher-end Willamette Valley wines—this one wouldn’t necessarily shine in a blind tasting against the big names—it’s a fantastic option for the price. Definitely worth trying!
Price: $$
NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve – 91 Points
Opened to celebrate yet another successful season at Weatherby’s Sporting Lodge, and naturally, it tasted even better! But beyond the occasion, this champagne truly shines. Deep golden in color, it offers aromas of lemon, yeast, baked goods, and ripe apple. Well-rounded, complex, yet incredibly approachable—this is a champagne meant to be enjoyed, and it’s hard not to love it. With its old-world style, it’s simply delicious.
Price: $$$
Final Thoughts:
As we wrap up this month’s wine adventures, it’s clear that despite the busyness of October, the bottles we explored left a lasting impression. Whether it was a standout Chablis, a powerful Brunello, or an approachable Pinot Noir, each wine offered something to savor. I look forward to continuing the journey into the colder months, discovering more gems, and sharing the experience with you. Until next time, may your glass always be full.
Top Three Wines:
- 2011 S.A. Prüm Sonnenhur Wehlen Riesling GG VDP. Grosse
- 2019 Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Clos’
- 2015 Terre Rouge “DTR Ranch” Fiddletown Syrah
Price Range
$: Sub $20
$$: $20-$50
$$$: $50-$100
$$$$: $100+