Team C&J
When will you realize Vienna Waits for You?
Is it time to visit Anderson Valley?
Fine Wine Investing, New Market Update.
Wall Street Journal – WSJ’s Lettie Teague Picks Vienna Austria as her Favorite Wine City
It’s not the city that jumps into most people’s minds. But she does make a compelling case for Vienna.
From the article: When oenophiles I know talk about the great wine cities, they invariably cite London, Paris and New York. But after five days in Vienna in early October, I’m putting that great Austrian city at the very top of my ranking. Read on for a shortlist of the standout spots I am hoping to visit again soon.
Press Release – Wine Enthusiast names Mendocino County as the 2024 Wine Region of the Year
Anderson Valley falls in this region, and they couldn’t be happier to get the nod. It is also one of our favorite regions to visit. Next time you are planning yet another trip to Napa, you may want to put Anderson Valley on your list instead.
From the Press Release: “Mendocino County’s winemakers and grape growers are committed to quality and respect for the environment, and this award from Wine Enthusiast validates our hard work,” said Doug Stewart, President of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association and owner of Lichen Estate. “Anderson Valley has always been proud of our unique microclimate and dedication to sustainable practices, and it’s an honor to celebrate this achievement alongside our fellow Mendocino County AVAs.” Doug is proud of intentional narrower vineyard spacing and non-traditional planting orientation at his estate vineyard and helping to lead the sustainability focus for the appellation.
The Drinks Business – Are there reasons for ‘cautious optimism’ for the fine wine market?
The market for investing in fine wine has taken quite a hit in the last few years, but there might be a change in the market dynamics. Wine Cap’s Q3 report highlighted reasons for optimism despite the “consistent decline” in fine wine prices over recent months.
From the article: Standouts included Krug Vintage Brut 2004, whose strong performance of 21.6% made it the best-performing wine year-to-date; Domaine du Pégau’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 2012, which rose by a similarly strong margin (21.2%); while Sassicaia 2011 saw an 21% increase, with its 2015 vintage also performing well, up 12.1%.
But the article also points out that:
The biggest drop was seen by Bordeaux, which fell 4.4% overall, driven by a 6.6% fall in the Second Wine 50 index and the Right Bank 50 index, which fell 4.6%.
“Many wines from the 2019 vintage, which had previously appreciated in value, have now returned to their original release prices.”
If you want to invest in wine, you may want to check out VinoVest. It’s not for us, but it is one way to diversify your portfolio.
Wine Spectator – The Wine Shipping Battle Takes a Twist in Iowa
A federal district court has overturned a law prohibiting out-of-state wineries from selling directly to Iowa retailers, potentially setting a precedent with nationwide implications. The lead paragraph sums it up nicely: Should wineries in California, Oregon and other states be able to sell wines directly to Iowa retailers, bypassing wholesalers? Yes, according to a Sept. 30 federal court decision. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger ruled it was unconstitutional for Iowa to allow in-state wineries to sell directly to Hawkeye State retailers while preventing out-of-state wineries from doing the same.
The Drinks Business – Quinta do Noval releases its first Fifty Year Old Tawny Port
So, if you are into ports that have been aged for a very long time, this may be for you.
From the article: “After fifty years of aging in oak barrels, during which time a very high proportion will have evaporated, this remarkable Port wine has acquired a complex intensity of flavors and an austere purity, that we believe take us to a new and different dimension in Tawny Port.”
Roederer Estate’s reputation precedes it. It’s no wonder that one of the most searched questions about the Roederer Estate is, ‘Who owns the Roederer Estate,’ and is this sparkling wine producer behind the similarly named Louis Roederer Champagne, the same Champagne house that owns Cristal? It is, indeed. Whether you’re talking about Roederer Estate Brut or Roederer Estate L’Ermitage, this sparkling wine brand is one of the most recognized in the world. Our recent trip to their Anderson Valley, California, tasting room was one to remember.
2013 François Lecompte, Premier Cru Brut Champagne
A $50 bottle of premier cru grower Champagne that tastes like a $100 bottle of Maison Champagne. Meet your new favorite small production sparkler, the 2013 Francois Lecompte, Premier Brut, from one of Champagne’s most beloved artisan grower-producers.
40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Meunier. The vines were rooted in limestone and chalk soil, hand-harvested, and aged on lees for over seven years. We scored this a solid 91 Points.
Bourbon Steak At The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, CA
Famed chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, Orange County, within the lauded Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, has been called the Best Steakhouse in Orange County. Our recent visit to this acclaimed restaurant was full of culinary delights and outstanding service. Five stars and Five $$$$$. This is not a cheap evening, but it is well worth the visit for a special occasion.
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