Comments on: Langtry Estate, “R.C.T.J.W.F.” Petite Sirah 2006

By: Dr Bananabrains

Dr Bananabrains — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:43:32 +0000

Guess somebody read this or just got a clue as I just bought a bottle with a tasteful label that has CULINARY RESERVE SELECT on it as well. I suspect those are just three random words used by TJ, but does not say TJ on it anywhere.

I think it was about 6 or 7 bucks and although not even reminiscent of the meritages, I would buy and drink it again. I agree with Tim that declassed barrels can be an awesome value and this ain't a bad mix. It is very thick fruity and there are moments of clarity where it comes together, but overall it what it is: a decent blend of decent grapes with no class but Lake really.

As it works out, I am happy to find decent bottles of wine for under ten bucks! Decent ain't greatness, make no mistake, but you can taste more than just generic taste of the fruits here. I found I enjoyed this more when fully hydrated; it is a wine that can make you thirsty.

By: winecast

winecast — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:18:04 +0000

The appellation is just "California" on the label so the grapes could have come from anywhere. Most likely this was a blend from 2 or more AVA's.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:22:46 +0000

It is somewhat surprising – I'm curious where the grapes came from (Guenoc Valley app or elsewhere – does it say Tim?) and how many cases they made.

Bret – pretty good Meritage! I'm sad I didn't cellar a bottle or two.

By: winecast

winecast — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:24:18 +0000

It is somewhat surprising they didn't use another brand or hide this under some other name but it's on the back where most consumers don't look anyway so little brand damage done. I just always attribute the wine to the producer listed on the bottle.

By: bret linford

bret linford — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:40:16 +0000

Very intriging, Pamela! We've tasted there once and bough a few 1/2 bottles of the meritage. Very good…

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:23:41 +0000

Having once lived in the Lillie Langtry house, I can assure you that Lillie would be rolling over in her grave if she saw this label – but to each his own. Langtry Estate use to be Guenoc's high end line. If you've ever had the chance to taste their Meritage back in the 90's, you know how special it is and if you can get your hands on a bottle you are in for a real treat. I'm all for value wines (especially in this economy) but I am surprised this wine wasn't specifically marketed as one of their lower end 'Lake County' wines. I'm sure its probably a pretty good value wine overall, but I'm shocked to see the words 'Langtry Estate' and 'TJ's excusive' juxtaposed as a Langtry selection – I'm intrigued to say the least.

By: winecast

winecast — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:04:08 +0000

Yeah, it does stand out on the shelf. And it looks like there are another wine available in this series from a search of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yoalex/2830930631/

By: Dylan

Dylan — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:13:03 +0000

The minimalist label is really fun. I feel like I'm looking at a bottle that has been marked as a container during barrel transition in the cellar.

By: bret linford

bret linford — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:39:31 +0000

Tim, do you know why it is called the 'Langtry Estate'? Silent film star bought this property and the name has stuck. Located outside of Middletown, Lake County, CA…

By: winecast

winecast — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:12:56 +0000

Yes, I noticed that in her bio on Wikipedia… she sold the winery almost 103 years ago, apparently. More details here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillie_Langtry#Ameri...

Thanks Bret!