Thursday, June 15, 2017

1st Half 2017 Summary - Reds

A Soft Landing among the Lupins
1st Half 2017 Summary - Reds (36)

Thirty-six Reds tasted from January 1st through June 30 this year are listed below. These are sequenced by rating. The month of tasting is shown in brackets and is where the original notes can be found. There are thirteen wines rated 90 and above. These are not lacking in any aspect. They are excellent to sip and/or served as a complement to a meal. Another ten, in the 85 to 89 range, are enjoyable but are lacking some vinicultural aspect: perhaps fullness, balance, varietal character …. ie. the many things that make wine so mysterious. Whether a specific wine is preferred can be a matter of personal taste or the circumstance in which the wine is being offered.

In reality, all wines listed are subject to a common influence – the taster’s taste. Feel free to disagree or decide to describe your own ‘opinion’ on any wine. It often helps to decide your own basis for describing a wine especially if voicing it in a group. No one is right nor are they wrong but a common ground leads to a better understanding.

The hyphenated number attached is an indication of ‘worth’. This number, from 1 to 3, represents whether a wine is 'worth the price', one that I'd buy in 'multiples', or one I'd buy in 'quantity'.

Consider this one person's view and perhaps a starting point if it helps. Click here for the 1st Half 2017 Summary - Whites+
Cheers, Ww

Reds:


  • J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, 93-2 -- V, Paso Robles, California, #656561  $23.95 (Jun)
  • Wakefield Clare Valley + McLaren Vale Jaraman Shiraz 2014,  93-2  --  V,  Auburn, South Australia, #377036  $24.95(Mar)
  • Wakefield Shiraz 2014, Auburn, South Australia, 92-2  --  V, #943787  $18.95(Jan)
  • Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonardi/Syrah 2014,  92-2  --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #037036    $16.95(Feb)
  • Luis Felipe Edwards Reserva Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2015,  91a-2  --  G, Colchagua, Chile, #308189  $12.95 (May)
  • Sister’s Run Epiphany Shiraz 2014, 91-2  --  V, McLaren Vale, Australia,  #269464   $17.95 (Jun)
  • Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2014, Australia, 91-2  -- V, #327387  $19.95(Jan)
  • Le Cirque Grenache Noir/Carignan/Syrah 2013, 90-2  --  V,  Midi, France, #277079 $16.95(Jan)
  • J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot-Cabernet Pays d’Oc 2015, 90-2  --  G, #621995 $12.45(May)
  • Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2014, 90-1  --  V,  Limari Valley, Chile, #469213  $19.95(Feb)
  • Cavino Deus Mavrodaphne of Patras NV, 91-2 (Sweet)  --  V, Aigio, Greece, #452060 $13.95(Mar)
  • The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2015,  91-2  --  V,  McLaren Vale, South Australia, #066738  $18.95(Mar)
  • Shoofly Pinot Noir 2015,  91-2  --  V,  Victoria, Australia, #477067 $16.95(Apr)
  • Luccarelli Primitivo Puglia IGT 2015,  90a-3  --  G, Puglia, Italy,   #253856  $10.95(Apr)


  • Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2013, 89-1  -- V, Delicato Vineyards, California, #678698  17.95(Jan)
  • Dramatis Personae Selecto Reserva 2010,  89-2  --  V, San Rafael, Argentina,  #450650  $14.95(Apr)
  • Las Mulas Merlot Reserva Organic 2015,  87-1  --  G,  Central, Valley, #454868  $12.95(May)
  • Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2013,  87  --  V,  Colchagua Valley, Chile, #322586  $17.95(Mar)
  • Dandelion Lioness of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014, 87  V,  McLaren Vale, Australia,   #357475  $18.95(Apr)
  • J.P. Chenet Cabernet- Syrah Pays d’Oc 2015, 86-2  --  G,  Pays d’Oc, France, #090472 $11.95(May)
  • L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2013, 86-1  --  V,  Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, #983742  $12.95(Feb)
  • Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel 2014,  86-1  --  G,  California, USA, #272393  $11.95*(Feb)
  • La Posta Pizzella Malbec 2015,  85a  --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #166298  $15.95(Apr)
  • Faustino Rivero Ulecia Silver Label Reserva  2009, 85  --  V, Rioja, Spain,  #481416   $17.95 (Jun)


  • Sein 2011, 84 -- V, Alicante, Spain, #391896 $17.00(Jan) 
  • G. Marquis The Red Line Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula 2015,  84  --  G, Niagara, Ontario,  #473090  $11.95*(Feb)  
  • Montes Limited Selection Carmenère 2014,  84  --  V,  Colchagua Valley, Chile, #256685  $14.95(Mar)
  • Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz 2015, 84  --  G, Auburn, South Australia, #441543 $14.95(Apr)
  • Carmen Reserva 1850 Premier Carmenère 2016, 84  --  G,  Colchagua Valley, Chile, #169052  $10.95(Apr)
  • Montecillo Crianza Rioja 2011,  84  --  G,  Rioja, Spain, #144493  $11.95(May)
  • Diabolica Red Wine 2014 VQA Okanagan Valley,  84  --  G, Oliver, BC,   #373001   $14.95(May)
  • Niepoort Dão RÓTULO Red 2013, 83 -- V, Dão, Portugal, #452722 $18.95(Jan)
  • J.P. Chenet Reserve Pinot Noir 2015,  83  --   G,  France,  #142406  $13.95 (Jun)
  • Monte Antico 2012,  83  --  G, Tuscany, Italy,  #069377  $15.95 (Jun)
  • Alamos Malbec 2015, 82a  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #295139  $15.95 (Jun)
  • Ghost Pines Merlot 2013, 82  --  G, California, USA, #454876  *$16.95 (Jun)



1st Half 2017 Summary - Whites+


Lupin Weather for sure!!

1st Half 2017 Summary - Whites+ (39)

Thirty-nine Whites+ tasted from January 1st through June 30 this year are listed below. These are sequenced by rating.  Seven are rosés/bubblies leaving thirty-two whites. The month for each tasting is shown in brackets and is where the original notes can be found.

Of the thirty-two there are seven wines rated 90 and above. These are considered not lacking in any aspect. They are excellent to sip and as a complement to a meal. Another nineteen , in the 85 to 89 range, are enjoyable but lack in some aspect – one of the many things that make wine so mysterious. Whether a specific wine is preferred can be and often is, a matter of personal taste or the circumstance in which the wine is being offered. 

As in the case of the Reds the hyphenated number attached is an indication of ‘worth’.  This number, 1, 2 or 3, represents whether a wine is 'worth the price', ‘one that I'd buy in multiples', or ‘one I'd buy in quantity'.    Click here for the 1st half 2017 Summary - REDS..


Cheers, Ww


Whites (32)

  • Baron Montalto Viognier 2015, 91-2 -- V, Sicilay, Italy, #435479, $15.95 (May)
  • Bouchard Père & Fils Macon-Lugny Saint-Pierre 2015, 91-2 -- G, Burgundy, France, #051573 $15.95* (Jun)
  • Anselmi San Vincenzo 2015, 91-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #948158 $16.95 (Jun)
  • Elephant Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013, 91-2 -- V, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, #361238 $18.25(Feb)
  • Wakefield Estate Chardonnay 2015, 91-2 -- V, Clare Valley, Australia, #711556 $15.95(Mar)
  • Echeverria Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2015, 90-2 -- V, Colchagua Valley, Chile, #485292 $14.95 (Jun)
  • Chloe Chardonnay 2015, 90-2 -- G, California, USA, #392597 *$14.95 (Jun)
  • Yalumba Y Series Unwooded Chardonnay 2015, 89 -- V, Angaston, South Australia, #460972 $16.95(Feb)
  • Apothic White Winemakers Blend 2015, 88-1 -- G, Modesto. California, #419978 $14.95(Apr)
  • Alamos Torrontés 2016, 88-1 -- V, Salta, Argentina, #081539 $15.95 (June)
  • Abruzzo Sentieri Pecorino 2015, 88-1 -- V, Abruzzo, Italy, #477752 $15.95(May)
  • Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2015, 88-1 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #707158 $17.95(Feb)
  • Alamos Chardonnay 2014, 87 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #448761 $14.95(Apr)
  • Wakefield Promised Land Unwooded Chardonnay 2015, 87-1 -- G, Auburn, South Australia, #441550 $14.95(Apr)
  • Franklin Tate Estates Chardonnay 2015, 87-1 -- V, Western Australia, #453373 $17.95(Mar)
  • Susana Balboa Crios Torrontés 2016, 86-1 -- V, 2016, Mendoza, Argentina #001834 $13.95(Mar)
  • Frogpond Farm Organic Vidal 2014 VQA Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 86 -- V, Ontario, #469429 $14.00(Feb)
  • Terre Bianche Alghero 2014, 86 – V, Sicily, Italy, #968537 $16.95(Jan)
  • Dirty Laundry Not So Naughty Chardonnay 2014 VQA Okanagan Valley, 86 -- V, British Columbia, Canada, #353144 $19.95(Jan)
  • Okiwa Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014, 86 -- V, Marlborough, New Zealand, #459156 $19.95(Jan)
  • Penmara The White Ribbon Sémillon 2016, 86c -- V, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia, #474031 $14.95(May)
  • Domaine de la Vieille Cure Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie 2015, 85 -- V, Loire, France, #469775 $13.95 (June)
  • Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2016, 85 -- V, Marlborough, New Zealand, #620054 $13.95(May)
  • Matua Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016, 85 -- G, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, #619452 $14.95(Apr)
  • Toasted Head Chardonnay 2014, 85 -- V, Acampo, California, #594341 $16.95*(Jan)
  • Tyrrell’s Lost Block Semillon 2015, 85 -- V, Hunter Valley, Australia, #933200 $17.95(Mar)

  • Organized Crime Chardonnay 2013 VQA Beamsville Bench, 84 -- V, Niagara, Ontario, #408435 $18.95(Jan)
  • Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay 2016, 84 -- G, California, USA, #230821 $13.10*(Feb)
  • Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, 84 -- G, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, #286377 $18.95(Mar)
  • Hogue Gewurtraminer 2014, 83 -- V, Washington, USA, #461137 $14.95(Feb)
  • Hesketh Bright Young Things Sauvignon Blanc 2015, 83 -- V, South Australia, #447086 $14.95(Mar)
  • J.P. Chenet Chardonnay Reserve Pays d’Oc 2015, 83 -- G, France, #255885 $13.95(May)

Bubblies & Rosés (7)
  • Tenuta S. Anna Prosecco Extra-Dry NV, 89-1 -- G, Veneto, Italy, #388710 $16.95(May)
  • Torresella Prosecco XD NV, 88-1 -- V, Venezie, Italy, #400440 $14.95 (Jun)
  • Segura Vuidas Brut Reserva Cava Sparkling NV, 87-1 -- G, Torrelavit, Spain, #216960 $14.95(Jan)
  • Gérard Bertrand Côte des Rosés 2015, 86 -- V, Languedoc, France, #373985 $18.95(Apr)
  • Fantinel One and Only Single Vineyard Brut Prosecco 2015, 84 -- V, Fruili, Italy, #390617 $18.95(Feb)
  • Ogier Côtes du Ventoux Rosé AOC 2015, 83 -- G, Rhône Valley, France, #134916 $12.15 (Jun)
  • Astoria Prosecco NV, 82 -- G, Astoria, Italy, #593855 $15.05(Mar)

Thursday, June 01, 2017

June 2017 wines

June 2017 wines – 15 tasted of 15
Cheers, Ww

Northeast View - May 30, 2017

LINEUP: Reds, Whites, Rosés and Bubblies

  • J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, 93-2 -- V, Paso Robles, California, #656561 $23.95
  • Sister’s Run Epiphany Shiraz 2014, 91-2 -- V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #269464 $17.95
  • Faustino Rivero Ulecia Silver Label Reserva 2009, 83 -- V, Rioja, Spain, #481416 $17.95
  • J.P. Chenet Reserve Pinot Noir 2015, 83 -- G, France, #142406 $13.95
  • Monte Antico 2012, 83 -- G, Tuscany, Italy, #069377 $15.95
  • Alamos Malbec 2015, 82a -- G, Mendoza, Argentina, #295139 $15.65
  • Ghost Pines Merlot 2013, 82 -- G, California, USA, #454876 *$16.95


Harbinger 1

  • Bouchard Père & Fils Macon-Lugny Saint-Pierre 2015, 91-2 -- G, Burgundy, France, #051573 $15.95*
  • Anselmi San Vincenzo 2015, 91-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #948158 $16.95
  • Chloe Chardonnay 2015, 90-2 -- G, California, USA, #392597 *$14.95
  • Echeverria Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2015, 90-2 -- V, Colchagua Valley, Chile, #485292 $14.95
  • Alamos Torrontés 2016, 88-1 -- V, Salta, Argentina, #081539 $15.95
  • Domaine de la Vieille Cure Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie 2015, 85 -- V, Loire, France, #469775 $13.95 
Harbinger 2



  • Ogier Côtes du Ventoux Rosé AOC 2015, 84 -- G, Rhône Valley, France, #134916 $12.15

Harbinger 3


  • Torresella Prosecco XD NV, NV, 88-1 -- V, Venezie, Italy, #400440 *$14.95

(V - Vintages, G - General, O - Other, r-v - Rating-Value, a - aerated, c - cellar, NR - Not Recommended)






TASTINGS:


Unloading in the Distance June 1 '17
J.P. CHENET RESERVE  PINOT NOIR 2015, Midi, France, 12.5% XD 4g/L, #142406 $11.95 (Tasted May 28, 2017)

A General listing. My notes: Having tried several vintages of J P Chenet wines tastings have shown some inconsistency – eg. vintages 2008 (84), 2010 (86), 2011 (89) and 2012 (78)(82) – details are in previous blog entries. The 2015 vintage has a dry strawberry plum nose with a bright finish. The dryness shows from the first sip and carries through a long finish outlasting the fruit. A swirl leaves a thin film with slow tears and a charcoal tinge darkens an opaque ruby. Equally compatible with roast turkey, lamb kebobs and tuna steak - OK as a light bodied quaffer. Price is the basis for this purchase. 83

FAUSTINO RIVERO ULECIA SILVER LABEL RESERVA 2009, Rioja, Spain, 13.0% XD 2g/L, #481416 $17.95 (Tasted April 23, 2017)

Released by Vintages on March 18, 2017. Rated 90 by Michael Schachner Wine Enthusiast, December 1 2015. My notes: Aerated a sample I find a noticeable difference in the bite on the buds, the aerated being a more reserved offering, a more pleasing sipper. Also, the aerated nose is slightly mellower such that a milder meal may not be overwhelmed by the initial acid. Flavours of smoky cherry and blackberry are spread evenly and last for a long extra dry finish. Be prepared for a lasting bite if sipping solo. Decant overnight if an aerator isn’t available. Match with Texas Chili or a beefeater’s chorizo pizza. Eight years cellared could mean the end has been reached. 85

ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2016, Salta, Argentina, 13.0% D 8g/L, #081539 $15.95 (Tasted April 13, 2017)

Released by Vintages on March 18, 2017. My notes: A Catena wine. A light aroma on first pouring and a crystal clear lightish yellow. Coats the glass and slowly fragments indicating a moderate viscosity. Chill to 10oC for sipping to enjoy the seeping aromas and silk edged grapefruit flavour. Continue below 14oC when pairing with cheeses, garlic and herbal hummus, tangy greens, shellfish, grilled sea creatures. Finish flattens as temp rises displaying a creamy texture, warmth and mild lemon. 88 

BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS MACON-LUGNY SAINT-PIERRE 2015, Burgundy, France, 12.5% XD 4g/L, #051573 $15.95* (Tasted May 31, 2017)



A General listing *originally priced at $17.95 until April 23, 2017.  My notes: A brilliant yellow and a mild aroma of salty butterscotch – unique and luscious as slices of chilled Granny Smith apple. Chill to 10oC then serve with a crushed frozen lime dessert or sip sparingly savouring the dry coating that spreads over the palate. Refreshing, buttery and toasty in the back of the throat allowing its complex character to express itself as it develops. Enjoy alone or pair with Provençal fare. Cellaring a few years may increase the silk that’s just now showing. 91

GHOST PINES MERLOT 2013, California, USA, 14.5% D, 10g/L, #454876 *$16.95 (Tasted June 5, 2017)


A General listing priced down from $ 18.95 until Apr 23, 2017. My notes: An E&J Gallo product - an aromatic combination of raspberry blanketed by alcoholic warmth and the colour of ripe black cherries. A swirl spreads a weepy film anticipating a viscous flow across the palate. Instead chalk dries the entire mouth adding a penetrating tang lasting through a long bright and bitter finish. Aerating does nothing to ease a rough combination characteristic of young vines. Summarizing - a raw sipper or set aside as a cooking red. Try airing overnight and serve with Texas chili or beef ribs rubbed with a savoury spice. The empty weighs 1.5lbs.  82

SISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ 2014, McLarenVale, Australia,  14.5%  D  2g/L, #269464   $17.95   (Tasted June 3, 2017)

Released by Vintages on April 1, 2017.  My notesA soft and sweet nose with an enticing taint of lilac. I aerated out of habit but not needed. A subtle sweetness shows from the first sip with fruit balanced to perfection and accented by a modest woodiness. A swirl leaves a firm film running long legs for a smooth sipper then finishing dry on the palate with a distant sharpness. Flexible paired with meat lovers pizzas, Caesar salad and beef burgers, grilled lamb chop or two with stir-fry veggies. At peak now with a few more years on a slow decline.  BTW the empty bottle weighs in at 1.5lbs. 91



J. LOHR SEVEN OAKS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014, Paso Robles, California, 13.5% D 5g/L, #656561 $23.95 (Tasted June 16, 2017)

Released by Vintages on April 3, 2017.  My notes:  A black cherry shade, red deepened by charcoal.  A tilt shows a curtain of heavy tears settling slowly as a fragmented veil. A warm plum aroma soothes each sip while the first swallow puckers the palate and dries the gullet. Sip rather than quaff to appreciate the balance of each characteristic  Full-bodied with a tang that recedes as a long smooth finish. Have with rare sirloin or a blanketed Beef Wellington. Enjoyable now or cellar awhile.   93


MONTE ANTICO 2012, Tuscany, Italy, 13.0% D 6g/L, #069377 $15.95 (Tasted June 15, 2017)


Released by Vintages on April 1, 2016.  My notes: Aerating adds a noticeable brightness to this austere red. There is slight nose appeal and the first sip layers an extra dryness on the palate with a flash of warmth. The flatness of forest floor mixed with mild raspberry unappealing sipped alone but would pair nicely with stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped seared scallops making their way to a flexible buffet table. With the dryness and raw flavour this is best set aside for rich Italian sauces. A ‘past the post’ red. 83


CHLOE CHARDONNAY 2015, California, USA, 13.5% XD 5g/L, #392597 *$14.95 (Tasted May 25, 2017)

A General listing priced down from *17.95 until April 23, 2017. My notes: Has the aroma of peeled clementine tainted by Bosc pear on pouring, light on sweet fruit with fragile focus on mineral and straw. The colour of lemon skins, not opaque but crystal clear. A swirl lays a clear film quickly fragmenting as small islands on a calm lake. Served chilled at 10oC a sip is both refreshing as well as tangy, bright and sugar free. A chalky texture with enjoyable warmth lasting until the next sip. Successive sips provide an extra dry partner for salty crackers or hard cheeses. Cellaring may develop a smoothness adding a difference to a buffet of shellfish portions. Drier than past vintages, ie.  2014 (March 2016 rated 88) and 2012 (April 2015 rated 84).  90

DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE CURE MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE SUR LIE 2015, Loire, France, 12.0% XD 2g/L, #469775 $13.95 (Tasted April 25, 2017)



Released by Vintages on January 21, 2017. My notes: Roger Voss (Wine Enthusiast) September 2016, rates this 88. A light grapefruit juice colour with a similar nose, alluring as a slow sipper. Warming slowly from 12oC adds a subtle apple scent. Swirling shows a light film on the glass and a full sip adds a prominent tang. Flavour subtleties accompanied by a penetrating acid fills the finish. Grilled scallops, a shrimp with penne and garlic sauce, or Moroccan hummus on crackers would pair nicely. Simply quaffing for the full aftertaste could be an alternative. A value to have on hand for unexpected guests – even better if they bring a buffet offering. 85

ECHEVERRIA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2015, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 14.0% XD 2g/L, #485292 $14.95 (Tasted May 29, 2017)

Release by Vintages on April 1, 2017. My notes: Grapes from family vineyards near Molina, Chile are nurtured and processed for this Chardonnay. Lightly coloured and fragrance this light-bodied white has a touch of sweetness on the lips highlighting a bright acidity. The texture flows easily from the first swallow to a long dry finish, enough to hold its own with a range of seafood: mussels in a garlic and wine sauce, pineapple pizza, white filets on brown rice or chicken breasts with stir fry. Keep chilled from serving temp to mid 14oC to experience a wide grassy range. Should keep several years. 90

OGIER CÔTES DU VENTOUX ROSE AOC 2015, Rhône Valley, France, 13.5% XD 2g/L, #134916 $12.15* (Tasted May 28, 2017)

A General listing reduced to $12.15* from $14.15 until May 21, 2017. My notes: A coquettish blush 
taylored  for brilliant blond sippers  – but that’s my imagination running wild. A swirl lays a fine film with a full rim fragmenting then running bold tears. The initial nose is delicate with a sour lemon faint lime aspect that suggests pairing with berry or melon pieces – also dark chocolate, ie. something to backfill the void left at the start of a long dry finish. I found it difficult to identify the components of this Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault blend. Try with grilled rainbow trout, smelly cod or halibut. A light to medium bodied rosé building tang and chalk absent of fruit. Serve well chilled. 84

ALAMOS MALBEC 2015, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.5% XD  2g/L,  #295139   $15.65  (Tasted May 29, 2017)

My notes: An initial scent of black cherry tinged with woody blueberry rests on top of a glossy charcoal ruby. The first swirl shows a film that sticks then fills portions of the rim before dropping slow tears. Surprisingly flavours contrast with the nose although aerating does much to settle a noticeable mulch flavour disguising it as mild figs. Aerating is a must for a full-bodied, fuzzy smooth and chalk dry finish. If served now pair with grilled beef steak (perhaps with horse radish), rare New Zealand lamb with mint or a savoury stew. Cellaring is a question mark - I suggest several years then sample before serving.  82a  


TORRESELLA PROSECCO XD NV, Venezie, Italy, 11.5% XD 14g/L, #400440 $14.95 (Tasted June 2, 2017)

Released by Vintages on April 1, 2017. My notes:The faint birch wood shading under a burst of fine bubbles displays nicely when served ceremoniously on a silver tray. An aroma of faint grapefruit gains attention along with the buzz of bursting bubbles. A tangy spritz continues accompanied by dry chalk though mild at first building a prolonged tartness. Conservatively priced to allow sharing with a jovial crowd and varied appetizers: double cream brie or herbed humous spread suitably on wafer thin rye or naan breads. Light enough for an intro to a serious surf and turf and a moderate alcohol leads to an inclination to quaff…. and more speeches? Vic Harradine  rated this 4 of 5 on June 27, 2016. The empty weighs in at 1.5lbs.  88