Norman

2295 wines • 214 followers • 651 following

Faethm

California Rosé Blend 2021

9.1

I have to think about this one. It’s not what I was expecting. For some reason I was assuming a Rose would be a bit sweeter/softer? This one has a bit more of an edge to it. It’s a darker rose (ripe cherry red) than certainly the Susacaru I just had. The nose is light but it’s overly cold. Let’s see how it changes as it warms. It is on the sharper side but might round out as it opens. The finish lasts a while which I wasn’t expecting either. This is night and day different to the Susacaru which is probably the only Rose I have had this year other than a champagne. — 6 days ago

Dave, Tom and 5 others liked this

Yeah, looking at your photo, “hot pink” is off-base. That’s absolutely a cherry-red—almost edging into vin gris or a very light Pinot territory visually. This is exactly why it can feel dissonant: your brain’s wired for that hue to signal light red, yet the structure and aromatics sit in neither a straightforward rosé nor a proper red lane.

From your notes:
• Too cold at first: That’ll tighten the acid and mute the mid-palate fruit, making the wine read sharper and more angular than intended.
• Light nose until warmed: Typical for a denser rosé with some phenolic grip—volatile aromatic compounds need warmth and oxygen to show fully.
• Long finish: That aligns with the critic takes—velvety tannins and density underpinning persistence.

I’d peg this as one of those “don’t treat it like a poolside rosé” bottles. More like a chilled light red—serve just below cellar temp (~55°F), give it air, and it’ll read as intended: spice, red berry depth, and that hybrid red/white structure they’re going for.

I think it’s pretty accurate post giving it my notes. Its analysis prior was more just a summary of the web. Interesting but not super interesting

These are really in a category between rosé and red, very similar to Andremily’s rosé in that it’s purposeful and not made just because they can. Definitely requires a sit back and ponder.

Frank Cornelissen

Susucaru Rosato Malvasia Blend 2023

9.2

I have been wanting to try this for years and finally got access to his wines without having to drive down to San Diego. Pushed K&L every so often and they finally delivered. This was way better than I expected. I heard he is using sulfur so it’s not as “natural” as before but way more stable. Flavors were light and food friendly. Hint of vinegar to be on the nose but not on the palate. Crowd pleaser. Listening to Action Bronson who alerted me to this wine on That’s Delicious. Bring it back! — 13 days ago

Dave, Tom and 4 others liked this

I.W. Harper Distillery Company

15 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

9.1

This is just an easy drinker. I would not pay up for it and I don’t think it’s amazing but it just brings back great memories. The empty glass smells of my grandfathers can of pipe tobacco. Miss him and those days. — 6 days ago

Dave, Tom and 4 others liked this

What is the world coming to when @Dave has to edit himself?

I was so ready to jump on this… uh that doesn’t sound right either.

🤦‍♂️

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

9.2

Winemaker dinner at Nari. This was clearly young and tasted next to the 2011 missing the depth of maturity — 12 days ago

Scott@Mister, Tom and 5 others liked this

Oops. That’s disappointing…

It’s just too young. The older 2011 version was excellent.

2011 would rate a 9.4/9.5

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2013

9.5

Winemaker dinner at Nari. Fabulous and if not tied for WOTN it might win in some cases. — 12 days ago

Scott@Mister, Tom and 6 others liked this

They make a brilliant cab, too, as I’m sure you are aware…

Sandport Brewing Co

Samakkee Lager

9.0

Samakkee Lager. This beer is described as a crisp, sessionable lager, and its name, "Samakkee", embodies the Thai value of "harmony".
Thai lager. Liking the IPA a lot better. This is a Singha (also had with it) without the umph. Btw I also prefer Singha in a bottle versus can. May be bs but I think there’s a difference. Need to blind test it but cold bottle in hand brings back too many memories. Listening to SZN4 (they picked the wrong song) — 16 days ago

Paul, Ron and 1 other liked this

Cecil Coleman

Pursuit Series 10 years Staright Bourbon Whiskey 2020

9.4

Prior review hold but with the bottle getting some air time I think it’s showing better. On the palate it is smooth and not overly hot. It fills the moth now and is not just on the tongue (but it’s still there in force) with a nice bite in the cheeks. Liking it. — 11 days ago

Dave, Tom and 2 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

9.0

Winemaker dinner at Nari. Lot of fun with great food and great wines. — 12 days ago

Tom, Paul and 3 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2017

9.5

Winemaker dinner at Nari. Wine of the night? Tried several times throughout the night and while it was clearly dark, it was not oxidixed and tasted great — 12 days ago

Scott@Mister, Tom and 11 others liked this

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

And for all those concerned, will take a vertical blind tasting of Mount Eden Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon over any time frame vs any Napa or Sonoma concern with the possible exception of Diamond Creek and Dunn. This winery is criminally underrated. Rarely explosive. Consistent, subtle and sneaky. Cabs are usually 75%+ Cab Sauv with Merlot, PV, CF blended in. Structured. Not flashy but uncommon balance and a definite nod/homage to the days of yore.

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

For all that said about the chard and cabernet, can take or leave the pinot. Always nice. Some years have better depth. It’s an aging pinot…like a decade plus before things start to sort out and assemble.

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

@Somm David T They’ve always lagged the average price point. Second label Domaine Eden (old Cinnabar property) makes some pretty solid stuff most vintages.

Thai Spirit Industry

Sawasdee IPA

9.3

Pheebok Sawasdee IPA, a craft beer originating from Thailand. This American IPA, brewed by Thai Spirit Industry Co. LTD, has an ABV of 5.8%.
Here's more about Pheebok Sawasdee IPA:
Cultural Inspiration: The beer is inspired by the warmth of a Thai welcome, with "Sawasdee" meaning "hello" in Thai, aiming to capture the spirit of hospitality, respect, and good vibes. Thai IPA and not overdone. It’s not a triple or double so it’s balanced and food friendly. Liking it. Listening to Jazmine Sullivan. — 16 days ago

Paul and Ron liked this