Casey Brewing & Blending
Antica Terra
Aurata Chardonnay
Virtasant/Antica Terra wine blending — 5 years ago
Domaine A. et P. de Villaine
Bouzeron Aligoté 2018
The good whites of Burgundy, aka crack cocaine, are what they are because of great blending - in this case, Pierre Benoist of DRC.
This is special not just for the florals, the woods, the citrus, the spice, but for these things together.
Lemon chamomile and a cedar lined drawer. Vibrant and young with a sturdy back and all the confidence in the world. — 5 years ago
The Standish Wine Company
The Relic Shiraz Blend 2014
2014 vintage. 3 hour decant.
3/6.5/9.5 = 19 out of 100 say 96.
High quality Barossa Shiraz with an awesome bouquet apparent as soon as it’s released from the bottle (though I always think blending Viognier is cheating in that regard). Still a strong tannin/acid structure so still not at its peak - say 5 years more at least. High alcohol content but integrated perfectly - didn’t even notice. Really pleasant long linger. Standish is an artist so you must collect and try. My next move is to try back to back with a Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 — 2 years ago
Moutard Pere et Fils
Cuvée des 6 Cépages Brut Champagne
Dry. Yummy. Basic bubbles. Enjoyed with Amy and Casey. — 5 years ago
Langlois-Château
Château de Varrains Saumur-Champigny Cabernet Franc 2017
Tasted at the producer, this is a primeur / pleasure to drink young vintage. 100% Cabernet-Franc. Light purple color, clear and limpid. Raspberry and herbaceous nose. Supple mouth blending raspberry, notes of cedar, cypress.
Slightly acidity, but the typical Touraine mineral structure, reminiscent of slate, pencil lead, or charcoal, bringing a refreshing salivating tension. On salads, aperitif-dinners, cold meats, cheese pastas, it's easy to drink, and pleasant.
Goûté chez le producteur, c’est une cuvée primeur/plaisir à boire jeune. 100% Cabernet-Franc. Robe pourpre légère, claire et limpide. Nez framboise et herbacé. Bouche souple mêlant, framboise, notes de cèdres, cyprès.
Acidité peu marquée mais la trame minérales typique de la Touraine, évoquant l’ardoise, la mine de crayon, ou le charbon, apportant une tension salivante rafraîchissante. Sur des salades, apéro-dînatoire, charcuterie, pastas fromage, c’est facile à boire, et plaisant. — 5 years ago
Bodegas Juan Gil
Jumilla Red Blend 2020
Blend of 45% Cab Sauv, 45% Monastrell & 10% Syrah, a blend from vines averaging 50 years old, aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels separately before blending. Deep Ruby with aromas of red/black fruit and spicy notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and black currants, espresso and smoky oak notes. Firm ripe tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, oak and earthy spice. Good value! — 3 years ago
Cardwell Hill Cellars
Reserve Estate Bottled Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018
Clear dark ruby. Inviting nose of black cherry and cranberry. Medium full palate echoes the nose adding red apple peel and on the finish, a hint of vanilla and a touch of balsam. Medium tannins that assert on the finish as well. Mouthwatering medium plus acidity wraps it all up. A classic Willamette PN blending New World fruit with Old World style and structure. A universal red that’s ready for nearly any cuisine. Drink now through 2028 with some minor development. — 4 years ago
Arcanum
Toscana Cabernet Franc Blend 2008
Dark and inky strands blending chocolate, coffee, fig, blackberries, and cedar. Dry tannins in a long finish. 77% cabernet franc, 17% merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon — 5 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023
South Australia 🇦🇺
Overview A more tightly wound and concentrated expression of Bin 389, showcasing the same Cabernet-Shiraz framework (Cabernet for backbone, Shiraz for richness) but delivered with greater tension, density, and youthful drive. This vintage leans more serious and structured than 2022, highlighting the fascinating impact vintage conditions have on balance, ripeness, and extraction in agricultural wines.
Aromas & Flavors Intense blackcurrant, crushed blackberry, dark cherry, and graphite dominate the aromatics, layered with fresh cedar, cocoa nib, and subtle minty spice. The palate is compact and powerful, showing darker fruit concentration, savory spice, and tightly coiled oak structure that promises excellent evolution with time.
Mouthfeel Full-bodied and more compact than the 2022. Tannins are firmer and more youthful, giving a punchier, more linear profile. The wine feels energetic and focused, with impressive density and length, clearly built for further integration.
Food Pairings Char-grilled steak or venison. Slow-braised beef cheeks. Pepper-crusted lamb. Smoked meats and firm aged cheeses.
Verdict A bolder, more muscular Bin 389 that trades immediate plushness for intensity and aging potential. A striking reminder of how vintage variation shapes personality, same blueprint, very different expression.
Did You Know? Penfolds sources fruit for Bin 389 from multiple South Australian regions, blending different terroirs and climates to build complexity, consistency, and layered structure across vintages.
🍷 Personal Pick If you enjoy tracking wine evolution, this is a fantastic candidate for short-to-mid-term cellaring, revisit in a few years to watch the structure melt into harmony. Also check my previous 2022 review!
— 4 months ago