Judge Palmer
Christopher Tynan Wines
Judge Family Vineyard Bennett Valley Syrah 2018
Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Solid on the pop and pour but best on Day 2. The 2018 “Judge Family Vineyard” pours a deep ruby/purpleish color with medium+ viscosity and significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fresh, dark brambles, blueberries, lavender, black pepper, some herb encrusted salami, slate-like minerals, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, tart and full of love. There is that wonderful texture too; something that I have come to expect from Christopher Tynan. The 2018 is amongst the most elegant versions of the Judge Family Vineyard Syrahs that I can recall. A very pretty expression indeed. Drink now with patience and through 2035. — 7 months ago
Château Palmer
Mähler-Besse La Réserve du Général Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1995
A gift from friends.
Great stuff. — 10 months ago
Palmer & Co
Brut Reserve Champagne Blend
Palmer turned my head in general at a recent tasting—if you can get your hands on the 1996 vintage my gosh…but for exceptional Champagne at (if not everyday) more frequently do-able prices lean in. Toasty white bread with these citrus notes that…can I be honest? It reminds me when as a teen vegetarian in St Louis I’d do late night runs to Steak and Shake where my friends got burgers but I’d order toast and butter with a lime freeze. Those toasty but piquant and refreshing notes. Expect like that on a platter with even more nuance. Obvi it doesnt taste like that precisely but its toast and citrus vibes don’t let go and cream and apple butter are backup singers. Do drink Palmer. — 10 months ago
Kongsgaard
The Judge Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014
With Yung on our 40th
— a month ago
Christopher Tynan Wines
Judge Family Vineyard Syrah 2017
Popped and poured; enjoyed over an hour period. The 2017 “Judge Family Vineyard” leaps right out of the gate and stands with proud, unwavering confidence. It pours a deep ruby/purple with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, a lovely, powerful mix of ripe black and blue fruits: dark brambles, blueberries, deli-case, black pepper, lavender, new leather, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. There is deft balance here. The fruit is so beautiful, so pure and the structure plays the equitable supporting role, no pun intended. The finish is long and there is sublime texture. This is a statement wine from Tynan and consistent with my previous experience from 18 months ago. Drink now through 2037. — 6 months ago
Jody Scharf
10 years young, feels like another 5 years would have done it a service. But today, rich, complete, and steady throughout! — 2 months ago