No Fault

Louis M. Martini

Lot No. 1 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

As a nod to Karen (who some will remembered worked at Louis M. Martini decades ago—and is the nicest and best person to ever work in the wine industry) we opened this for my birthday. Paired it with a Tri Tip. It was a nice pairing. Good cab. It was better a couple years ago but still nice to drink for a special occasion. — 11 days ago

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005

Somm David T
9.5

It is really no surprise that this 05 is incredible and yet still extremely youthful. This 05 will out live almost anyone 50 years old. It is good for another 45 years.

I had their 16 La Dame last weekend & commented it should not be opened for another 10 years.

The core on the nose is dark velvet black currants. There’s a bit of melted dark chocolate-mousse. Ripe but subtle blackberries, black raspberries, black plum-plum pudding, very dark cherries, some mulberries, mocha powder, dark, rich earth, dry river stone, limestone, anise, mix of dry/fresh herbs, fine, undertone of baking spices, moist grey clay, slightly dry tobacco, sandalwood, mild, elegant spice, just the slightest hint of mint, very, slightly candied, dark, withering flowers & red roses.

The palate is rich, round with velvety M+ tannins. The core is dark fruits blended in melted dark-mocha chocolate. Blackberries, black raspberries, both plums w/ heavy skin, dark cherries, poached to slightly baked strawberries & raspberries over the top. Dry bay leaf-sage, moist clay, rich, dark, turned earth, dry river stone, limestone powder, stem inclusion, red licorice/cola, anise to black licorice candy, sandalwood to soft cedar, slightly moist tobacco, used leather, mild, dark spice, a touch & just a touch of tomato leaf, hints of cardamom, dark/red withering flowers with just a touch of violets, perfect acidity and a very well knitted, tensioned, balanced, structured, elegantly polished finish that last two-minutes and lands on nice earthiness & softly muddled spice.

Paired w/ their bone-in Ribeye. Best steakhouse steak that I’ve had out and not made by friends and or myself. Rich fat, tender and nice flavor. Lacks a bit of char and Napa Valley Rub from wholespice.com.

Open in another 15-20 years.

A real shot at a 💯 in another 15-20+.

@Delmonico Steakhouse Las Vegas
— 2 days ago

Peter, Paul and 17 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

The Montrose stuff is a true force of nature. That'90 vintage will outlive us all combined. Ridiculously fresh once you get past the brett.

Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB)

JCB No.69 Burgundy Pinot Noir Rosé

Excellent nose, aromas of strawberry and cherry. Perfect balance of flavor and dryness. Excellent, especially for its price. Drinks like a $50+ sparkling. — 8 days ago

André Clouet

Rosé No.3 Brut Champagne Blend

Somm David T
9.1

The only Champagne in their flight. First time having this producer.

It has gentle, micro bubbles. Soft mousse. Again, a touch sweet. At least for me. Seems more than 9g. It is interesting to me that with all of France’s rather strict wines laws, I have seen extra brut over 6g & brut over 9g.

Full cherries to kirsch quality, strawberries, pomegranate and raspberries. Gentle dry herbal notes, moist, crumbled chalk & limestone, yeast notes, some white spice, sea fossil/spray, crumbled grey volcanics, pink & red roses, pleasant round acidity, nicely polished finish that is more fruit than earth as it sets and lasts 45 seconds to a minute.
— a month ago

Ming, Tom and 9 others liked this
Ming L

Ming L

Lovely! Their V6 Experience is outstanding as well and offers one of the best QPR for a NV Champagne IMO. Cheers @Somm David T !

Boundary Breaks Vineyard

No. 239 Finger Lakes Single Vineyard Dry Riesling 2022

An @romo recommendation, very pleasant, honey citrus crisp…worth a visit to the finger lakes — 3 months ago

romo and Tom liked this

Hirsch Vineyards

San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2011

Late release from the winery. Showing great! — a month ago

Joe liked this

Seghesio Family Vineyards

Bonded Winery No. 56 Marian's Reserve Red Blend 2017

2017 was deep and rich with bramble and chocolate. Interesting mix of varietals to great effect. — 9 days ago

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1986

Mary H
9.2

Age is just a number. Still has strong, heady aromas and flavors of apricots, stone fruits though no more tropical notes.after some time, aromas of creme caramel. Powerful backbone of acidity, tempered by flavors of herbs and bitters. Beautiful but with some complexity that comes with maturity. Paired with a slice of basque cheesecake. — 2 months ago

Ron, Billy and 2 others liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

When confronted with an open bottle of Silver Oak Cab on a Wednesday night, you step up and finish it, no questions asked. — 2 months ago

Yianni, Ted and 6 others liked this