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Once & Future Wines

Oakley Road Vineyard Mataro 2022

PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.

UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.

Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability.
— a month ago

Severn, Douglas and 8 others liked this

Descendientes de José Palacios

Pétalos Bierzo Mencía 2020

Deep purple with a garnet core. The nose is absolutely ridiculous with jammy fruit and earth. Blue and black berries with just a touch of cranberry for kicks. It’s so pretty.

Warm and inviting, there’s a good bit of finesse and personality here. It takes around an hour for the heat to blow off and once it does it becomes silky and more refined than you’re probably assuming. More berries and earth on the palate with some really nice spice on the finish. A fun surprise of a wine.
— 5 months ago

Tom, "Odedi" and 2 others liked this

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

2014 vintage. Big graphite and iron nose. Intense and muscular. Medium-bodied. Complimentary fruit cradled by ridiculous tannins. Grippy and rambunctious. JC Superstar. Till 2048 at least. Not even close to entering “the zone” but so much promise once the tumblers fall into place. 10.21.23. — 8 months ago

Shay, Ericsson and 20 others liked this
Ericsson

Ericsson

Love gpl.

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2018

Lived up to their reputation. Tannins were prominent but fine and integrated and not overbearing due to the fruit intensity. Balanced and long once it breathed for 1+ hr — a month ago

Big, Ted and 8 others liked this

Vieux Château Certan

Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2023

It take some time to sintonize with it. But once you are there the journey seems having no end. 98-100 — 2 months ago

Peter, Freek and 2 others liked this

Once & Future Wines

Teldeschi Vineyard Frank's Block Zinfandel 2019

Zin is my happy place 🍷 — 8 months ago

Shay, Ted and 2 others liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Saint-Joseph Syrah 2017

Powerful Syrah that needs a 2-3 hour decant but once opened up there are dark fruits and baking spices to enjoy. It perhaps lacks a bit of refinement but i would buy and drink again! — a year ago

Jay, Andrew and 17 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

After 20 years, it still took extensive decanting to soften the initially gripping tannins. Once it did, beautiful dark fruits came through. Black currants, stewed prunes, delicious and full on the palate. Outstanding. Paired well with Brie and beef chow fun!!  — 2 months ago

Thomas liked this

Once & Future Wines

Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah 2019

3/2024. Full of flavor and nice on the palate. A little “chewy”. Would like to try it again in 5 years. — 4 months ago

Ted liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994

Visiting an old friend. Now I'm down to 2 bottles in my cellar . I bought a case 25 years ago and every once in awhile I enjoy this ageless wine. It still has a soft mid pallet lingering red berry and tannic flavor. The richness of this Cabernet has done nothing but improve over the years. I dare say it will not further improve but hopefully it will linger at this quality level.the mouth feel is an experience in and of its self. What a wonderful treat🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 8 months ago

Ira, Shay and 1 other liked this