Daniel Bloom

9.5

Tar, tar, more tar. Tree bark , lots of umami on the nose.,Black flowers, earth, lots of sous bois, deep and pleasantly dank after 3+ hours of decanting. Upon opening, this was very tight. A very dark rendering of a three vineyard Barolo. With unadorned steak, very nice. The tannin/acid balance was quite nice. Bottle gone before you knew.Everyone at the table was pleased to say the least. At first, some got a “dead fish” on the nose, but…this did not prevent diving back in.
One of the nicest Baroloi I’ve had in quite a while. — 3 months ago

with Sarah

michael pandolfo

9.0

Really enjoyed this ganache-based blend. Upon opening the wine shows much restraint, and this is where I think it shows its sense of place. Once it’s been open for a bit you get that hit of ripe cherry with a baking spice edge. Medium finish. — 3 years ago

Rhonely Boy

8.9

Once upon a time, Lynmar had a Syrah in their portfolio.

Smooth and pleasant, sediment stuck on wall of bottle and cork. Drink now. — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.1

Week 4 of our virtual tastings, this week’s theme being burgundy chosen by Joe, ideally from Chambolle-Musigny or Vosne-Romanee. Always good for some laughs and lots of knowledge being dropped! @Mike R
@Ron R @David L @Joe Lucca @Shawn R @Bill Bender @Eric LaMasters @Carl Fischer

A village level wine from a reputable producer in a solid vintage. Upon opening, I put this straight in to the decanter with a goal of two hours. I had a small sip at the beginning and realized it would need every bit of those two hours, and likely more. Extremely coiled, herbal and thin. At the two hour mark, fleshy black cherry skin, potpourri and tart red fruits started to appear aromatically. Once this hit the four hour mark, it gained heft (still retaining good acidity) with forest floor, a touch of iron, and added some spice and black peppercorn toward the finish. Evolved continuously throughout the evening. Definitely youthful, so if opening now, I’d give this 4+hrs to reveal itself appropriately.

Edit: tried another glass the day after and it stayed in line with how it was at the 4hr decanting mark, with a slightly more pronounced truffled mushroom note. — 6 years ago

Maddie Fromell

9.2

Once upon a time in Hollywood — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

A pre-tasting of my heavy meat red sauce in order to fine tune the spices and seasoning it before serving for 30 people for our friend’s 60th birthday party tomorrow night.

The sauce is 9 cans of whole tomato’s crushed & drained, 9 can cans of tomato sauce, 3 cans of tomato paste, 6.5 pound whole pork roast braised in diced garlic & olive oil that falls apart & shreds when done, 5 pepperoni sticks sliced, 4 pounds of meatballs (with Italian bread crumbs, garlic salt, coarse black pepper, eggs with warm water) and 14 seasonings & spices slow cooked over 36-48 hours. It’s a blend that once it’s done is magical harmony in the mouth like a well crafted & aged wine.

The wine works well but, I’ll have better pairing wines tomorrow night.

The nose reveals; dark, sweet & slightest sour dark cherries, cherry kirsch liqueur notes, ripe, bright blackberries, baked black plum, ripe, juicy, strawberries, slightly candied black raspberries, blue fruits, mixed berry cola, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, dry stems, soft, leaner, sweet, tarriness, touch of dry herbs with the most amazing, bright, red, dark blue florals, violets and shades of lavender.

The body is medium full, round with great mouth presence. The tannins nicely, rounded, slightly tarry and baby teeth. The tension, structure, length and balance have just started to tango. Dark, sweet & slightest sour dark cherries, cherry kirsch liqueur notes, ripe, bright blackberries, baked black plum, ripe, juicy, strawberries, slightly candied black raspberries, blue fruits, mixed berry cola, medium intensity dark spice with a little palate heat, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, dry stems, leathery, dry tobacco, shades of graphite, soft, leaner, sweet, tarriness, nutmeg, clove, a touch of dry herbs with the most amazing, bright, red, dark blue florals, violets and shades of lavender. The acidity is nicely executed. The long finish is nicely knitted, balanced fruit and earth, polished with soft, brilliant florals and persists minutes.

Third largest Co-op in Europe and they produce some quality wines. Especially, for the volume the make.

Delectable has this @ $99. I bought it at Costco upon release for $28.99.

Photos of, the beautiful, quaint hilltop town of Barbaresco, my meat sauce, their tasting room just to the right at the feet of the clock tower with Gaja just a little further down to the right of there and the best Michelin star restaurant we’ve experienced for lunch. We dined there right after our visit to Gaja. What service, food and a day!
— 7 years ago

david hassell

10

a hot tin transformer ~juicy, funky nose that morphs into broken thick green tree leaves on the nose and the grip of tannins once the acidity evaporates>>terroirist!!! — 8 years ago

Shay A

9.5

My contributions for a fun right bank Bordeaux dinner. This ended up being a standout amongst the group but others included ‘95 Cheval Blanc, ‘05 L’Evangile and ‘89 Figeac (the starter whites may have stole the show…mag of ‘10 Chave Hermitage Blanc, ‘08 Dom, ‘21 Magi’s CdP Blanc…this ‘04 ZH I brought was an excellent bridge to dessert…good r/s but not cloying; incredible vineyard).

I’ve only had TR once before but it was infanticide many years ago. At roughly 20yrs, I was excited to catch this on what I expected to be near peak. Very tight upon opening but after 45mins in the bottle, this really strut its stuff. Red and purple floral aromatics, bay leaf, and leather. Beautifully elegant on the palate but everything is in its place…supremely balanced. Clean (no brett), multi-layered fruit spectrum (red, purple, blackberries), sweet tobacco, espresso, little cassis. No roasted or over ripe profile, and also not a lean/green machine. Balance balance balance. Lovely. Wish I had another. — 4 months ago

Dolores Padron

9.8

Well deserved rating! This wine has a peppery aroma upon opening, but once it airs, pure chocolate in both aroma and taste. Smooth tannins with a lovely body to it! — 6 years ago

Shay A

9.2

I wanted to open a Ceritas bottle during @Antonio Galloni ‘s interview with Ceritas winemaker John. I initially opened a 2015 Heintz Chardonnay, but it was corked. I moved to this bottle and it was intriguing to hear John say this is their earliest harvested vineyard, but their richest in profile wine. Crazy.

Upon opening, it had a very thin finish. I think there was a two part reason: it was too cold and it needed more air. This got substantially better once it warmed above cellar temp and was at its best with 3hrs of air. Very Chablis like with an oily texture and hardly any trace of oak. Hint of reduction. Very pure fruit...lemon oil, underripe melon, crushed seashell, and honeysuckle aromatics. Shockingly, the acidity here was fairly mellow. Not as razor sharp as I expected or have experienced with other Ceritas chards. Tart stone fruits, steely and grilled lemon rind round out the palate and finish. I’d hold this another few years to see how it blossoms. — 6 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

Parigot is the stuff. I was looking for the red sparkling I’d had once upon a time but was super okay to settle for this (albeit if you have a source for the red TELL ME)! Red berry blend (there are hints of it all—strawberry raspberry currant) plus watermelon freshness and this slight earthy funk that—-is there a whiff of brett on it?! Slight white pepper and some greens that are both bitter and sweet. It’s a hug and a loving smack all at once. — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.3

The 2010 ‘Romas’ is a dazzling effort at now nine years of age. Tannic and strangely backwards upon opening, this Grenache considerably benefits from a one hour decant. Once awoken, the wine shows a gorgeous array of aromatics from ripe rose petals to potpourri and exotic spices that meld with the deep red currants and red cherry compote that take shape in the glass. The soft, silky texture entices, as does the bright sense of minerality. Unveiling its plush mouthfeel, the ‘Romas’ plays with suggestions of kirsch cordial and boysenberry jam with minerals, orange zest and lovely earthy undertones. Complex and delightful at this stage, the 2010 ‘Romas’ will have at least another decade left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 93 — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

On the nose, French roast coffee, dark currants, dark cherries, Kirsch cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, cherry cola with liqueur notes, blueberry hues, vanillin, cinnamon stick, light clove, toast, rich, dark soil, limestone minerals, sweet tarry notes, soft leather, hint of mint/eucalyptus, light graphite with bright red & dark florals.

The body is round, ripe and full. The tannins are nice rounded. The length, structure, tension and balance are coming into their own. Upon first pour, lots of French roast coffee, dark currants, dark cherries, Kirsch cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, strawberries, cherry cola with liqueur notes, blueberry hues, vanillin, cinnamon stick, light clove, cocoa powder, dark spice with just a touch of lifting heat, toast, rich, dark soil, dry stems, good presence of dry herbal notes (sage), limestone minerals, sweet tarry notes, soft leather, hint of mint/eucalyptus, light graphite with bright red & dark florals. The acidity is about as good as it gets. The finish is rich, ripe, well balance, very elegant as it opens and last several minutes.

While this is delicious tonight, it’s early on this wine. Give it another 5 and will cellar another 15 years plus.

Photos of, the newer Stag’s Leap Winery with the rock wall...all the stones used in the wall collected from the vineyards prior to planting. The cellar pendulum ball that never stops its motion once started, the newer tasting room and the twilight view from their tasting room.
— 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Something for the Jasper Hill Farms, “Willoughby.”

I am not much for Brut these days. Prefer Extra Brut. But I had this 375ml left before I shifted gear’s.

Having said that, this is still very sound and consistent. Think I enjoyed it more once upon a time. It seems sweeter now having a steady stream of EB.

Nice mousse. Lemon, lime pulp w/ a bit flesh, Bosc pear, red apple, yellow stone fruits, tropical fruits, quince, ginger, whipped creams, graham cracker, nougat, light & soft volcanic minerals, nice chalk powder, sea fossils, gentle saline, yellow flowers & lilies with hints of jasmine, pleasant, lively acidity, good balance, structure-tension & a smartly polished elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and long sets on white spice-ginger.

Excellent pair w/ Key Lime Tart.

@SimplyRedVirtualLiveHamburg — 7 months ago

Richard Rosensweig

9.0

Once upon a time, one could argue that Vacqueras was a poor man’s CNP. But at this point CNP may be the fool’s Vacqueras. A little menthol on the nose. Lots of dark fruit, leather, crushed stones, maraschino cherries and a hint of leather on the palate. Rustic and sublime at the same time. Great wine for fall and colder weather. — 2 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.7

Every bit dazzling even at the four year mark, the 2016 Colgin ‘Cariad’ Red Wine (WWB, 97) is a massively dense wine that embodies tremendous verve and shows a seamless texture. Every working part of this wine (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot) creates not only complexity but a harmonious effect once on the palate. You are greeted immediately with the pillowy mouthfeel upon the attack. Layers of dark currants, tobacco leaf, red bell pepper, anise and chocolate cake all come together marvelously on the palate. This beautiful wine is delightfully hedonistic now but will cellar well for decades to come. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this beauty at least a two hour decant, as the wine evolved considerably after extensive air time. Drink 2022-2040- 97 — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I bought this bottle about a year ago from K&L. The bottle was in pristine shape. Like the 1985 last weekend, the neck fill today was as high as the day they filled it.

I purchased two bottles. The first, I didn’t post. It had waned. Tonight’s bottle is giving me everything thing I expected when I purchased it.

The nose reveals a little barnyard (v/a) that blew off fairly quickly, slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, caramel & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice, peppery notes, tree bark/sap, mint, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets.

The body is just full, fresh & lush. There is still a decent, tarry, slightly chewy tannin structure even after a little over 22 years in bottle. For me, the length, tension and balance are perfect. This bottle has another 5 and perhaps 7 years of good drinking ahead. It’s really delicious tonight. Slightly baked, stewed & ripe fruits of; blackberries, black cherries, blackberries that pop on the palate, black plum, strawberries, dry cranberries, boysenberries & blueberries. Steeped, black tea, dark berry cola, sage, bay leaf, dry, crushed rocks, limestone, sandstone/dry top soil, anise, some black licorice, soft; cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, melted, salted caramel, dark baking chocolate & liquid mocha, vanilla, dry twigs, understated, mid dark spice with perfect palate heat, tree bark/sap, mint, savory meats, peppercorns, rich, dark, slightly sweet earth, dry tobacco & leather, French oak barrel shavings, with bright, fresh & withering; dark, red, some purple & blue flowers weaved into late blooming violets. The acidity is round, phat & perfect. The long finish is delicious, an elegant lady, well balanced settling into some of the nicest, dark spices I can remember in sometime.

In terms of pleasure, I would give this wine a 94 but, in technical terms, just misses it.

Once again, I really love the 13% ABV. I wish Napa Cabernets had never risen above that level.

Photos of; the Estate of Flora Springs, long view of their beautiful barrel cellar, happy dog running through their vines and their very modern tasting room on Hwy 29. — 6 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.2

Currently a bit muted upon opening, the 2011 Beaux Freres ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir needs more than a one hour decant prior to enjoying at this juncture. Once aroused this awakens to beautiful citrus tones and red fruit aromatics that build in the glass. The palate shows a really good texture and roundness with delicate pomegranate seed, red cherry candy and blood orange flavors that entice. There his a good elegance to this lighter style Pinot Noir. Drinking nicely now, this has another six plus years of life left. Drink 2019-2026- 92 — 7 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.2

It is Friday night once again and to great the weekend I have opened the 2014 Gundlach-Bundschu Merlot Sonoma Valley Sonoma County. 84% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, what the othe 1% is I was unable to find that out.

Upon opening the nose reveals dark juicy fruit, blackberry, black cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, mocha, smokey oak and dry earthy notes.

The palate reveals confirmation of the nose, black cherry, black raspberry, black plum, spice, sweet tobacco, herbs, smokey oak and rich earthy notes.

A very nice full bodied wine with a velvety mouth feel, medium + acidity and medium + grippy tannins that lead to a long fruit filled finish. Have a great weekend with family and friends and please be safe. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 8 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.2

Another stellar vintage from La Jalousie. I find it hard to ignore my bias towards this producer when I taste another one of their wines- this was my epiphany in Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. But all the same intensity and elegance is there once again. Pithy, taught, vibrant and pure. I’m getting more citrus, herbs and minerality at this stage, and just a hint of floral nuance. The weight of the mid palate is always one of the highlights of this cuvée- dense and generous but always supple and kinetic. This is a wine that seems to burst upon impact but then moves around the palate with such finesse. Tremendous value from one of the finest estates in Anjou. — 8 years ago