Pioneers Rest

Stags' Leap Winery

Napa Valley Petite Sirah

Stags' Leap Winery was one of the early pioneers in establishing Petite Sirah as a premium varietal. The vines date back to 1893, but the block is actually a field blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% other unknown varietals.
Our group tasted the 1977 - 1992 vintages (32 to 47 years old). The 1980 was my
#2.
— 12 days ago

Eric, Bob and 18 others liked this

Bodegas Muga

Reserva Unfiltered Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage! — 5 months ago

Paul, Rob and 7 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

A blend of 80% Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, rest Graciano and Mazuelo, aged 5 years in American oak, deep Ruby with aromas of ripe jammy fruits, spice and tobacco notes, resulting from a warm dry growing season. On the palate flavors of ripe plum, blueberry and ripe cherry with spice, tobacco and cedar notes. Fine big rustic tannins, long finish, savory ending with tobacco and leather notes. Nice! — 9 months ago

Vino, Tom and 7 others liked this

Massolino

Parafada Serralunga d'Alba Barolo Nebbiolo

UWS
9.3

2022.11.15 Rest. Enoclub Alba w/Wakano
Super wine
Euro 65.00
— 2 years ago

Château de Sales

Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend 2017

This Right Bank Bordeaux is bright Ruby red, from a blend of Merlot (80%), rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Fresh red fruit with cedar spice aromas. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with some cacao and licorice notes, adding oak and mineral tones. Fine tannins, medium finish, good balance with fruit, ending with smoky oak character, drink now on the younger side, no real benefit from long-term aging. — 7 days ago

Rob, Paul and 1 other liked this

Black Kite Cellars

Kite's Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2021

[Tasted on April 26, 2024 at Tom’s House with Tom]

Wine is Jasper Freestone single vineyard from Sonoma Coast. Red plum, raspberry and pomegranate fruit, with vanilla, tea and mineral notes. Silky wine.
— 7 months ago

Noël Verset

Cornas Syrah 1996

First, the Gentaz and now, Verset?! Be still my beating heart! Noël Verset is a freaking legend. His first vintage was during the period of peace between the first and second world war which means, for most of his career, Cornas was a tough place to make a living making wine. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that things began to turn around and by that time, Noël was in his 70’s. Talk about perseverance. By the time he made this 1996 vintage, he had already started selling off some of his vineyards and by 2006, he was done making wine altogether. 

And this 1996? It is lighter in color than the other wines in the Cornas line-up; almost a pale garnet with a transparent core. The nose is just crazy. I just wanted to smell it for the rest of the night. Wild mixed berries, dried purple flowers, garrigue, tobacco, and coffee. This was a Cornas of elegance and thinner on the palate relative to the Allemand and Clape. Long finish. Divine with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. Drinking very well now and could hold for longer but why?
— 8 months ago

Severn, Lyle and 6 others liked this

Carpineto

Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2020

Medium Ruby red color with aromas of dark berry fruit and earthy spice, blend of 90% Sangiovese with rest Canaiolo. On the palate flavors of black cherry and plum with tobacco, floral and earthy cedar notes. Full-bodied, well balanced soft drying tannins on a smooth medium+ finish. Grab some Italian food and enjoy the great value wine. Consistent quality, a Fav!! — 4 months ago

Rob, jesus and 3 others liked this

Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier

Les Amoureuses Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Pinot Noir 2006

. Wow. An unusual dark berry with subtle Indian spice that is both bold and elegance emerges to win the day. This 1er Cru is just entering a nice drinking window and could rest another 30 years. Lovely juice. — 6 months ago

Jan, Martin and 1 other liked this

Tenuta Sette Ponti

Oreno Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2019

It’s still too young for me but I wanted to pull one. Medium nose where I get a bit of green-ness. The finish is light and there is a bit of green on the palate as well. Hoping the rest get better with age. — 7 months ago

Shay, Scott@Mister and 3 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Even in its youth, I’d expect a better showing than what you experienced. This hailed from a strong vintage in Tuscany. I hope it puts on some weight for you.