2012 was a good vintage but was never going to age as many thought. That is not to say this 2012 is not in perfect form now. Still not happy the family cashed out and sold this Napa pioneer winery to a corporation that had no previous wine experience. As well, eliminated the last free tasting in Napa, which included their Maratha’s Vineyard. These corporations pay a top price for these grand wineries and then squeeze it. That’s just what corporations do. So disappointing!
The 12 is smooth as silk. Nothing that bites back. Fresh, ripe; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries. Mid, Indian spice, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, crushed rocks, dry twig, mid cola, brilliant, fresh, red & dark, violet florals, amazing acidy, well structured & balanced, easy tension with two minute ruby polished wire to wire finish. — 3 years ago
Beautiful, clear, smooth, and slightly sweet. Paired perfectly with a seared yellow fish tuna accented by sake lash sauce and Meyer lemon. — 4 years ago
Lots of floral notes, and a little bigger body than I'd expect for PG. Tasty! — 6 years ago
Very jammy with vanilla finish — 6 years ago
Lots of fruit. Cherries and Apples. — 7 years ago
This is the Antiyal Valle de Maipo. It’s 48% Carmenere, 36% Cabernet and 16% Syrah.
I only tasted two wines at Antiyal. This one and an unlabeled 2016 Syrah/Garnacha blend. Sadly, I was not in a position to take detailed notes.
This Carmenere, Cabernet and Syrah blend was a pop & pour. Despite this, it was full of ripe dark currants. The body was full. Tannins nicely rounded. The wine drank beautiful young with a nice round structure and showed beautiful elegance.
Their label pays homage to the indigenous native Indian population in the Southern part of Chile. They are sadly being treated much the way the Yanks treated North American Indians only at a much later date. For years, they were left alone. Until recently, the Chilean Government has given their land rights to Corporation since the unification of Chile.
Antiyal started small as a Garage producer. Their first production was 3,000 bottles. They’ve now grown to around 15,000 bottles with added hectares directly across the street.
Alvaro (Co-Owner-Winemaker) and his wife Marina are salt of the earth people. They started this winery in a garage and have grown into a medium size Viña in Maipo.
They believe in being completely bio-dynamic and enjoying walking the walk. They put everything from their farm and vine waste back into the vineyard. They create compost for the year from their farm animals and Viña leftovers (unused grapes, stems, canes, leaves, cow manure etc.) They also do everything by the cycle of the moon.
It was a pleasure to spend a couple hours with them walking their vineyards and talking about their amazing practices. Very enjoyable afternoon.
I thank them for all their time and sharing their knowledge.
Photos of; their Estate vines with the Andes Mountains from their Viña rooftop, milk cow, used oak barrel (no new oak use) and one of their Vina buildings. — 8 years ago
Had this at a forgotten bottle in your cellar party and it was like visiting an elegant mountain resort that has not been taken over by a corporation. Old fading elegance — 2 months ago
marzipan and double bubble. — a year ago
Unique barnyardy aroma. Hibiscus. Super drinkable; especially in the humidity. Almost like a wild ale. Can’t wait to pick up another bottle. — 5 years ago
End of the fiscal year. Long one but a good one so this is an exhausted versus drown sorrows drink ;) Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 (12 Year, 107 proof)
Nose is surprisingly light for the proof. Soft sweetness, light oak, and a hint of rye spice.
On the palate it isn’t heavy, but it fills the whole mouth. The heat shows early and stays present, reading higher than 107. Sweetness is there but restrained. More spice builds with time, rye-forward and focused on the tip and top of the tongue, with some grip on the cheeks. Oak stays light rather than deep or dusty.
Bit hotter than I’m feeling I want tonight. — 5 months ago
Simple but pleasant (and not flawed 🙏🏻) — 5 years ago
Very tasty light and not sugary Sauvignon Blanc! — 6 years ago
Vila. 18,95 -20% = 15,16. 06.07.18
Celler Escoda-Sanahuja.
06.08.18 — 8 years ago
Laura Purdy
Celebrating the Mr.’s 50th — 25 days ago