The Grade Cellars

Mount Langi Ghiran

Langi Shiraz 2008

See 3 previous notes for the 2008 vintage (and one for the 2009). This was my final 2008 sadly. Without mincing words, this is one of my favourite Australian reds, and has been for a long time. Trademark white pepper, spice and liquorice. The plums and blackberry of its youth are now more savoury in style. Just a stunning wine which could compete with any top grade Cote Rotie. Unfortunately the price now reflects the high quality. In the Good Wine Guide of 2011 this was voted Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year. Nick Stock - 98 points. — 11 days ago

Ray, Andrew and 14 others liked this
Ceccherini Cristiano

Ceccherini Cristiano Influencer Badge

One of my favourites too, at least back in the days. I haven't tasted any recent vintage.

Pietranera

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2004

Definitely worth the wait! Some folks said this vintage was at its peak several years ago but my patience is being rewarded!! Again, the cork was unbelievably tight but with perseverance a good waiters friend, finally wrestled it out without breaking. This wine definitely needs some air and time to settle down and get the full flavor and taste restored. I can taste parmigiana regganio, bruschetta, high grade EVOO and balsamic with a crusty bread. Veal and tomato sauce, even Osso Buco. I love Brunello and while this is not considered a top iteration, it’s still definitely worth drinking. — 2 years ago

Realm Cellars

Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Enjoyed this with a black pepper-encrusted gold-grade Waygu filet mignon from Snake River Farms. Both were amazing! — 4 years ago

Vanessa McCaffrey
with Vanessa
Iwan, Paul and 12 others liked this

Azienda Agricola Elvio Cogno

Ravera Barolo Nebbiolo 2016

Wine prices in Tokyo tend to be expensive but this was about $200 AUD. Probably sounds dear but when you’re here that’s not too bad. Medium crimson in colour. Just medium bodied - red fruited with cherry, strawberry and earthy silty notes. On the palate went well with a Grade 4 Waygu steak which was very expensive but it was a good match. All very satisfying. From a good vintage in Piedmont. The photo is from the Delectable library but the vintage we had was 2016. — 4 months ago

Ira, Vino and 1 other liked this

Merryvale Vineyards

Oakville Grade Red Wine 2016

Ming L
9.4

The ‘15 was great. The ‘16 is even better!
From magnum. The nose is dark and savory, with bay leafs and crushed rocks commingling with beautifully ripen fruits. Powerful and dense on the palate. The tannins are delicious, soft yet mouth coating. Probably needs another 8-10 to peak.
Fruits are from the estate Profile vineyard and Trumbull and Stagecoach vineyards. Predominantly Cab with Merlot and Petit Verdot.
— 9 months ago

Bob, Jae and 2 others liked this

Ink Grade Estate

Andosol Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend 2017

88% Zin, 12% Cab Sauv. Very balanced. — 3 years ago

Brava

Ink Grade Vineyard Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

This is the Ink Grade Vineyard. Excellent. — 5 years ago

Daniel P., Randall and 5 others liked this

Ink Grade Estate

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

VERY deep red color, with medium body but a very restrained nose even after a few hours of aeration. What nose there is is a nice balance of fruit and baking depth, almost like cinnamon or nutmeg? The fruit is first forward, with plum, black cherry and rich dark fruit, with notes of some deep greenery, some hints at meaty notes, and potpourri. The tannins are actually well integrated, light grippers but juicy fruit. It’s surprisingly a thinner can than I was expecting, but that’s part of what makes it special I feels it bucks at Napa trends and stocks with a long, rich, fruit forward finish, with some cacao, woody and light smoky notes. Maybe a slight milkiness, like hot coca, violet and slight peppery notes with nice acidity. — 6 months ago

Italo Cescon

Pinot Grigio 2022

nice dry crisp some salinity. excited to dry it cooler, and would typically let age for another year but ce la vie Day 2 was a vast improvement on the nose honey covered fresh apple and pear nice critic splash in the mouth adult grade lemonade — a year ago

Ink Grade Estate

Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Jeremy Shanker
8.9

Good Napa SB, but definitely wanted more for the money. — 3 years ago

Aravind, Josh and 3 others liked this