Tidal School Vineyards

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Consistently enjoyable throughout, but best after several hours of air and through Day 3. The wine pours, a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with expressive notes of ripe and dried cherry, plums, toasted coconut, fresh dill, cedar chest, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose however, the fruit is much more tart. The finish is long and tangy. A textbook example of old-school Rioja. Lovely. Drink now with patience and through 2036. — a month ago

Andrew, David and 17 others liked this
Ceccherini Cristiano

Ceccherini Cristiano Influencer Badge

I always wish i have more Lopez de Heredia in my cellar evertime i look at your reviews. Cheers!
Jay Kline

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@Ceccherini Cristiano lol…I think the same thing. I certainly have some in the cellar but not nearly as deep as I would like. I guess there’s always time, right? 🤣 Regardless, thank you.
Ceccherini Cristiano

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@Jay Kline there's always time, agreed!
You are most welcome

Ridge Vineyards

Old School Sonoma County Zinfandel Blend

A little sweet for my taste but delicious — 9 months ago

Château Gruaud Larose

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Rustic old school styled Bordeaux with black fruits, cedar, leather, earth, graphite & cigar box. A wine I have had many times that is just hitting its prime with many years ahead — 21 days ago

John, Shay and 19 others liked this

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2004

Delectable Wine
9.2

The 2004 Léoville Barton is less opulent on the nose than the Langoa but offers a little more refinement and terroir expression. A touch of seaweed develops with time. The palate is fresh on the entry. It is one of the most saline Léoville Barton that gets the saliva flowing. It is classic old-school Anthony Barton with a judicious dab of black pepper and menthol furnishing the finish. Excellent. (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 4 months ago

LM and John liked this

Neal Family Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

2021 vintage. Old-school styled, Napa cabbage. The solitary nod to new-school is the medium-heavy body. Focused, dark fruit presence (not as much as Freemark Abbey but not far behind either). Plenty of value to be had here. Grip if you want it. Fruit if you so desire. Obvious balance. Nicely done. First Neal product visit/tasting but it won’t be the last. 1.24.24. — 8 months ago

Ted, Bob and 10 others liked this

Philip Togni Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Dark red purple. Classic Cabernet nose and palate of cassis and underripe blackberry with oak and very gentle bell pepper undertones. Medium tannins and medium plus-ish acidity. Old school style Napa Cabernet with an excellent balance between fruit and structure. Excellent match for that porterhouse. Drink now through 2032. — 3 months ago

Paul, Tom and 6 others liked this

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

Old school Napa 👍🏼
Took an hour to unfurl in the glass, but once it did! Perfect with some coffee crusted New York Strip
— 7 months ago

Juan, David and 19 others liked this

Alexander Valley Vineyards

Reserve Alexander School Single Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Last night for Turkey Day dinner with my boy. We are still deer hunting. Joshua bagged a deer today. Special day. — 10 months ago