5/22/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Deep dark magenta color. Figgy pudding, cherry, charred nutmeg, and subtle leather. Super smooth, tongue drying palate, with fine, lingering acidity. Soft tannins on the longish finish.

One of the better Spanish wines I’ve had and we didn’t do it justice. Celebrating a promotion with international colleagues in Valencia.

5/21/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Deep dark ruby color. Cherry pie, vanilla liqueur, and subtle anise and prailine. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish. Tinto Fino 92%, CS 5%, Merlot 3%

Very easy drinker. Not familiar with primary grape. Enjoyed at a dinner in Valencia city center (Spain).

5/21/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Very deep ruby color. Black cherry tart, licorice, . Smooth and very dry palate. Firm tannins on the medium long+ finish.

Solid for its youth and lack of aeration. Enjoyed at a business dinner in the Valencia (Spain) city center.

5/21/2024 - AGELVIS Does not like this wine:

Served on my United flight from Houston to Amsterdam. Deep ruby color. Bing cherry, dandelion, and English muffin. Smooth , dry, earthy palate, with fine acidity. Satiny, lower intensity tannins on the medium long finish.

I did not enjoy this at all. It’s beyond basic and boring.

5/21/2024 - AGELVIS Does not like this wine:

Served on my United flight from Houston to Amsterdam. Deep straw color. Grassy lemon curd, damp river rock, and cream cheese. Dry, modestly tart palate, with moderate acidity.

Not terrible, but not my style at all. This is relatively monolithic.

5/21/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

Served on my United flight from Houston to Amsterdam. Very very deep magenta color. Blueberry muffin, sweet cream, walnut, and subtle maple syrup. Smooth, dry, plush palate. Full, lower intensity tannins on the medium long+ finish.

This is a bit extracted, but it’s an easy drinker, especially in the confines of an airplane.

5/20/2024 - AGELVIS Does not like this wine:

Served by the glass in United’s Polaris club in Houston. Very very deep purplish magenta color. Ripe strawberry, raspberry jelly, and buttered burnt toast. Smooth and nearly dry palate. ;) Full lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This is super extracted (more than Caymus). It’s an expensive porch pounder that is not as easy drinking in this poor vintage. On the bright side, I was impressed by the length of finish. Not my style at all these days. Decent party wine in a good vintage.

5/19/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

Two hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Stewed blackberry, chocolate malt, arugula, blueberry, burnt toast, and subtle butterscotch. Dry, satiny palate, with fine, lingering acidity. Full, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This needs a longer decant and/or more cellar time. It came across very Syrah-like. There was an underlying peppery vibe that I didn’t love. Overall this was a decent drinker, but it is not completely ready for prime time.

5/18/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Two and a half hour decant. Very deep dark electric magenta color. Blackberry, blueberry, milk chocolate, dark raspberry thumbprint cookie, and subtle bay leaf. Dry, plush, fine velvety palate. Nice, bright, lingering acidity. Satiny tannins on the long finish.

This is more exciting than my notes make it sound. The fruit is elevated, there is terrific structure, and there’s an overall refinement that hard to articulate. Drinking awesome right now and likely going to be better in the next two years.

5/17/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

90-minute double decant. Very deep dark magenta core, with more faded ruby color outside. Mushroom, milk chocolate, blackberry, cassis, waffle cone, and subtle candy corn. Smooth , dry palate. Full tannins on the longish finish.

This was the surprising WOTN at our monthly supper club. It’s definitely drinking at its peak for my palate. Excellent QPR here.

5/17/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

One hour double decant. Nearly opaque magenta color (i.e., no sign of age). Apple core, charred coconut, licorice, and cassis. Very dry, smooth palate. Firm, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish.

I’ve had two of these in the past year and neither was great. I bought 6 bottles of the ‘18. Here’s to hoping they don’t disappoint.

5/17/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

Two hour double decant. Deep dark vibrant magenta color. Anise, cassis , plum, rum cake, and marshmallow root. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the medium long+ finish.

The licorice was too dominant on this guy. It distracted from an otherwise solid Napa CS. I’ve enjoyed the baseline Bennett CS, but this is my first ever reserve (I think).

5/17/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

Two hour double decant. Very very deep intense ruby color. Black cherry, pomegranate, licorice, and subtle walnut and leather. Dry, velvety palate. Firm, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This is well made, but there’s not much that’s special or exciting about it. I was expecting more from Leonetti.

5/16/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Thirty minute double decant. Very very deep garnety ruby color. Blackberry, cassis, truffle-dusted chocolate ganache, fig, olive oil cake, violet, and subtle molasses. Dry, ultra plush palate, with fine, lingering acidity. Firm, medium intensity tannins on the long finish.

This has nice complexity, amazing mouthfeel, and lengthy finish. There’s also a coconut cream pie note that comes and goes. Not likely to improve further for my palate. Drinking in prime time these last two years.

5/15/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Very very deep magenta color. Charred beignets, vanilla caramel, and black cherry. Smooth, dry palate. Full tannins on the medium long+ finish.

5/14/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Very deep magenta color. Caramel green apple and black cherry dominate. Very smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This needed more air time. It’s more acid-driven than I expected. Paired very well with my lamb at Brennan’s in New Orleans. It had stiff competition at the table (‘16 Hourglass Blueline and ‘16 Diamond Creek).

5/13/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Deep ruby brick red color. Cinnamon, chamomile tea, chocolate, blackberry, and cassis. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, but soft tannins on the longish finish.

5/14/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Splash decant. Very deep dark electric magenta color. Blueberry, blackberry, chaparral-infused chocolate cake, honeysuckle, and subtle jasmine. Dry, silky, full bodied palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This took a moment to open up, but it was pure magic when it did. Kept improving over an hour of drinking. Enjoyed this at Brennan’s in New Orleans, which has an excellent wine list.

5/14/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Deep dark intense magenta color. Mushroom, baked apricot, blueberry cobbler, and subtle caramel-infused earth. Smooth, dry, rich palate. Soft, plush, tongue coating acidity. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.

First time trying this particular bottle (maker and vineyard). I was very impressed. Enjoyed this at Brennan’s in New Orleans. Very fun.

5/14/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Drank this as a pop-and-pour (PNP) and it was my favorite experience with this wine. This is what I’ll do with my last two bottles. No formal notes due to late night, but this had good fruit, full body, and nice structure. Stereotypical well made Napa CS. Drinks very well for its sub-$100 price.

5/14/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Five hour slow ox. Deep dark intense magenta color. Cassis, blueberry,… too tight to assess clearly. Dry, grippy palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This has terrific raw materials. It drinks pretty well with a full 3+ hour decant. With just a slow ox, this drinks very tight. Two or three more years should have this singing. Impressive QPR here.

5/13/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour slow ox. Very very deep magenta color. Toffee, black cherry, and subtle sage. Smooth, very dry, and surprisingly full bodied palate. Full tannins on the longish finish.

I was pleasantly surprised by the structure of this Zin. Drinks more like a Howell Mtn Zin (e.g., Outpost). Terrific acidity and length of finish. Enjoyed at business dinner in New Orleans.

5/13/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Deep ruby color. Bing cherry, anise, and cranberry. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This has a classic Pinot nose. It lacks some minerality, but is more elegant and complex than my notes make it sound. Enjoyed at Cochon in New Orleans.

5/13/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Three hour slow ox. Deep dark magenta color. Blackberry, sarsaparilla, semi-sweet brownie, and some minerality. Very smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This has evolved nicely since early 2022, when I first tried this at Vintners Collective in Napa. It’s even better with a two hour full decant. Excellent QPR by Napa standards.

5/12/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Deep dark, yet bright, magenta color. Blueberry pie and milk chocolate are the dominant notes. Smooth, dry palate, with satiny acidity. Full tannins on the longish finish.

Good, stereotypical Napa CS. Surprisingly simple, but certainly an easy drinker. Enjoyed at Luke in New Orleans.

5/12/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

One hour slow ox. Not so deep ruby color. Licorice, strawberry, raspberry, and tobacco. Smooth and very dry palate. Firm, gritty, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This is surprisingly bland. Not sure what I expected. On the positive side, the acidity is nice and long lingering.

5/12/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Pale golden color. Lemon meringue dominates. Dry, crisp palate, with good acidity.

5/11/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Deep dark magenta color. Cocoa, blackberry, blueberry, anise, lemon shortbread, and burnt graham cracker. Very dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This is well made for a second label (of Purlieu). It really needs a 1-2 hour decant to shine.

5/11/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Light golden color. Tart lemonade and cheesecake dominate. Dry, tart palate, with good acidity.

This isn’t bad, but it’s more tart than I like. Good overall structure.

5/11/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Two hour decant. Deep dark intense magenta color. Chocolate, blackberry, strawberry filled Bismarck, and red currant. Smooth, dry, full bodied palate. Full, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish.

5/11/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

90-minute decant. Deep dark magenta color. Black cherry, boysenberry jam, anise, sweet whole wheat dinner roll, and subtle coal. Very dry, smooth palate, with fine, slightly dusty acidity. Firm, full, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This has a terrific nose. Drinks like a CS, which is typical of thicker skinned “mountain Merlot”.

5/11/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Golden color. Butterscotch, mango, orange blossom, and pineapple. Dry and very creamy palate, with fine acidity.

This had nice overall structure. Score may be a little exaggerated because I had this with good friends at a terrific restaurant in New Orleans (Restaurant August).

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Three hour decant. Very deep dark magenta color. Blackberry, licorice, dark chocolate, black cherry, and slate. Smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This is drinking almost at its peak for my palate. This is a very impressive Pinot.

5/11/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Three hour decant. Very deep dark magenta color. Blackberry, licorice, dark chocolate, black cherry, and slate. Smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This is drinking almost at its peak for my palate. This is a very impressive Pinot.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Three hour decant. Plum, raspberry, lime rind, white pepper, limestone, poppyseed, and subtle toffee and orange rind. Super smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This is drinking almost at its peak for my palate. This is a very impressive Pinot.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Walnut, truffle-dusted chocolate, blackberry, plum, fig, and subtle spearmint. Very smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This has aged beautifully. I can hardly believe it.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Deep dark magenta color. Chocolate malt, blackberry, dark raspberry, crème fraiche, wild strawberry, and fennel. Smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

Shared this with friends and it drank really well with no aeration. It has aged nicely, but perhaps lost a small step (for me). My friends thought it was WOTN.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour double decant. Golden yellow color. Cinnamon, semi-sweet crème brûlée, peony, toffee, parchment, and subtle lemon rind and pine nut. Super creamy palate, with ultra fine acidity. Long linger.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Deep dark magenta color. Boysenberry, underripe plum, and strawberry pie. Smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the medium long finish.

This is solid, but not special. It’s surprisingly simple. Brought to a fun business dinner and everyone enjoyed it.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Does not like this wine:

PNP. Straw color. Grapefruit, minerality, and lime. Dry, zesty palate, with fine acidity.

This is a bit bland and lacks back end structure. Easy drinker nonetheless.

5/10/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Very deep dark magenta color. Cinnamon, chocolate, marshmallow, caramel, melon, black cherry, cashew, and dark raspberry. Smooth, dry palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This is one of the better Napa CS that drinks really well with little to no aeration. There’s a richness that belies its straightforward, fruit forward nature. It’s absolutely confectionery, but not out of control. It makes me feel a little cheap, but only slightly. ;)

5/9/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

PNP. Very deep ruby color. Tar, anise, earth, and dark fruit. Dry, satiny palate. Firm tannins on the longish finish.

This has good structure and is quite Rioja-esque. The oak is dominating at the moment, with fruit far in the background. This is better than I expected, but nothing to seek out.

5/9/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

One hour decant. Very very deep magenta color. Blackberry, brownie, fennel, and subtle orange rind. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This is good and modestly improved relative to the bottle I had more than a year ago.

5/9/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Two hour decant. Boysenberry, licorice, nutty chocolate, and blueberry. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.

This is Amizetta’s second label. Well made. Solid QPR.

5/9/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

PNP. Very deep dark magenta color. Blueberry jelly, milk chocolate, and caramel. Smooth, dry palate, with grainy acidity. Firm, full tannins on the medium long+ finish.

People who poo poo this wine are upset about how easy drinking it is, even for serious palates. I feel the same way, but I’m more honest. 😉 This is somewhat simple, but it’s enjoyable and has solid structure. Definitely built for drinking young.

5/8/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Two and a half hours decant. Very deep dark purplish magenta color. Blackberry, boysenberry jam, pumpernickel, milk chocolate, graphite, and subtle ginger snap. Velvety, tongue drying palate, with dusty acidity. Firm, medium intensity tannins on the medium finish.

Everything was better than my last bottle, more than a year and an half ago, except for the surprisingly short finish. Not sure what that was about. We’ll see what’s going on in another year.

5/7/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Two hour decant. Very very deep dark purplish magenta color. Blackberry, slate, violet, maple cookie, plum pudding, and subtle black pepper and meringue. Very dry, silky, full bodied palate. Fine, soft, yet lingering acidity. Plush tannins on the longish finish.

I had a bottle of this several months ago and it wasn’t as good due to lack of decant. Give this air and it really shines. It has an overall warmth and elegance to it, despite being on the heavier side.

5/7/2024 - AGELVIS wrote:

Served by the glass from screw top bottle. Straw color. Lemon curd, gardenia, orange sherbet, and subtle cream cheese. Dry, tart palate, with good body and acidity.

Had as a starter at our local steakhouse. I liked this ‘22 better than the ‘21 I had last year at the same restaurant. ‘22 might be a better vintage than ‘21 for whites in Sonoma and Napa. Recently had an Aubert that was really great. The reds are definitely worse.

5/5/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Two hour decant. Very deep dark electric magenta color. Blueberry, blackberry, dried pomegranate, custard, brownie, and licorice. Super smooth, dry palate, with fine, satiny acidity. Full, plush tannins on the longish finish.

What this lacks in complexity, it makes up for in pure drinking pleasure. It surprisingly balanced despite what the descriptors may suggest.

5/6/2024 - AGELVIS Likes this wine:

Three hour decant. Very deep dark super intense magenta color. Blueberry cobbler, violet, plum, milk chocolate, dried apricot, sage, and subtle pistachio. Dry, plush, full bodied palate, with satiny acidity. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.

This is quite masculine. It was not as exciting as my previous bottles (6+ months ago). An excellent drinker nonetheless.