Ripe and chewy with nice aromatics of cassis and fresh blackberry with a sweetish palate of dark chocolate with berry accents. A bit too sweet and California for me on this day, especially when drinking it next to a Chateauneuf de Pape.
Appreciated by my guests more than me - quite dark, concentrated and brooding (maybe a tad hot too). Flavors and aromas of chocolate, plum, dark fruits. Seemed pretty classy and held together all night and even into the next day.
And yet another bottle that was hitting on all cylinders due to a bit of bottle age (a theme on this night) ... elegant and polished with a variety of fruits shining through - blueberries, strawberries, plums.
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Really outstanding and a bit of a surprise to me because this isn't a particularly esteemed domaine as far as I know. Hit just the right spot for me with impeccable balance, well delineated fruits (dark and red berries), lively acidity, a distinctive finish of tobacco and herbs, and some complexity afforded by time in bottle.
Lovely gamay that also benefited from some bottle age ... lively acidity, concentrated cranberry and sour cherry flavors, earthy mushroom aromatics and a complex and long finish. A good starter before turning to some heavier hitters.
Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Friuli Colli Orientali
A real heavy hitter with a crazy dark color profile, massive tannins, but a balanced and delicious palate of dark cherries, black currants, and plum with some nutty accents. This seems like it could last for years but why wait.
2012 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Ripe and chewy with nice aromatics of cassis and fresh blackberry with a sweetish palate of dark chocolate with berry accents. A bit too sweet and California for me on this day, especially when drinking it next to a Chateauneuf de Pape.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 K Vintners Syrah The Deal Sundance Vineyard 90 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
Appreciated by my guests more than me - quite dark, concentrated and brooding (maybe a tad hot too). Flavors and aromas of chocolate, plum, dark fruits. Seemed pretty classy and held together all night and even into the next day.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2005 Elyse Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
And yet another bottle that was hitting on all cylinders due to a bit of bottle age (a theme on this night) ... elegant and polished with a variety of fruits shining through - blueberries, strawberries, plums.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue