So I bought a cellar

Tasted Saturday, November 12, 2022 - Tuesday, December 31, 2030 by Gregmonroe with 544 views

Introduction

A local wine and food writer, teacher, and enthusiast passed away, and through a connection, I was able to purchase her cellar of about 300 bottles. Most are from the 1980s and 1990s, and about 50 are big names, and the rest are smaller wineries, some of which don't even exist anymore. So my goal is to write a note for each of the wines - whether about how it tastes, or what we were doing when we tried it - and keep track of the wines from this purchase.

Flight 1 - Test Bottle (1 Note)

Before I fully agreed to buy the cellar, I wanted to test a bottle to see its condition. I found a recognizable name, an old vintage, and a wine that typically isn't built for age. My hope was that it would be in good condition regardless of taste.

  • 1989 Caymus Zinfandel

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (11/12/2022)

    Opened with an ah so. Cork was in good condition, and bottle full was about normal, cork only about 1/2 saturated, but soft when removed. The wine had a good amount of bricking in the glass, and was fairly light in color. Nose of stewed fruits, all tertiary. Palate was sour cherry and cooked fruits, and fell off pretty quickly as it opened up in the glass. This one is certainly past it’s prime, but fun to drink from this well stored bottle.

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Flight 2 - Celebration bottle on picking up the wine (1 Note)

Shared with my friend who had the connection, and sort of "brokered" the deal.

  • 2000 Quintessa

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

    (12/11/2022)

    From half-bottle. Beautiful color, and was able to do a true comparison, as I had the 2016 Quintessa the night before. Well integrated fruits - cooked fruits, not quite stewed, and certainly not fresh, but really really well integrated flavor and structure. Tannins were present, and we did not have any food, but the tannins just added to the complexity of the wine. I couldn't believe how good this was from a 375. My wife, who doesn't typically like older wine, loved this one. I have one more half-bottle - a 1999, and I'm excited to try it.

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Flight 3 - First bottle(s) while taking inventory (2 Notes)

  • 1992 Fritz Winery Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (12/18/2022)

    As I was inventorying wine, and adding to the new wine closet, I pulled this one, and the cork was pushed in about an inch. So I didn't think it was worth storing - so I opened it, expecting it to be vinegar. But it wasn't. Upon opening, it was full of stewed red fruits, and really pretty tasty. About 15 minutes of air time really hurt it though. It went down fast. But stewed raspberry, and cherry, maybe some pomegranate. It was a fun one to open, and quite the surprise. A winery I had never heard of, good to see this winery still exists.

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  • 2008 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (12/18/2022)

    Deep purple in color, cork in perfect condition. This one was good, but not overly memorable. It had the red fruits you would expect in a cab, but I've had much better 2008s - though there was nothing at all wrong. It was not a big cab, which Switchback wines typically are, and the fruit, while prevalent, was mixing with some tertiary flavors. A good wine.

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Flight 4 - Drinking the cellar (91 Notes)

  • 1995 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (12/23/2022)

    Opened this one after getting all the wines in the new wine closet, that came with the wines. The CT notes indicated that this one was still in a good spot. I agree, though it is at the end of a good spot. Upon opening, there was an ever-so-slight cardboard smell/flavor, that blew off quickly, revealing stewed red fruits. The color was still there, with only slight bricking. I loved the 13.5% alcohol, was nice to have a CA cab blend at that level. The red fruit actually opened up with air, and the wine seemed a bit younger about 30-45 minutes after opening, and held there for about 2 hours. Hours 3 and 4 though, was too much air, and became more cooked/stewed fruits. Lots of sediment, and did not decant. Good wine and fun experience. This one was not my wife's cup of tea.

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  • 2017 Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir Two Creeks Vineyard

    USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

    (12/22/2022)

    I had higher hopes/expectations for this wine. It was fine, but did not have the complex pinot flavors that I expected. It was light in color, with a slight earthy nose, but had sort of that liquid smoke aroma/flavor that I get with CA pinots that I don't like. There is some left, so I'll see how day 2 goes.

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  • 1979 Robert Mondavi Winery Pinot Noir

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (12/23/2022)

    This one was definitely over the hill, but fun to try. The fill level was slightly low - and when I pulled the fully saturated cork I could see why. There was no seepage, but the cork was full of wine. And nasty and moldy at the top. Needed a Durand, but used a waiter’s cork screw with an ah so, and got it out in two pieces. Poured into a decanter to strain, and there was some red, but most of the color was gone and it was brown-ish. Barely any fruit, and lots of old leather, wet leaves, etc. I think this is a 1979, from my CT label research, but the vintage part of the label had been scraped off from storage.

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  • 2006 Byron Pinot Noir Monument

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley

    (12/28/2022)

    This wine is showing really well right now. I poured a glass for my wife and said guess how old - she thought it was a 2015 or 2016. Which is exactly where I would have pegged it. I can’t believe how fresh it is. No bricking at all, nose of bright red fruits and fairly transparent in the glass. Flavors of sweet cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry, with a slightly Smokey finish. Another winery I had never heard of, but still exists. This wine - Moniment - is a blend of their top barrels, and the label says their highest quality release. It certainly beat all of my expectations.

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  • 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (12/31/2022)

    Wow - immediately upon opening, a super hedonistic, red fruit, in your face nose. This wine is really fresh, and if in its drinking window, then early. It tasted as amazing as it smelled and was a hit with the ladies tonight (the non-wine-nerds). Nose of blackberries and dark, soaked cherries, like the best maraschino, with a similar palate. When comparing to a 2008 Pontet Canet and a 2008 Branon, it was typical napa vs bdx. But tasted amazing. A great wine.

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  • 1984 Renato Ratti Barolo

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    (12/31/2022)

    According to cellar tracker, I have the only bottle. I don’t know why this is - barolos last forever right? This one still has more time. Dusty red fruit - and not fresh but also not stewed, just in a good place, with minor tannins still there. I had 0 expectations for this bottle. But wow - with some aged cheddar, or a cracker with goat cheese and cherry preserves, it was amazing. What a great bottle and great experience. My guests thought the same, even though most prefer younger wines.

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  • NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée

    France, Champagne

    (1/1/2023)

    This was a gold label, and the one I set aside for NYE 2022. And it was amazing. So the gold label is from 1994-2005, I think. It has been in bottle for a long time, and in magnum. I expected oxidized with little to no bubbles. This one was perfectly oxidized, deep gold in the glass, and still had lots of tiny bubbles in the center of the fluted glass, as Krug typically does. An amazing wine and showing, one that I expected most of my guests to not like, but it was so good and everyone approved. I think this was the oldest bottle aged champagne I’ve ever tasted.

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  • 1995 Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (1/21/2023)

    The cork on this bottle was fairly saturated, and I should have used a Durand, but only had an ah so where I opened it. Cork broke. But the wine inside was great. Still deep red in the glass with only slight bricking around the edges. Lots of red fruit on the nose, and no musty smell at all. On the palate, more red berries - cranberry, sour cherry, and a bit of leather. Certainly in a tertiary phase, but it tastes great, and I like this one better than the 1995 Georges de Latour Private Reserve that we had a few weeks ago. This one does not have the stewed fruit profile that that one did. This one has a 20 Second finish. Really enjoyable wine.

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  • NV Ficklin Vineyards Tawny Port Aged 10 Years

    USA, California, Central Valley, Madera

    (1/21/2023)

    I really had no expectations here. Never heard of this, and $18 CT value did not give me hope. What I loved though, before tasting, was that the label called it a Port, and it was from Madera, in California. Not spelled the same I realize, but as confusing as they intended I’m sure. I have no idea how old this is. No indication that I can figure out of when it was bottled. In the glass, it is brown, with decent clarity. Looks like a thick, old, Barolo. Of course, it does not smell like that. Carmel and brown sugar on the nose, and thick and syrupy on the palate, with more caramel, with maybe some underlying fruit there. My kids love the Harney & Sons Paris tea with some simple syrup and milk. That tea has fruity notes, which remind me of this wine. Not bad, and I’ll update if it changes over the next few weeks as I drink through this bottle.

    Edit - just finished the bottle over 4 months. It didn’t ever improve from first impression, and at the end (open too long for sure) it is a bit harsh.

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  • 1993 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    (1/27/2023)

    This wine was fantastic last night. Opened at our 4th Friday gathering. I opened with a Durand, but the cork was in great condition and probably would have been fine with an ah so. Popped and poured, and that was all that was needed. So thank you CT notetakers, y’all steered me right. Beautiful crimson in the glass, with a nose of slight menthol, maybe some cedar, and red fruit. Soft mouthfeel with very mild, but noticeable tannins, and dark cherry, maybe a little mocha and coffee, and just a pleasure to drink. We had it without food, and it was great. Definitely not a big wine, and any red meat would overwhelm it. It was the wine of the night for me, against some stacked competition. I wish I had more bottles of this.

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  • 2012 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside & Benchland

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (1/30/2023)

    This wine is really tasty. Popped and poured, and red fruits on the nose. Perfect color and clarity, with no bricking. No detected sediment on the initial few pours. The bottle says cranberry is part of the flavor profile, and it is correct. Not overly tart, but definitely a cranberry dominant flavor, with maybe some sweet cherry mixed in. Barely noticeable tannins, but decent acidity, and should hold up well with food. But it’s pretty good by itself.

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  • 2012 J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Misterra Russian River Valley

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (2/1/2023)

    Another one I had no expectations for. 90% pinot noir, 6% pinotage, and 4% pinot meunier. I love that they list the blend. First, for context, my wife wouldn’t drink it. She said it was stinky and sour. She has a very good nose, but doesn’t like old wine and tertiary flavors typically. I, on the other hand, thought the nose was good. No barnyard, or anything off putting, just some slightly stewed fruit, and a cranberry mix. Maybe a woodsy cranberry. Palate was similar, and reminded me of cran-cherry juice. There is still some acid, no tannins, and some fruit left. Time has not been kind though, it has fallen off after a couple of hours. Not one I need another of, but a decent showing and nice surprise.

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  • 1990 Antinori Tignanello

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (2/17/2023)

    Sadly corked. I opened at home before the wine tasting, and didn't notice the corked smell, it just didn't really have a nose at all. When poured into the glass though, there it was. I've had corked wines that were much worse, but this one was not drinkable.

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  • 1973 Monimpex Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos

    Hungary, Tokaji

    (2/18/2023)

    Wow - what a great, syrupy, prune-y wine experience. I've only had Tokaji a handful of times, so didn't know what to expect. But guesses at the table ranged from old, dry sherry, to port, to Tokaji. Several nailed it. This one is fun and in a good spot. Went excellent with the pecan pie.

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  • 1990 Château Angélus

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (2/18/2023)

    I had high, but reserved expectations here. Of the wines I opened, this cork was in the worst condition. Fully saturated, and something nasty and black on the top. I don't think there was any wax seal under the foil, but it was something more than mold or seepage. I cleaned that off as best I could, and opened with the durand. Nothing else would have worked...But the nose was good. Very little to no barnyard or funk, and muted red and black fruit. Test pour was nice. Left open for a few hours, then brief decant before serving. This wine was certainly the biggest wine of the night, with a deep red fruit profile, and strong, mouth-drying tannins. It was not the best Bordeaux or Bordeaux-experience I have ever had (that was either a 2000 Cheval Blanc or a 2000 Pavie) but was this was the WOTN for most people. This wine can go longer.

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  • 1990 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    (2/18/2023)

    Upon opening a slight barnyard smell, but that blew off pretty quickly. Initial test taste revealed a decent red fruit profile, without the earthiness of the nose. After sitting open for a few hours, then a quick decant, all of the barnyard blew off, and the nose became more of a leather/earth/red fruit profile. The tannins were still quite strong, and the red and black fruit on the palate were still fresh. Decently long finish. Maybe not quite the experience as some other recent tasters on CT, but a great showing in the lineup.

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  • 1990 Antinori Solaia

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (2/18/2023)

    This wine still has life. A muted nose upon opening, but red fruit on immediate first pour. So open bottle for a few hours, then a brief decant, before serving. Once served, a bigger nose, with leather and red fruit. Plenty of fruit on the palate, but still the leathery goodness expected from an older Italian. The wine held up well, and certainly held its own against the two Bordeaux that followed.

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  • 2002 Paraduxx (Duckhorn Vineyards) Canvasback

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (2/24/2023)

    I had a 1999 of this blind a few weeks ago, and while it was probably the least expensive on the table, it was my favorite. So I thought tonight was a good night to pop this one. From a sample bottle sent to the former owner upon or before release from the winery. Cork is in perfect condition, really no saturation. Wine is deep crimson, but with perfect clarity. Huge nose of blue fruit, plus sweet cherry, with a hint of alcohol in the background. A bit of aeration in the glass, and a slight barnyard on the nose, but still dominated by blue to red fruit. Flavor profile - without much air time - is a blend of blackberries and cherries. This one is heftier than the 1999 version. I think I called that one a bordeaux but I would be in the new world here, and would probably guess a 10 year old CA Syrah. There is some back tea on the finish. Blend of Zinfandel, cab sauv, and merlot. Really tasty.

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  • 1999 Quintessa

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

    (3/8/2023)

    From a 375 - popped and poured. Decent bricking in the glass, but relatively transparent with an orange hue. Nose of mushroom, leather, cranberry, some stewed fruits, prune, raisin. Initial taste is almost like a port, without the sweetness. The cranberry carries through - this one is fully into tertiary territory, much more so than the 2000 we had a few months ago. Larger bottles are likely in better shape. Good, but showing its age.

    Edit - with a little more air, nose of cigar box, and prunes. Decent acid, and well integrated tannins.

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  • 2008 Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (3/23/2023)

    Coravin pour. I was a little worried because the cork is fairly short, but it looked in good condition. No issues using the coravin. Still deep red and opaque, with only the slightest bricking along the edges. Nose is still full of fruit, though not strong. No real leather, forest floor, mushroom, raisin, or other tertiary aromas. Sight nose of alcohol. Prevalent fruit on the palate, with maybe the slightest hint of EA. Blackberry, and a bit sour at the end. Long finish, still fairly strong tannins. I had no expectations here, and this is the first taste I’ve had from this winery - and I have quite a few of their wines from 1993 - 2018 - so I’m glad that this down-the-middle bottling is drinking so well. Fun to taste during an overtime sweet 16 game!

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  • 1997 Luce della Vite Lucente

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (4/11/2023)

    First time trying this wine. Opened with a Durand, and only due to user error, the cork broke. But the Durand pulled it all out nonetheless. Cork was not overly saturated, and only soft halfway up. So in great condition. Poured directly into riedel BDX glass. Immediate nose of leather and stewed red fruit. A lot of bricking, and almost brown, at least more so than red, in the glass. Especially compared to the 2015 Fisher Mountain Cuvee I poured for my wife, which had a big, sweet, black-fruited nose.

    Still decent red fruit on the palate - not sweet or fresh, but not all over cooked either. Still minor tannins, but soft on the palate. Maybe a bit of tomato, but mostly leathery cooked red fruit on the palate. Still somewhat enjoyable, though certainly past it’s prime. I would struggle with this blind. Doesn’t seem big enough for the Bordeaux blend that it is, but not dry enough to call a Sangiovese, and almost old CA pinot-like.

    Fun to taste.

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  • 1993 Château Angélus

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (4/14/2023)

    This wine showed well. Exactly as Expected.
    Lots of red fruit, but in a reserved way.

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  • 2014 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (4/19/2023)

    Screwcap. Gold - light straw in the glass. Stone fruit and slight lemon on the nose. Still acidic, but not bracing acidity. Fairly soft on the palate, with some lemon zest and stone fruit. Not bad for the age. I expected much less. So fun to try some of these wines that should have been enjoyed years ago. And I love all of the information this winery provides on the label.

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  • 2010 Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    (4/23/2023)

    Poured at first from a coravin, then just opened it. Initial nose is a bit of juicy fruit, and still straw/green in the glass. I bet the color is pretty close to how it was upon release. On the palate, a touch of sweetness, fairly low acidity, and a little bit sour on the finish. Better to be enjoyed 5+ years ago, but still holding its own.

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  • 1985 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut La Grande Dame

    France, Champagne

    (4/28/2023)

    Opened for a friend’s birthday gathering. And this didn’t disappoint. A very faint pop upon opening, and first pour had a decent mousse and quickly disappearing bubbles. Gold, and brighter than I expected, in the glass. After the ‘79 shramsberg I tasted, I have old champagne on my palate. This was that. Still good acidity, and nose of butterscotch. Not overly oxidized. A bit flat, as each other pour had no bubbles, but a good showing for what it was, and a great experience. Happy Birthday Dan!

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  • 1994 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna del Fiore

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    (4/30/2023)

    Cellar Tracker tells me there is one more of these in someone's cellar. Well if well stored, it is still in pretty good shape. I pulled the cork with an ah so, and it came out with no problems. Really no seepage to speak of. Poured a deep red into the glass, but still nice clarity. Nose of red fruit, leather, stewed fruit, and some slight earthiness, but no real barnyard or funk. Slight bricking along the edges, but otherwise looked in really good shape. On the palate, it was tertiary at first taste, but a little bit of air in the glass brought out red fruits + saddle leather, and the second and third glass were even better. Sort of fell off at the end however. But some medium term air helps this wine. A fun experience, and first with this producer, which has a long history.

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  • 2013 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (5/11/2023)

    Balance. No expectations going in, but looking for some fruit to go with the bratwurst we grilled for dinner. I loved pulling the cork and learning about the cork forests from which it came. And the year it was harvested. And excellent information on the label about the wine.

    This hit the spot. Deep red, with some clarity in the glass. Nose of blue/red berries, with a slight plum, and no alcohol. High, fresh fruit on the front end of the palate, with a bit of prune at the back end. Very balanced tannins, and no heat. First glass was the best, as this fell off a bit toward the end of the bottle, but perfect for a quickly put together hot dog and brat dinner on a Thursday night. I have 2014 and 2018 in the cellar and look forward to those.

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  • 2014 Trione Sauvignon Blanc River Road Ranch

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (5/17/2023)

    The sticker on the back says 1837 cases made, and CA retail price $23, upon release. I had high hopes after drunkencyclist’s review - even though that was 2 years ago. Short story is - it has held up. Light gold in the glass with the slightest greenish tint. Immediate nose of grapefruit, which is almost sweet in that California sauv Blanc style. Background alcohol smell, mixed with lemon. Still decent acidity, but still a bit flat on the palate. The acidity makes me want more, but the mouthfeel otherwise is not what it once was I’m sure. Flavors of slightly sweet lemon, with a hint of grapefruit. Seems better the colder it is. Overall I’m impressed by this $23 nine year old wine, that was intended to be drunk 6 or 7 years ago.

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  • 1997 Melini Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneti La Selvanella

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    (5/19/2023)

    Took a flyer here while cooking meat sauce. Opened with an ah so, and the cork was in good condition, with only slight seepage. The wine poured a nice red, with good clarity and some bricking. A muted nose, and slightly musty. A bit of wet cardboard on the palate, with dry, red cherry behind it. So slightly corked, but it did improve some over time. The fruit is definitely there, and is tart cherry with some earth, truffle maybe and leather. But the slight wet cardboard, while not overpowering was in the way. I have three more bottles, plus half of this one to try tomorrow. We’ll see how it is on day two.

    Edit: still corked. Hopefully the other three are in better shape.

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  • 1998 Penfolds Shiraz RWT

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    (5/28/2023)

    Wow - this wine showed well. Opened a few good ones with friends after they hosted us for the Charles Schwab challenge at colonial. This followed the Jonata Flor, with takeout Indian food.

    I opened with a Durand, but the cork was in good condition. A little soft, but very little seepage. Initial musty nose that blew off fairly quickly, but the nose otherwise was not strong or distinctive. Maybe a bit alcoholic, and I was concerned about EA. But the palate was much different. Prevalent blue and black fruit, with a bit of a prune/leather undertone. But the fruit was first. A little sweet before food - which I think was inline with the style at the time, and looking for Parker scores - but with the spicy-ish Indian food, it was a perfect match. Complex with a decent finish, lots of sediment at the end, and the last glass was a bit more pruney after several hours of air. Overall a great experience.

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  • 2003 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (5/26/2023)

    Opened at 4th Friday gathering with my wine group. Opened with an ah so, but didn’t need to. The cork was in great condition, only a small amount of seepage. The fruit on the nose was present, but it smelled a bit musty early. Air helped. The mustiness blew off some, and it tasted like it should - a mid level, older Napa cab. Plenty of fruit, with tertiary aromas and flavors. Still good. I was worried because it was not a reserve. But an older Mondavi almost always performs. This one did for sure.

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  • 2015 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (6/2/2023)

    We had the 2014 of this a few weeks back, and both my wife and I really enjoyed it and were impressed at how it held up. I don’t like this one as much. Leaning more to the grapefruit and peach side, and maybe a bit watered down. I have a few older white bdx that are past their prime, and this one reminds me of that. A bit of a musty smell behind the stone fruit on the nose.

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  • 2014 Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc Dry Chenin Blanc Wilson Ranch

    USA, California, Central Valley, Clarksburg

    (6/2/2023)

    This is ok. No nose when cold, but as it warms, maybe a little more aromatic than flavorful. But some mineral flavors, and lemon. Dry, like it says. Ok wine. Held up decently.

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  • 2008 Château L'Arrosée

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (6/6/2023)

    Coravin pour - cork in good shape. Deep red in the glass, a bit of funk and barnyard on the nose - not overly attractive. But deep red fruit under the funk, and is opening with air. Soft tannins, and a nice, long finish. Quite different from the 2012 Pontet-Canet tasted just before. This one is meatier, fuller, and bigger, even with less tannins. I don't love the funk in this one, as it somewhat overpowers the other flavors of the wine.

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  • 1995 Glen Ellen Viognier Expressions Flawed

    USA, California, Central Coast, San Benito County

    (6/13/2023)

    Corked. Dead and gone. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a dessert wine so past it’s prime.

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  • 1990 Château Batailley

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    (6/13/2023)

    I had low expectations coming in. My only experience with this chateau was with a 1981, which was well past its drinking age. This one, however, was good. Pulled the cork and filtered into a decanter. So not too much air. Complex, no. Low tannins, and at first tasted like an old wine. Light cardboard. But that blew off, and the fruit showed itself. So fruit prevalent, but not overly complex. No tannins, low acid, older fruit, and relatively short finish. Good, not great, but still holding on.

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  • NV Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley

    USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

    (7/5/2023)

    So this was fun. I don't know how old this bottle is. At NYE, I opened a Krug NV, and was able to research the label, to determine that the NV bottle was from 1994 - 2005, because it was a gold label, and that is the time-period in which Krug used a gold label on their Grande Cuvee. There are no blogs that I could find that detail which labels were used by Roederer Estate during certain periods. Makes sense for an inexpensive, available bottle. What is really interesting, though, is that the Krug and this bottle had the exact same cork - both said FORTIS EXPORT on the top with a little castle. On the stem, the Krug says CHAMPAGNE and KRUG, while the Roederer says nothing. And on the bottom, each cork identifies each winery. And the Krug cork, sitting in my cork bucket for six months now, looks exactly the same as this Roederer cork I pulled tonight. So I'm guessing these bottles are from the same general time period.

    This wine had only a tiny pop, or a small whoosh, when opened, and not a strong nose. When first poured, it was frothy, with bubbles everywhere, that quickly settled to one, slow stream from the center of the tulip glass, and were a bit bigger than what I expect for champagne. The bubbles lasted for the first half of the bottle, and were fairly non-existent in hours 3 and 4.

    The wine was a beautiful gold in the glass, certainly like an aged champagne. It has the nose that I can't describe, but can easily recognize, especially after my 1979 Schramsberg experience (which had no bubbles, but the same nose). A bit metallic on the palate, but definitely yeasty, bready, and cooked apple.

    What this lacked was depth. Which, to me, is to be expected. Short finish, almost a pop-rocks sensation in the mouth, even on the last glass, and a shallowness of the flavors listed above. Certainly not the Krug.

    But what a fun experience. I had no expectations going in. I have no idea of the provenance of this bottle, or when it was bought. It came with the cellar, and I'm glad it did.

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  • 1987 Domaine Jaboulet-Vercherre Crozes-Hermitage Rochefine

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage

    (7/14/2023)

    Low expectations here. But fill level was perfect or near so. Took the foil off (it was thick and heavy), and the cork looked in good shape. Used an ah so to open. I could hear the seal break as I inserted it, which was a good sign, and the cork came out fully intact, with only about 1/2 soaked. Fruit initially on the nose, with a slight must. Definitely bricking once poured in the glass. With 20 minutes of air, it opened up to really a fruit juice - maybe a prune juice mixed with cherry juice - profile. No tannins, very slight acidity. Certainly past it’s prime, but obviously well stored, and in as good of condition as I could imagine. Fairly tasty, and very drinkable. A fun surprise!

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  • 1979 Gaja Barbaresco

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

    (7/16/2023)

    Had decent expectations here, after reading CT notes. Brought to a friend’s house, as this is a birth year wine for him. Opened about 3 hours before heading over. Cut through the thick foil, and had to clean the top of the bottle. Fairly nasty. Once clean, used a Durand to pull the cork. Even with the Durand, I left a quarter inch of the cork in the bottle. The cork was soaked - like could wring wine out of it. But no musty smell, only fruit. Poured a tiny sample, and was pleased. Found an old krug cork, loosely closed it up, and put back in the cellar.

    Took to friend’s house, and drank after a 00 Chardonnay. Poured really brown in the glass - but was what I expected. I love how Nebbiolo will sometimes pour brown, but then liven up toward more red with oxygen. It needed air, as after an hour of being open, and oxygenating in the glass, it was great. Tasted amazing after some grilled beef fajita meat, and also pretty good by itself. Lots of cedar mixed with other sour cherry, but not overly stewed fruit. Surprisingly youthful. A really fun experience, and exceeded all of my expectations.

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  • 1992 Jacob's Creek Shiraz Cabernet Flawed

    Australia, South Eastern

    (7/20/2023)

    Haven't opened or tasted, but the liquid in the bottle is clear - which is a problem for a cabernet/shiraz blend. Another bottle of this looks normal, so I'll open it tomorrow and actually taste.

    Edit - vinegar.

    Bottle No. 01251

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  • 1992 Jacob's Creek Shiraz Cabernet

    Australia, South Eastern

    (7/21/2023)

    Bottle number 01245. This one is not vinegar, but it is not very good either. Not flawed, just way pst it’s drinking window. I have never heard of this winery, but it is still around. Seems to be the predecessor to yellow tail, before that wine came to market? Very light in the glass, heavy bricking, stewed fruit. Musty nose.

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  • 1998 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Stonewell

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    (7/21/2023)

    Finally a good Aussie after a few tries for the USWNT game in Australia. This one needed a bit of air, but with a double decant and time, it was great. Dense black fruit, with a slight prune -y nose. A friend said it tasted like blackberry jam. It was a bit sweet, but when paired with hatch chili burgers, it was on point. Deep dark in the glass, prunes and black fruit on the nose, blackberries and spice on the palate. Really enjoyable.

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  • 2003 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Martin Stelling Vineyard Oakville

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (7/22/2023)

    Pulled for a homecooked bone in ribeye dinner. Cork looked in great shape, but broke when pulling with an ah so. The wine had an ever so slight musty smell for a few seconds, that opened up to red fruit from the bottle. First pour was deep red, with slight bricking. Still decent tannins, but not in your face, and balanced red fruit on the palate. Hint of vanilla and oak. A decant has helped open it up a bit. Long, lasting finish. A very nice wine, that I expect will go well with dinner.

    Edit - time in the decanter helped this, and it was amazing with a steak. The existing tannins cut through the meat, and balanced acidity shone through. Very nice.

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  • 2008 Penfolds Riesling Thomas Hyland

    Australia, South Australia, Adelaide

    (7/25/2023)

    Screwcap. Poured almost a neon yellow, with some depth of color. Nose was varietally correct, some petrol. Lemon-y on the palate. It was a decent wine, probably better when younger, as it lacked depth or any finish, and the acidity was fading and became more watery as it warmed in the glass.

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  • 2008 Castello Banfi Chianti Superiore

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Superiore

    (7/25/2023)

    I think the CT suggested drinking window is probably spot on for this one. I bet it was pretty good in 2014. But it is past that point now.

    The bottle was in good condition, cork in perfect condition. Nose of cherry and leather - typical enough for a sangiovese. But on the palate, it is fairly flat. Very little tannins and very little acidity. Not overly bad, just not very good.

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  • 2007 Valley of the Moon Port Late Bottled Vintage

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    (8/7/2023)

    I've never heard of this winery or this wine, so this is my first taste of this. I don't know how it tasted when released. But 16 years later, it seems like it is a decent effort, though not equivalent to a vintage port. I guess it is just late harvest, and not fortified.

    It really tastes like a super over extracted pinot noir, plus some prune flavors. It's not bad, and better than another California "port" I had last week, but I'd still rather have the real thing. Fun to try, and decent.

    Edit - on day 3, this has improved. Since it is not fortified (I don’t think), I was worried about oxidation, but it has improved. High alcohol, but a smoother finish.

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  • 1983 San Saba Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Monterey County

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (8/11/2023)

    I had no expectations here. Brought to a Friday night at the wine storage to make my friends try. I also opened an Outpost Immigrant. The fill was good, and cork was not overly saturated. But it did come out in two pieces. This was like smelling and drinking a green pepper smoothie. Just green pepper on the nose and palate. I mean - if that is a flaw, it had it. If that is too much cab franc, then I don’t know. But fun to taste - and make others taste with Promontory, saxum, and you name it on the table.

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  • 2002 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707

    Australia, South Australia

    (8/16/2023)

    Wow this wine was good. Decanted for four hours and immediately upon pouring into the decanter the room filled with spicy red fruit aromas. Deep and dark in color. Complex nose of baking spice and fresh red fruit. Black pepper was prevalent, with some woodsy flavors, but the fruit dominated. Still had decent tannins. A big wine, that did not disappoint. I will seek out more.

    Bottle No. 76184

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  • 2006 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/16/2023)

    I opened this a little over 4 hours before the tasting began. I didn’t decant, as I didn’t know if it would be fragile or not, based on other reviews. Upon arrival to the tasting, it was poured into a decanter, and had a slight musty smell that I didn’t notice at home. But after a short time in the decanter, and some time in the glass, this opened up to a beautiful, fresh, balanced, integrated cab. Lots of fresh red fruit on the nose and palate, noticeable but integrated tannins. This wine is holding up well, really really enjoyable.

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  • 2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (9/7/2023)

    My 2011 Napa(ish) cab expectations are a bit green, restrained fruit, noticeable acid, and at this point resolved tannins. Except for that Promontory I had a few weeks ago - that was amazing.

    I opened this because I was looking for a 2011 - September is one of my kids’ birthday months, so I like to drink a few birth year wines during the month.

    CT says the value is $23. So I had no expectations here, other than something close to my 2011 expectations above. Cork was in great shape, fill looked normal. Opened with an ah so. Immediate nose of stewed red fruit from the bottle. Poured a deep red, and tasted old. Clean and no faults, but a bit prune -y and raisin -y, with a stewed and dried fruit profile. But no green pepper! With a bit of air, the wine became a bit more fruit forward, with some raspberry and dark cherry, but still not super fresh. Still has decent acid, but tannins are resolved and integrated. All that to say, this was probably better 5 years ago, and I bet was not green, but nicely fruit forward. After the wines from this winery we have had so far, I feel like this is a really nice, mid-level value winery where you almost can’t go wrong. The wines I have had have mostly been older than intended I’m sure, but all have been sound and pretty good. I don’t typically score, but probably an 88-89 is appropriate.

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  • 2009 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Arcus Estate

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

    (9/13/2023)

    Brought to an Oregon Pinot themed dinner. Beautiful color. Rough nose at first, but opens up after a bit. Compared to some of the other Oregon Pinots on the table - especially the 2013 Eyries, this one was a bit dark and dense. But not overwhelming or overly fruity. It had the spice and savory character of a burgundy, but the freshness and fruit of an American wine. I don’t know my Oregon wines well, but this was really tasty and fit the theme. Drinking well now, and maybe on the back edge, but some time left.

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  • 2013 L'Oliveto Chardonnay Barrel Fermented

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (9/16/2023)

    No expectations here. After throwing a surprise kid birthday breakfast party, then three kid soccer games, I have no energy. Finished a bottle of haliotide brut I opened the other night, which was a bit tired. Wanted an older Chardonnay after that. This one fits that description, but is mediocre at best. Slightly gold in the glass. Nose of caramel popcorn - which IS what I hoped for. But really thin on the palate, and almost watered down. Certainly similar caramel and buttery flavors - definite wood influence. But another fun taste from the cellar, from a winery I haven’t heard of.

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  • 1999 Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cépages

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    (9/24/2023)

    Opened for cowboys v. cardinals at classic wine, based on the most recent review from Rebs in Chicago. That review was spot on. The aromas and flavors were described perfectly, and matched my experience.

    This wine was in a fantastic spot. Still plenty of fruit, well integrated tannins. Still deep red in the glass, with only the slightest bricking. I did notice a slight metallic nose as it warmed, but was not distracting. My first Cinq Cepage and it did not disappoint. Still life for well stored bottles.

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  • 2011 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Robert Young Vineyard

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    (9/30/2023)

    My second older Chateau St Jean in a week. Just a coravin glass. Deep gold. All butterscotch on the nose. Burnt caramel flavors, but a bit watered down. I don’t know anything about this wine, but I doubt it was intended to live this long. That said, 2011 was a Chardonnay year and it mostly holds up. I’ll finish this bottle.

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  • 1985 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Cuvée

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (10/8/2023)

    This was a birth year wine for our guests who were in town - and I thought it would be fun to taste. I had pretty low expectations, but it was good, and got better with air and time. It smelled like an old wine, a bit musty, and stewed fruit, with a slight vegetal character. The palate was pretty similar at first, but as it opened, the fruit became a little fresher. It was tasty and a fun experience.

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  • 2007 Jarvis (California) Winery Cabernet Franc Will Jarvis' Science Project

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (10/10/2023)

    Opened with normal corkscrew, and cork broke, but most likely user error with the wax seal. Very little seepage. Immediate red fruit nose, with a slight musty smell. Deep red in the glass, very little bricking. A bit spicy (baking spices) on the palate, mixed with red fruit (raspberries), and slight green pepper, but not in an off-putting sense. Overall, a bit muted, but well balanced and enjoyable. Better a few years ago I’m sure, but still enjoyable now.

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  • 2003 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Klopp Ranch

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (10/11/2023)

    Brought to dinner at Foreign & Domestic in Austin TX. First, I taught the waiter how to use an ah so. Which this cork, while in good shape, needed, as it was soaked about halfway up. But it popped without issue, and even in the restaurant, sitting at the counter, the red fruit aromas were there. Upon pouring, it looked in great shape - nice mostly transparent red, with only slight bricking. A great red fruit nose, with no mustiness at all. Did not decant. On the palate, there was more red fruit, with raspberry and cherry, mixed with a hint of earth. The fresh fruit dominated the palate. No cola, no olive, but high acidity, ever so slight tannins and great flavors. It was well balanced, and a testament to good CA pinot. I think if blind, I would have called an older CA pinot, but probably 10 years old rather than 20. A really fun experience in a great small restaurant.

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  • 2002 Carlo Pellegrino Passito di Pantelleria

    Italy, Sicily, Passito di Pantelleria

    (10/11/2023)

    Brought to dinner at Foreign & Domestic in Austin TX. Had a t stopper, which thankfully came out fine. I had no expectations here. A beautiful tan/brown color. Aromas of maple and stone fruit, and flavors of honey and stone fruit, maybe baked apricot. When tasted after a bite of dessert, the sweetness was overpowered and it tasted like a sherry. Really enjoyable and in a good spot.

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  • 1996 Jean-Claude Boisset Corton

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru

    (10/15/2023)

    My beautiful wife is cooking boeuf Bourgogne for my birthday tonight. So I thought a fun, mature grand cru burgundy seemed the way to go. Good fill, and bottle looks in good shape. Opened with Durand, and the cork is in great shape, not as saturated as I expected. Nice transparent burgundy color (duh) with a good amount of bricking around the edges, and brownish tint. On the nose, musk, mushroom, and a bit of raspberry, maybe slight orange peel, but much more tertiary than primary. No decant, just letting breathe in the glass. Still good acidity and slight tannins. Leathery red fruit on the palate, a bit indistinguishable, maybe some cranberry, but definitely still some fruit there. Still in good shape. I assume this is the same Boisset family as in Napa, but I don’t know anything else about this bottle. No others in cellar tracker, and the only option in wine searcher is a 2017 in Paris for over $500 euros.

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  • 1985 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (10/27/2023)

    Slightly corked. Still tannic, and some fruit, but the wet cardboard, especially the longer it was opened, overwhelmed. This is my second experience where I didn’t notice it on first taste, but it was really prevalent after an hour or so. Still fun to open and make wine friends taste at the wine storage nights.

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  • 2008 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    (11/9/2023)

    This wine was really tasty. Nice color in the glass, very slight bricking. Great red fruit, fresh, some cluster and earthy notes. In a good spot.

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  • 2010 Dierberg Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley

    (11/9/2023)

    Spicy and Smoky on the nose, slight bitterness on the palate. Sweet and big fruit underneath, and bigger than the Oregon pinot before it, but not as good or balanced. Probably past it’s peak, with some stewed fruit on the palate. The smokiness was too much for me on the nose.

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  • 2007 Pacific Rim Riesling Vin de Glacière Selenium Vineyard

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    (11/9/2023)

    This was tasty - nice oily mouthfeel, deep gold in the glass. Not a strong nose, but delicious sweet flavor. Might not have called it a Riesling if tasted blind - it didn’t have that acidity and definitely no petrol. But tasty.

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  • NV Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve

    France, Champagne

    (11/23/2023)

    Laid in chalk 2009; disgorged 2016. Pretty light gold color, lots of bubbles, even in a red wine glass. Heavy yeast/bread on the nose, and not a lot of fruit so far. Maybe a hint of golden apple. Slight oxidation on the palate - which I love - and dry. But delicious white fruit, and what seems like a drier than brut level profile. A bit nutty as it opens up - maybe hazelnut and cashew. Fun pre-thanksgiving sip!

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  • 2009 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    (11/23/2023)

    Opened a few hours before thanksgiving dinner. Dark in the glass and initial nose of prunes and stewed fruit. It opened up a bit and was delicious with the food, and even so with some of the desserts. But overall, it was more on the stewed fruit/cranberry side and the longer it was in my glass the more it fell off. Didn’t finish my glass after my plate was empty. Drink up if you have them. The 2008 I had a few weeks ago was in better shape in my opinion.

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  • NV Taittinger Champagne Brut Réserve / La Française

    France, Champagne

    (11/29/2023)

    Not sure of the disgorgement date or other details. Nice gold color, plenty of bubbles, slight red apple and brioche. Down the middle style, and quite pleasing.

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  • 1985 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 3°

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    (11/29/2023)

    Last note on this wine was over 10 years ago. I’m here to tell you it is still going! Great, dark color in the glass, but muted nose. Served this blind as part of my wine hosting at Wednesday Wine Committee, so only brief notes. Delicious mix of fresh and cooked fruit, with a long lasting finish. Guesses ranged from old Napa Cab to Italian. I don’t think anyone guessed Spanish. What a fun wine to taste.

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  • 1985 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (11/29/2023)

    Served during my Wednesday Wine Committee hosting. I opened this at 7:00 am for the lunch, starting at 11:30. Super thick foil, and both bottles opened had fully or almost fully saturated corks. And a bit nasty on top. But both bottles smelled and tasted correct on first pour. At the lunch, after decanting and sitting on the table, the nose became gamey and meaty, but still (stewed) fruit forward on the palate. Quite a few Bordeaux guesses. It showed really well.

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  • 1987 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (11/29/2023)

    Served for my Wednesday Wine Committee hosting. Opened the bottles at about 7:00 am for the lunch. Both bottles had low fill lines, and after cutting through the super thick foil, I had to clean the top of the bottles because they were pretty nasty. Both corks were completely saturated, and it only worked with a Durand. Nose smelled ok, though not strong. Poured a tiny sip from each bottle - and one seems ready to go right then, so I quickly put a cork back in. The other I left open in the cellar for a bit. When poured, these wines were transparent red, with some bricking. Black tea was prevalent on the nose. There was still fruit and a slight hint of tannins on the palate, but definitely stewed fruit, with some tomato. Still showed pretty well, but it is definitely time to drink these if you have them.

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  • 1987 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (11/29/2023)

    Served for my Wednesday wine committee hosting. Cut the foil and the cork looked in good shape from the top. Much better than the two CDP bottles I had just opened. Corks were not fully saturated, though one had a hint of wet cardboard, and I was worried one of the bottles were slightly corked. When decanted and poured a few hours later, it seemed to work itself out. Definitely some bottle variation between the two I opened, but both were in decent shape. That said, these were the most tired of the lineup, in my opinion. Nose and flavors were mostly tertiary, with only a hint of old fruit in the background. Calls were all over the map, with most landing on either an old bdx or old Cali cab.

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  • 1995 Château Angélus

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (11/29/2023)

    Final red of my Wednesday wine committee hosting. It hurt to open two bottles - but sharing is what it is all about. I opened both bottles around 7:00 am and poured each into a decanter. Both corks were in great condition, fill was perfect, and nothing was off. These looked to be well stored, and maybe acquired directly. Definitely not an auction purchase. The nose was beautiful. Olive, tart cherry, slightest leather and earth. My tiny sip of each bottle was great. Poured back into bottle around 9:00 am and took to club. Poured into decanters to pour into glasses. This wine was different from the others. Obviously younger, but also much more complex, and at the beginning of its life rather than the end. I wasn’t able to take notes at the time, but it was delicious and had a minute plus finish. Most thought it was left bank first or super second. And really - it tasted more like a cab based wine. Really fun to serve and enjoy, but many years left.

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  • NV Penfolds Grandfather Fine Old Liqueur Tawny

    Australia, South Australia

    (11/29/2023)

    Served blind at my Wednesday Wine Committee hosting. The tiny cork broke - had a plastic top and a T cork. Got it out with the Durand. Decanted for a couple of hours starting at 7 am, before bringing to the lunch. An amazing caramel nose and color on first pour and taste. A bit hot, but that blew off by the tasting. This ended up being served with a cheese plate, which paired perfectly. End of the lunch, so not very detailed notes, but reminded me of an older vintage colheita port. No idea how old this bottle was, but it was delicious.

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  • 2010 Flora Springs Trilogy

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (12/10/2023)

    Drank over two nights. Had a weekend long kid soccer tournament, and wanted a nice glass. This delivered. Bottle looked in great shape. Pulled the cork with ah so, and maybe half an inch soaked. Tartartic crystals on the bottom. First pour - deep dark in the glass, with very little on the nose. First taste had decent fruit, and spices. As it opened, there was some cranberry, red currant, and baking spices. When in the glass for several hours, there is more prune, but without too much air, this is drinking nicely. Corked with a vacuum seal, and on night two, this is in a great spot. Cherry and cranberry on the palate, with more of a cooked fruit nose. Good tertiary aromas. It hit the spot.

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  • 1985 Antinori Tignanello

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (12/22/2023)

    This wine was delicious - for the first hour. It fell off pretty sharply after that. The cork was in good shape for an almost 40 year old wine. Poured red in the glass, with a good amount of bricking. Nose of leather and cherry. Similar profile on the palate - dusty cherry, leather, mushrooms. A fun experience.

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  • 1985 Lambert Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    (12/23/2023)

    I had no expectations here. The bottle was in great shape, and so was the cork. It poured red, with slight bricking. Mostly tertiary on the nose and palate, but some fruit left, and actually quite tasty. This one held up longer than the 1985 Tig I opened beside it. I had never heard of this winery before, but I’m glad to see they are still around, and made a nice bottle in 1985!

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  • 1990 Azienda Bricco Rocche (Ceretto) Barolo Prapò

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    (12/30/2023)

    I opened this and tasted before taking to nonna tatta - our fantastic BYOB Italian spot in Fort Worth. It was delicious on PNP. Maraschino cherries, delicious red fruit, with leather undertones, resolves tannins. Also great a few hours later, but air did not help this wine. If you have them, drink up and don’t decant. A great Barolo experience.

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  • 2004 Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District

    (1/6/2024)

    Big heavy bottle - took from the cellar and tried to use a fun antique basket to keep it on its side, but it didn’t fit. Oh well. Used a Durand to be safe, but cork was in great condition - 35% seepage maybe? Beautiful smell on the cork. Did not decant. Poured deep and dark. First sniff of initial pour was hot - I only smelled alcohol. Let it sit for 20 minutes and the fruit was there. Raspberry and cherry for sure. On the palate, fresh to cooked fruit. Certainly not all fresh. But in a good spot. Still some slight tannins. Pretty solid for a Saturday night while working a puzzle. Even my wife enjoyed it - and she typically doesn’t like wine older than 10 years. First of the Trefethen trove from the cellar I purchased.

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  • 2002 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (1/13/2024)

    I don’t think of Artemis as a wine to lay down for 20 years, so I didn’t know what to expect here. Used a Durand, and the cork came out in great shape. Upon first pour, it smelled like an old wine. A bit stuffy, barnyard, with a bit of red fruit underneath. First sip was underwhelming- but I followed this bottle over 5 hours. My how different the second half of the bottle was than the first. The flavor profile went from almost all tertiary with little fruit other than cranberry, to more fruit forward, with lots of fresh and maraschino cherry and some raspberry. So if you still have these, I recommend a short decant or double decant. I think if this were served blind, I would have called it a tired Bordeaux at first, and an older Napa cab by the end of the bottle.

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  • 2013 Trione Pinot Noir River Road Ranch

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (2/7/2024)

    Appropriate color in the glass, nose of mostly sweet fruit, decent red fruit in the palate, but not complex or overly interesting. Probably better a few years ago.

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  • 2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel Heritage Vines

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    (2/15/2024)

    Cork came out intact using an ah so. Immediate red fruit fragrance once pulled. Red/purple in the glass, sight bricking. Nose of raspberry, strawberry, other red fruit and a hint of alcohol. On the palate - fruit driven, but not overwhelming. Still decent tannins. Definitely some fresh summer strawberries on the palate. I like the bay leaf bitter finish note a previous reviewer said. That is certainly there. Tasty.

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  • 1994 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Estate

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (2/18/2024)

    Vinegar.

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  • 1997 Carneros Creek Winery Pinot Noir

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (2/18/2024)

    Way over the hill - though still a bit of acid, just no fruit.

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  • 1990 Château Belair (Dubois-Challon)

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (2/24/2024)

    Opened about 6 hours before dinner and tasted. Cork was fully saturated, and gross on top. The wine had a bit of a funk smell at first, that the slow ox with a loose cork helped. Fully integrated tannins, subtle red fruit. Good, and most people really enjoyed it. But time to drink if you still have this, I’m sure it was more lively in its past.

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  • 2001 Penfolds Shiraz Magill Estate

    Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Plains

    (2/24/2024)

    Popped and poured. Cork was in good condition. This bottle probably would have benefited from a decant. Was a bit musty, and had very muted fruit, that gained some heft as it sat in the glass. It was an end of the night pour, so no detailed notes. The last sip left in the bottle the next morning held up. A bit more red fruit coming through. Good, but I’d recommend a little air time before drinking.

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  • 2018 Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    (3/6/2024)

    68 cab sauv, 13 merlot, 8 Malbec, 8 petite Verdot, 3 cab franc. Nose of blue and black fruit mostly, with no tertiary aromas. Slightly hot on the palate, but well integrated tannins, nice blue and red fruit flavors, some oak, and tasty. Not a lot of structure, but a really enjoyable wine, and one made to share. Has plenty of time left.

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  • 1994 Trefethen Merlot

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District

    (3/16/2024)

    Pulled on a whim, on a rainy Saturday, with a clear calendar. Bottle fill was good, and used a durand to remove the cork. Cork was only about 50% saturated, and came out fully intact, with no problems. Popped and poured. At cellar temp, the nose was muted, but fruit forward. I expected it to be a lot more musty, but it wasn't. A bit vegetal, but still with decent fruit at the front. Still some tannins, and decent acidity. Nose expanded a bit as it warmed in the glass. Not bad! Falls off after 90 minutes or so though.

    Edit: Interesting note - the bottle says this vintage is Trefethen's first estate merlot. A success for sure.

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  • 2005 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon "1886"

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    (3/28/2024)

    I have not heard of this winery, but I liked the bottle so I decided tonight was a good night to try it. Was a sample bottle from the cellar I purchased. Sample sticker said just over 1900 cases produced, released in 2008, and release price of $95. 100% cab sauv. Used an ah so, but the cork (short cork) came out easily. Was in great condition, with almost no soaking. Poured a deep red in the glass with a nose of blue and black fruits though a bit of a dried fruit profile on the nose. Immediately tasted, and it was in pretty good shape. Fresh to cooked red fruit on the palate, with an ever so slight prune taste at the end. Still there, but well integrated tannins, good acidity. Was a bit thin though, to me. I think if I had tasted blind I would have called this a 10 year old CA cab, so it has held up quite well. Fun experience - and great looking bottle.

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  • 1990 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    (3/30/2024)

    My second experience with this wine. Opened at home with a Durand to make sure the bottle is good and double decant to remove sediment. Cork is in great shape, maybe 1/3 saturated. Poured a small taste. Nose of wet stone, mushrooms, olive brine, and slight barnyard. But mature red fruit mixed with a bit of leather and mushroom on the palate, soft to no tannins, and delicious. I’m excited to watch this one a little closer than when I served it at a blind dinner and experience it.

    As the night went on, this only improved. In a perfect spot. Beautiful red fruit, integrated tannins, and WOTN for many against a stacked competition. Drink up and enjoy.

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  • 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (4/7/2024)

    Brought to a restaurant in St. Barth, along with the 2002. Popped both and poured. Big nose of red fruit; poured a deep dark red. No bricking that I could tell. Soft tannins on the palate, and plush, velvety texture. But a little be thinner than the 2002. Both had very similar profiles. Delicious. 30th Anniversary bottling.

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  • 2001 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja El Montecillo Reserva

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    (4/12/2024)

    No expectations here. But very little Seepage on the cork, bottle seemed in great shape. Big fruit on the nose and palate, but that typical dry rioja feel. Very good.

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  • 2000 Joseph Phelps Le Mistral

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (4/20/2024)

    I’m really impressed by this. Opened with an ah so, and only moderately soaked cork. Nose of red fruit, but muted and light. Raspberry - maybe stewed - and other cooked berries, pie like, but not sweet. I had super low expectations, but this was nice. Certainly not improving, but if you have these, drink now with confidence.

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