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Wine Type Vintage Name Variety Locale Date Posted Score Helpful Comments More...
Red

2015 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard

Russian River Valley more

6/28/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 94 points

This wine is one of several Carlisle 2015s that seem to be a moving target. I.e., out of two bottles of the same wine, purchased from the same source, one will provide a much different experience than the other. I don't think it's bottle variation either -- maybe more like bottle...evolution?

Anyway, opened a bottle of this about six months ago, and it was pretty closed down. Very nice, and plenty of fruit, but not as generous as you'd expect. This bottle is freaking en fuego. Gobs of ripe raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and some orange peel trimming. Absolutely loaded with delicious fruit, but it's light and energetic, not jammy. One of the best zins I've had so far this year, and as always, a price that puts most other producers to shame.

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Red

2016 Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block

Russian River Valley more

6/26/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 96 points

Been following this bottle for the last eight hours or so. Off the pop my friend and I took first sips, followed by "WHOA", followed by some silence, followed by some mumbled descriptors, followed by more silence...

The wine is just profoundly good, although I'm not inclined to wander into "best Carlisle ever" territory, especially with the 2016s showing such a distinctiveness between each wine in the lineup. The past few vintages have given us wines of such increasing finesse and personality that picking the best ever is almost like picking your favorite kid. You just gotta love 'em all unconditionally.

This moved around a lot throughout the evening, but the balance between grace/power, rich/elegant, sweet/savory, etc. didn't waver for an instant. The score range was probably in the 94-97 zone, but I think that assigning it points as it stands today is less useful than the observation that this wine has the potential to fascinate for many years, and that its current accessibility and incredibly fair pricing make this one to buy by the case and follow now through ____ ....?

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Red - Fortified

1997 Smith Woodhouse Porto Vintage

Port Blend more

6/24/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

Second of three bottles. Drank the first in October 2017. In that TN, I wrote that the wine was still too young at 20 yrs old, and that this bottle next to me wouldn't get opened for another ~five years. No regrets re: jumping the gun, though -- tonight the tannins are slightly more resolved, and there's an almost tawny-like entry of caramel and nuts. Similar flavor profile otherwise -- chocolate, cherries, raisin, and the spiced apple that another reviewer mentioned.

Definitely still recommend putting another five or 10 years on this, but this time I'm way more optimistic about its potential. If everything goes right from here, this will turn into a classic VP and be a sleeper of the vintage.

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White

2016 Lichen Estate Pinot Noir Blanc

Anderson Valley more

6/22/2018 - tomherer Does not like this wine: 81 points

Recent LastBottle offering -- they billed it as the sort of wine that people will think you're cool for bringing to dinner, and also described it as, and I quote, "singularly fascinating". Well, it isn't. And I don't go to a lot of dinners where bringing white Pinot Noir buys you street cred, so this wine doesn't do a whole lot for me.

The palate is totally monolithic, with nothing but a salted lemon Warhead flavor to offer. There's actually some great intensity here, as the flavor pushes on and on, but if you're like me and don't actually enjoy how the wine tastes, this isn't much of a bonus. Overall this was a disappointment, as the wine isn't interesting, delicious, or even cheap. Would still like to try some other Lichen wines, but this one gets a hard pass.

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White

2014 Wrath Chardonnay Fermata

Monterey more

6/16/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

First time trying a Wrath wine. So far, so good. Fermata translates from Italian into stop or halt, which is to indicate that ML was stopped at about the halfway mark, presumably to create a "best of both worlds" profile that's rich and crisp at once. Mission accomplished imo, with the rich side being more tropical than buttery for me -- lots of coconut and pineapple, as well as banana, honey, and apple pie a la mode. Opulent finish with good length.

The style is probably too full-throttle for some, and even I wouldn't reach for it every day, but it's a great alternative to the ever-increasing number of "Flavor is a Flaw" chards out there. 91-92 pts -- very well-made wine that would be a fair purchase at SRP $35, but is a screaming deal at the NH monopoly's closeout price of $18.

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Red

2014 Whitehall Lane Tre Leoni Napa Valley

Red Blend more

6/3/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 91 points

Pleasant surprise here -- was a check-in gift at the Harvest Inn in Napa for a one-night stay. Generous gift, but wasn't expecting much from a comped bottle. But this is really delicious stuff, and a super fun blend, which isn't what I expect from the folks at WH. Not that they don't make great wines, but the ones I've tried have been play-it-safe Bordeaux styles. This has the Cab and Merlot, but also some Syrah and Zin. WH's site says it's mostly Cab, with smaller (but equal) part Merlot/Syrah, with a little bit of Zin splashed in. To me it tastes less like a mostly-Cab blend and more like a version of The Prison, albeit one that trades in its tank top for a collared shirt.

The wine is round and approachable -- a little bit of fine tannin, but soft overall. Crisp blackberry, raspberry jam, tobacco, and licorice. Not crazy complex as others have noticed, but the balance and length are terrific. Crisp, juicy finish hangs out 30+ seconds, and made this go great with pasta and red sauce. Awesome value from an O.G. Napa producer, and a fun alternative to the traditional style of wine coming from that valley.

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White - Sweet/Dessert

2016 Patterson Cellars Roussanne Late Harvest Yakima Valley

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6/2/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 96 points

Bottle five of five. Intended to stretch them out about a decade and only got six months -- prob a better indicator of how good this wine is than anything I can write here. Orig. purchased at the tasting room, and was totally blown away but unsure as to whether or not it was one of those times where the day's excitement added a few points to the score.

Opening this bottle a half year later in my decidedly-unexciting living room, safe to say that this is truly one of the best sweet white wines I've ever had. Seriously -- I can picture a lineup of my favorites with this in it -- Baumard, Guiraud, Chapoutier VdP, etc -- and the Patterson being in the top tier. 160g of RS/L and 12.8% ABV -- can't imagine the brix at harvest required to produce that much RS and alcohol..

There's a wall of stonefruit -- nectarine, apricot, white peach -- and it's stunningly fresh, with none of that canned fruit in syrup crap going on. From there, white grape juice, cut grass, white flowers, eau de vie, fresh green apple -- and green apple jolly rancher, and the sugared white grapefruit you have for breakfast. It can be several minutes before your toes uncurl and the flavors really start to fade from your palate. In spite of the high RS and ABV, there's plenty of acid to keep the finish pulsing along..

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Red

2015 WesMar Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

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5/28/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

Bottle two of two. Notes similar to 4/15/18, except that this was absolutely singing off the pop. Integrated, ready, delicious.

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Red

2006 Domaine Les Verrières Coteaux du Languedoc Clos des Soutyères

Red Rhone Blend more

5/26/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

Am in spring wine cellar cleaning mode and looking for a glass of something that's collecting dust to drink with lunch. Sort of remember buying this, but def. had forgotten it existed. Really impressed with the quality and the condition -- def time to drink up, but can't imagine this has declined much if at all.

The wine is full-bodied and wrapped in a really smooth/creamy layer of chocolate/roasted coffee bean. If this used to have tannins, it sure doesn't anymore. Inside is a core of cherry, blackberry, and plum. For all its richness, the wine finishes clean and savory, with menthol, roasted thyme, menthol, and just enough acid to keep you coming back.

Looks like this used to go for around 14 bucks; whoa. Had I known this was so age-worthy and delicious, would have bought a ton more, but have probably said that about 100 wines at this point. Thanks, hindsight.

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Red

2008 Ridge Monte Bello

Santa Cruz Mountains Red Bordeaux Blend more

5/21/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 94 points

Got a chance to take out one of my all-time favorite clients out to lunch today. He runs the sales organization for the largest wine distributor in New England, but is the last person that would ever let you know how successful he is. Thought it might be difficult to choose a wine for the occasion, but somehow, when I got down to the basement underneath our office...it pretty much picked itself. The wine today turned out to be just like the guest of honor, which if I had to describe both in just one word, it'd be...classy.

Beautifully mature and delicious (I'm talking about the wine now..), I'd recommend drinking now if you're down to your last bottle of two, but imagine this goes another decade at least. Classic MB profile of crisp red fruits, cinnamon, herbs, and dusty saddle, with a streak of creme anglaise. All beautifully integrated, with nicely-resolved tannins. Followed over the course of 10-12 hours, and it never stopped improving, so a slow-ox the day of should be worthwhile.

Of the MBs I've had over the years, not all have earned their reputation, but most have, this one included. Distinctive, elegant, and ready to enjoy today. Easy 94 for the wine; paired with today's company, 100.

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Red

2016 Carlisle Zinfandel Piner Olivet Ranches Russian River Valley

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5/18/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

PnP last night, and it was good, but somewhat loud and unsettled. Saved half a bottle for tonight, and it's way more pullled together. Blackberry, black cherry, plum, mesquite smoke, BBQ sauce, red apple, and Jolly Rancher. The acidity is focused like a laser and pushes the detailed, lightly-tannic finish on and on. Certainly ready to drink now if you don't mind a little volatility, but I'm going to try to not check in on my next bottle until 2020-22. 92 now, 94 if/when it settles into itself. Either way, the QPR and the authenticity (site and producer) here are just silly.

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White

2016 Carmenet Chardonnay Vintner's Collection Reserve

California more

5/7/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 88 points

Needed a glass of chard tonight, and nothing cold in the fridge, so got the cheapest thing in the grocery store cold case. For $9, would have heen happy with just about anything, but this is really good! More tropical than buttery — pineapple, coconut, lemon. Balanced, with a nice toasty finish. Good for a weeknight in or to bring to a party. Will repurchase.

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Red

2009 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard

Russian River Valley more

5/6/2018 - tomherer wrote: flawed

Trashed. Tempted to say over the hill, as it was all prunes and alcohol, although the recent reviews here are all glowing, so possibly flawed? Perhaps shouldn't have held onto something with such ABV for so long, but doesn't make this any less tragic.

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Rosé - Sparkling

2013 Rotari Brut Rosé

Vino da Tavola Pinot Nero, Pinot Noir more

4/28/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 89 points

Elegant and thought-provoking for 18 bucks. Great fizz, small bubbles, fresh red fruits. Some thyme and white balsamic give it a faint medicinal streak. Light-bodied, dry, and refreshing. Tastes young at five years old, and should go another five years before starting to fade. Terrific value.

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Red

2015 WesMar Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

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4/15/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

First bottle of WesMar for me. Been eager to try it, since every time I try a small producer that Air Guitar & Pinot Noir endorses -- e.g. Wren Hop, Drew, Kesner, etc. -- it ends up being a great discovery.

This time is no different -- terrific entry-level bottle of Pinot here, and so authentically RRV it's not even funny. Bright cranberry, fleshy plum, espresso, and barely-ripe strawberry balance out raspberry liqueur. Gets juicy as it unfolds, and introduces some midpalate bitter cola that goes on and on. Definitely does come off as "briary", as AG&PN mentions, but this blew off for me after ~30 mins of air. Balanced and delicious, and gotta love the WTSO price of around $30.

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Red

2016 Carlisle Syrah Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands

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4/11/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 96 points

Today was one of two occurrences of the most important day of the year -- Carlisle Shipment Day. Also, whatever I pulled out and tasted was going to be my 500th CT TN, so I asked Mike which one he'd recommend for the the occasion. Without a second's hesitation: "I’d do Sierra Mar. It’s smokin’ right now." Well, alright then, Sierra Mar it is.

Aromas are leaping out of the glass -- in addition to purple fruits and flowers, Tootsie Rolls, herbs dP, and homemade BBQ sauce. On the palate, have to agree 100% with Matt Scott that this is "without a doubt the most sublime young Sierra Mar yet." It's both smokin', and smokey -- more smoldering campfire BBQ, as well as some hoisin. Melted milk chocolate rounds out the savory side, but there's gobs of blue fruit on the other side, with an electrified spine of acid that keeps the wine ultra-fresh. The finish is tight and incredibly focused on saline, blueberry, and plum. The fine tannins and the delicious juiciness rattle around for at least a minute.

This is a Syrah that sets the standard for other domestic wines of this variety, and invites superlatives, as you can see. Better believe it'll be Carlisle in the glass again for TN 1000. 96 now, with possible upside in store, and 10-20 years of prime life ahead of it. Another fascinating triumph from this unstoppable team.

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White

2016 Viña Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 Reserva Especial

Central Valley more

4/5/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 87 points

I'm beyond impressed with this little guy. Currently on closeout within the New Hampshire state liquor system. Closeout price is...wait for it...$4.50 a bottle. At first I thought that it was being sold at a huge discount, but then checked WE's review -- they gave it 87 pts and a best buy designation -- and they list SRP as being only $6!.

Certainly nothing profound here, but it's really tasty, balanced enough, neither hot nor sweet, and nice acidic brightness that makes it super refreshing. Medium-plus finish, and actually enough youthful roughness to make me think this will smooth out and pick up another point or two by this time next year. 87 to 88+ plus in time, and easily one of the best values in wine I've ever seen.

https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/santa-rita-2016-120-reserva-especial-chardonnay-central-valley/

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Rosé

2015 Rock Wall Wine Co. Uncle Roget's

Yolo County Grenache more

3/31/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

Opened this pink Roget right after a pink (Pol) Roger, and the difference wasn't actually as stark as we anticipated. Got this for ~$7 on auction -- believe SRP is $18 -- and honestly would be happy with this at either price. Like any wine that Rock Wall makes, it's bold and makes a strong effort to showcase the main variety, in this case Grenache.

The color is identical to the PR we drank prior, which is basically the deep, bloody pink of a Kir Royale. The Grenache shines through with textbook flavors of cherry and strawberry, with some wild berry Nerds bringing up the rear. Acidic grapefruit rind gives the wine its drive, and very faint notes of white chocolate and sweetened Drew Estate cigar tip fill in the seams. Finishes super long and juicy, and while incredibly refreshing at fridge temp, it only shows its nuance as it warms over 30-60 minutes in the glass.

Never imagined my review for a $7 rose would be so positive and so lengthy, but here we are. Doesn't seem to have faded since release, and probably has two or three years left before it starts to.

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Rosé - Sparkling

2008 Pol Roger Champagne Brut Rosé

Champagne Blend more

3/31/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 93 points

Was saving this for a special occasion, but found myself tonight kind of tired, stressed, etc., and needed to turn that frown upside down. So pop went the cork. Color is much darker than expected -- gorgeous deep shade of pink that could easily pass for a Kir Royale.

A totally complete brut rose -- attack is fruity and refreshing, with just a hint of chalkiness, and a mouthful of the proverbial "tiny bubbles". Grapefruit, peach, lemon, strawberry, and buttered naan. Long, long juicy finish. Both delicious and memorable. Probably at or near peak.

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Red

2013 Emeritus Vineyards Pinot Noir Hallberg Ranch

Russian River Valley more

3/30/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 91 points

This wine is usually either a good or a great QPR; based on this bottle, I'd say the '13 vintage is only on the "good" end of that spectrum. Classic RRV profile -- cherry, cranberry, spicy cola, cinnamon, vanilla. Still has a few tannins to shed. Finish is pretty and detailed but a bit clipped. Might actually be a few years yet before this peaks. Not the best HR they've put out in recent years, but still very nice.

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Red

2014 Carol Shelton Wines Zinfandel Karma Reserve Red

Russian River Valley more

3/27/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 92 points

Used to be that a vintage of Carol Shelton would be hit-or-miss, with a few QPR standouts and the rest coming in at various levels of drinkable. She's killing it with the last few vintages though, and it's more than just the great raw material CA has given her to work with lately. The current lineup doesn't haven't a single weak spot (that I can find, anyway), and includes several wines that compete with far more expensive/respected ones. This wine is a good example of that (outdoes the Prisoner for half the price, and could even hold its own with entry-level Bedrocks or Carlisles), as is the 2016 Coquille Blanc, which is by far the best domestic white Rhone blend under $40 that I've had in the past few years.

Initial impressions are classic zin -- crackly red fruit, licorice, briar, cinnamon powder, mocha. But there's another, lighter, dimension with purple flowers, orange zest, and cranberry. Perhaps from the viognier? Regardless, a terrific blend that doesn't quit. 14.5% abv which is reasonable for the style. $30 SRP, but paid about $23. Should hold its form for another five to eight year. A gem.

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Red

2013 Siduri Pinot Noir Elsbree Vineyard

Russian River Valley more

3/25/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 91 points

Screw-'n'-pour, followed for about 10 hours. Beautiful from the first sip, and hadn't changed much if at all by the last sip. There's nothing "big" or Belle Glos-ified about this wine -- actually might be the classiest CA pinot I've had so far this year. Alcohol is just over 14% iirc, and well-integrated. Sour cherry, raspberry, sandlewood, and licorice on a chiseled frame. The red fruit lingers for quite a while. Not overly complex or layered, but it's complete, refreshing, and delicious. Drink now or for at least the next few years.

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White - Sweet/Dessert

NV Alvear Pedro Ximénez Montilla-Moriles Solera 1927

more

3/21/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 96 points

Not seeing a lot of rave reviews on this wine recently, but I'm finding it to be freakishly good. Maybe because I haven't had this style of wine in many years and because the price is so low that it's blowing away my expectations?

The wine pours thicker than any I've ever had. Literally almost a maple syrup consistency. It's also outrageously sweet. That's OK though, because just the tiniest sip provides waves of flavor for at least two minutes.

Sea salt, burnt caramel, milk chocolate, roasted nuts, cherry cordial, maple syrup, orange rind, lemon juice, wintergreen. Sticks to the tongue and floats above it at the same time. The complexity, balance, quality, and price here are all just insane. 96+ -- can't imagine if this had a little more acidic lift, would probably be scraping 100.

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Red

2014 Argot Pinot Noir Estate

Sonoma Mountain more

3/21/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 91 points

Opened this too soon, but it's still immensely pleasurable, especially after an hour or two of air. This wine is all about red fruit, with cranberry, apples, and barely-ripe raspberry that almost seem to hover in mid-air. Some orange marmalade too. It's crisp, airy, long, and delicious. Really, really delicious. The community avg of 96 is just goofy though -- for me, 96 denotes a world-class wine, nearing the best of the best. This wine isn't close -- for one, it's too simple, and much worse, it's hot. The 15.1% gives off a nice sear, which on its own disqualifies any Pinot from being top-tier. And, makes $70 a hell of a stretch. 91 as-is, maybe 93-94 without the heat.

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Red

2014 Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block

Russian River Valley more

3/19/2018 - tomherer Likes this wine: 95 points

When I saw Matt Scott’s score, thought he might be getting carried away, but holy shit, not even. Profound. In the top few Carlisles I’ve had, and being my favorite winery, I’ve had a few. Blueberries in cream covered in milk chocolate. Plum, purple flowers, licorice, lead pencil, thyme, coriander, vanilla. Layered and long. Fine tannins, but polished overall. Amazing now with a decade or two to go. All hail team Officer and Maddox.

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  • Tasting notes: 515 notes on 474 wines

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