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

2007 Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne

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3/8/2010 - rjhilgers@gmail.com wrote: 89 points

I'm with jwobkk on this one in that I'm a big fan of Vietti as a producer - haven't met one of their wines I didn't like. Tart cherry, herbs and pepper, with a very broad mid-palete, great acidity and mid-length finish. Looking forward to getting more of this for the cellar. On a side note, doesn't pair well with Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies...although I'm perfectly fine eating and drinking them separately.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    3/20/2010 5:44:00 AM - I just bought some of this recently. Looking very forward to trying it based on the positive words here! (and totally agree with the perils of thin mint pairing- too funny)
Red

1997 Dominus Estate

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2/26/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote: 93 points

Fascinating California wine that, I agree, tastes like Bordeaux. Initial barnyard aromas give way to graphite/pencil lead. Satisfying fruit on the palate. Classy stuff.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    3/20/2010 5:52:00 AM - I'll have to check whether my generous friend who brought this over has some other vintages clanging around in his EuroCave. :)
Red

2007 Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne

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3/8/2010 - rjhilgers@gmail.com wrote: 89 points

I'm with jwobkk on this one in that I'm a big fan of Vietti as a producer - haven't met one of their wines I didn't like. Tart cherry, herbs and pepper, with a very broad mid-palete, great acidity and mid-length finish. Looking forward to getting more of this for the cellar. On a side note, doesn't pair well with Girl Scout Thin Mints cookies...although I'm perfectly fine eating and drinking them separately.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    3/25/2010 10:51:00 AM - Cracked open by bottle this past week. Wouldn't you know it was corked? Probably the most obviously corked bottle I've ever had. I'll try to return it this week and give it another go.
Red

1997 Dominus Estate

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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2/26/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote: 93 points

Fascinating California wine that, I agree, tastes like Bordeaux. Initial barnyard aromas give way to graphite/pencil lead. Satisfying fruit on the palate. Classy stuff.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    3/31/2010 10:25:00 PM - @rj I've not had Viader nor Groth's Reserve bottlings.
Red

2006 Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden

 Barossa Valley more
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5/8/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote: 84 points

Probably one of the most disappointing wines I've opened in a while. Went raisiny and pruney on me when I was hoping it would go blackberry and savory. Damn! I'll stick with their more affordable Angels Share line in the future which tastes much better to me.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    5/8/2010 12:46:00 PM - My first taste of the heralded Bella's Garden. I don't think I'll be in a rush to buy into this level from Two Hands again. Maybe I'm just crabby that it didn't do more to impress at this price point.

    Some I served it to called it "sharp" others loved it. Go figure.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    5/17/2010 2:46:00 PM - @rjswineblog I do like some Aussie Shiraz. It depends on the flavor profile more than anything. I don't like raisins and prunes but I do like blackberries and savory stuff. The Two Hands Angles Share/Gnarly Dudes line is more to my liking than this more expensive Bella's Garden. I haven't had other wines in their "Garden" line but I'm not inclined to buck up for them until I find a better reason than a big rating from professional critics.
Red

2007 Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve

 Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more
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6/13/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote: 84 points

Not sure what happened here. The first bottle of this I liked quite a bit. The second was mightily flawed (corked). This third one is a rather gloppy, pruney, hot mess. Strange. Very strange. Wouldn't buy any more after this one.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    6/18/2012 11:16:00 AM - I think most came from one retailer, but I'm not sure which bottles were which now.
Red

2012 Kutch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

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7/10/2014 - tcufletch wrote: NR

Darker in color than what I would expect from a Pinot; nose of ripe strawberry and dark cherry and graphite; initial taste exhibited darker red fruits hiding behind the minerals and graphite; very evident spice characteristic that I wouldn't expect with a Pinot (possibly due to 100% whole cluster?); this is dark and intense; firm acid that softens a bit over time but is typical for Jamie's wines (which I love); firmer tannic structure; medium finish.

Consumed over four days and day four was the most enjoyable; put through the Vinturi on day four which helped to coax a subtle citrus note that I didn't get earlier; tannins still going strong, but as I come to expect with all of Jamie's wines, very balanced. Overall, very enjoyable now, but let it breathe or utilize a long decant. It's only going to get better.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    9/14/2014 1:45:00 PM - I just opened the 2nd of 3 bottles of this I have and I'm not liking it at all. I think I'll put a stopper in it and check back tomorrow based on your note. Thanks.
White

2009 Domaine Lavigne Saumur Blanc

 Chenin Blanc more
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6/12/2011 - jtinto Does not like this wine: 75 points

... poured down the drain.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    6/12/2011 5:49:00 PM - That's what we get for buying white wine! ;)
Red

2010 Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell Jumilla

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6/30/2013 - tcufletch wrote: 90 points

Pop and pour; beautiful clear, ruby color; nose of bright red fruit, slight smokiness, and cola...actually, quite a bit of cola; palate of strawberry, bramble fruit, graphite, cream soda, and tobacco; soft tannins which allows for an overall sweetness to shine through that draws you back for another taste; medium plus finish.

After having the 2010 El Nido Clio earlier in the year I feel safe in saying this wine is a junior version. This is not as structured and doesn't offer the various layers of flavors as the Clio (which has a healthy portion of Cabernet) but it is none the less delicious and a great QPR for the $12 I paid. I will definitely buy a few more bottles.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    7/2/2013 3:34:00 AM - Fastastic insightful tasting note. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

    Discussing how/whether this wine provides a viable windows into Clio (at a more affordable price) is really interesting to me. I'm really bummed when an entry level wine doesn't seem to be pointed in the same direction as a higher end wine. I can accept if the excitement level is lower on the entry level wine but if it doesn't bear sufficient resemblance to the higher wine I'm left wondering whether I should pony up.

    A fair comparison along these lines might be Meiomi to Bell Glos? Any other wineries you can think of that do this well?

    Actually, I was trying to think of a US producers who has a portofilio similar to Gil Family Estates (not just Juan Gil and El Nido but Atteca, Atalaya, etc etc). Closest thing I've been able to come up with is Wagner Family Estates but that's mostly because of the way they chose to use separate brands for different varieties and the way Caymus SS is on the same level as El Nido proper.
Red

2004 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbera d'Alba Gallina

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9/1/2010 - Eric wrote: NR

Yummy! Big, chewy, bittersweet, tart. Very floral. Very international yet so very satisfying. Really present acidity.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    9/3/2010 8:33:00 AM - I've really enjoyed the 05 vintage of this same was and agree with your description here on the 04. 03 wasn't quite as good though.
Red

2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard

 Sonoma Coast more
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7/22/2014 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine: 95 points

Spectacular. What Sojourn does best is site-specific yet fruit forward California Pinot Noir and this is a great example of their style. Bright light magenta in color but *full* of effortless power and finesse. Aromatically this is an amazing explosion of perfectly-ripened strawberries, briar patch, and orange peel. So light on its feet but it gets serious on the palate. The medium/slightly-full bodied mouthfeel is surprising given how light in color it is. Just brilliant across the palate and on the finish. A tremendous accomplishment here.

Classic California Pinot Noir. Wonderful.

14.2% Alcohol
325 Cases Produced
$59 Release Price
Sample for review

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    7/23/2014 7:30:00 PM - Not across the board. Their appellation bottlings can be terrific values. But certain single vineyard bottlings can be really special. Ridgetop, Gap's Crown and Rodgers Creek are 3 of my favorites.
White

2008 Trefethen Dry Riesling

 Oak Knoll District more
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3/2/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote: 78 points

I was so ready to love this wine but its peculiar bitter finish turned me off. When I taste Riesling like this from California I immediate think I could have found better value in Germany.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    3/20/2010 5:40:00 AM - Hey RJ: I think I bought this Trefethen because of my previous positive impression of their reds combined with your positive comments about their Riesling. I dunno- it just didn't do it for me. Could be a level-of-sweetness-preference thing. I tend to like sweeter Rieslings than most I'd say. One of my favorite German Rieslings, though some might not consider it dry, is: http://www.grapestories.com/note.asp?iWine=724107&iNote=1158824
Red

2008 Bergström Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve

 Willamette Valley more
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4/7/2011 - jtinto wrote: 87 points

Nothing too complex with a typical Oregon flavor profile. A little green stem/bitterness lurking was a detractor. Showed much better on day 2. This needs a couple of years of bottle age to show its best. 87-89

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    4/8/2011 6:44:00 AM - Sounds like another disappointing < $30 Oregon Pinot Noir. I'm done with this category.
Red

2012 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

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3/25/2014 - wineduggery wrote: 90 points

Simple, but satisfying.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    3/26/2014 9:11:00 AM - Hmm. Somehow I expect more at this price point. How are you liking 2012 CA Pinots in general? I've been less than blown away. Solid, but non-spectacular.
Red

2005 Cigliuti Barbaresco Serraboella

 Nebbiolo more
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11/24/2010 - RobertDwyer wrote: 96 points

This is a gorgeous wine.

On the nose I get rich ripe raspberries, menthol, rose petals, and flinty Certs retsin action. On the palate some earth comes forward. Mushrooms. Chalky tannins.

Still shows some tannic bite even after a quadruple decant. Will benefit from time, but I didn't regret opening it now. Could be my wine of the year. The kind of wine you want to seek out and stock your cellar with. Can't recommend a wine any more enthusiastically than this one. Truly special. Read more...

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    11/26/2010 5:40:00 AM - @Eric had it with some incredibly delicious eggplant parm my wife brought home from her pre-Thanksgiving office potluck. I've been on a huge Barbaresco kick this year. Such an interesting category to explore for my normally new world palate.
Red

2010 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes

 Barossa Valley more
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1/7/2014 - Joegish Likes this wine: 93 points

This is a definite crowd pleaser with enough going on to make it interesting. Fruity, but with a depth and persistence that kept me and my wife refilling our glasses and opening up a second bottle.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    1/7/2014 8:06:00 AM - I haven't checked in with that tier of Two Hands bottlings but seeing this note reminded me I should. Great juice when it can be found for around $20 as I recall!
Red

2011 Radio-Coteau Zinfandel Robert's Block

 Sonoma Coast more
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12/29/2013 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine: 72 points

Bitter with dusty drying tannins and quirky vegetable notes. A massive disappointment given how reliable RC Pinots have been for me.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    12/30/2013 6:10:00 AM - Strikingly similar to the Clos du Val. You might like it! ;)
Red

2011 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio

 Red Blend more
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12/4/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine: 95 points

I was anxious to try this after adoring the 2010 across a bunch of bottles, but the 2011 comes through in a big way. The 2011 is perhaps a bit smoother and softer around the edges than the 2010, which can get a little rough at times. The alcohol (15.5%) is incredibly well concealed. The wine is just so utterly enjoyable to consume. Huge, gorgeous aromatics of rich fruit, vanilla, and a supporting touch of herbs. Coats the glass but amazingly doesn't feel heavy. A remarkable achievement. I can't think of a better wine in the $35-$40 price range. A great alternative to overpriced Napa Cabs.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    12/6/2013 5:45:00 AM - No experiencing with what these taste like aged. The only data I have to triangulate is how well the Juan Gil holds up on the counter over night under a stopper. I think it's better the 2nd day. I'd treat the Clio like Caymus/SS: Enjoyable even on early release but can age nicely 5-10 years.
Red

2009 Château Paloumey

 Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more
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10/10/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote: 84 points

A savage wall of tannins assure this one will clog up your wine collection for however many years you can stand to look at it. Some admirable traits here but ultimately this is like the worst of 2005 Bordeaux: It needs to be aged for years and it's unclear whether it will ever be an enjoyable beverage.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    1/15/2013 12:18:00 PM - I don't think it's a poorly made wine. It's just a style that's hard for me to appreciate. So that's why the negative comments and yet the relatively positive "good" rating.
Red

2009 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard

 Santa Lucia Highlands more
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8/1/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote: 95 points

Hard to think of a more delicious wine than this. It brings the same rich, plush satisfaction of the 2008 but (at this point) balances it out a bit with a layer of brighter flavors on initial attack. Behind this are the same slightly-sweet spice notes, cherry pipe tobacco, and enjoyable fruit flavors found in the prior vintage. Dangerously difficult to stop drinking. Highly recommended - back up the truck. Read more...

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    8/5/2011 6:06:00 AM - I drank this one thinking of you guys in particular. I was fully prepared for this vintage to be a disappointment because the 08 was *so* spot-on -and- the 09 Meiomi has been a disappointment for me.
Red

2011 Daniel Bouland Morgon Corcelette

 Gamay more
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10/16/2013 - Joegish wrote: 87 points

OK, nothing special. I am beginning to think I no longer like Gamay..... Generous with an 87.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    10/17/2013 6:08:00 PM - As I sit here sipping a 2012 Lapierre Morgon thinking the same exact thing. The core flavor profile just isn't to my liking. I appreciate the lower alcohol but I'm just not crazy about the flavor of this grape.
Red

2010 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio

 Red Blend more
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7/26/2013 - RobertDwyer wrote: 94 points

If you like Juan Gil's silver label at around $12 this is the next step up from Gil Family Estates. Same parent company but a separate winemaking facility a couple hundred yards down the road from Juan Gil proper. Gorgeous rich fruit but it never ever gets over ripe or raisiny. Like milk chocolate on the palate. 15.5% alcohol but it's sufficiently downplayed. Compares favorably to Caymus SS for a third the cost. Price a consideration, this is a front-runner for my wine of the year.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    7/28/2013 6:05:00 PM - Thanks Lon. I hear 'ya on the bulk buy. Can't imagine having too much of this on hand. The great thing is - popping a bottle of this feels like a splurge, but when you compare it to domestic Napa Cab the price point is on par with what? Honig? Chappellet? Those are some nice wines but this takes it to the next level I think.
Red

2010 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Clary Ranch

 Sonoma Coast more
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7/16/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine: 93 points

As predicted earlier this year, I couldn't resist opening a second bottle of this. Such a satisfying glass of wine at just 12.2% alcohol. Would be difficult to discern from a Rhone wine blind, but with an intriguing hint of new world sunshine. Tasted alongside an '04 Donjon CdP and the markings were so similar it was striking. This was much lighter but still - very similar flavor profiles. Great stuff.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    7/18/2013 8:29:00 AM - Wow! That's surprising. Good thing we drank most of it the first night. :)
Red

2009 McPrice Myers Altas Vinas

 Santa Barbara County Red Rhone Blend more
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2/7/2013 - RobertDwyer wrote: 74 points

Overly hot, medicinal, and over ripe. Nearly disgusting at times. Gloppy. I don't get it. Would not buy anything from this producer again.

  • Comment posted by RobertDwyer:

    2/23/2013 10:06:00 AM - When I've tasted cooked wine before it was more muted than this bottle. I guess it's possible, but I doubt it. That said, knowing this producer has a good reputation, I can't see another wine enthusiast drinking from this same bottle alongside me and saying "I don't know what you're thinking, this is really good." So I can see that the bottle was off in some way. But I'm just not sure how so I'll refrain from buying more until I have another affordable way to taste before buying.

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