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Wine Type Vintage Name Variety Locale Date Posted Score Helpful Comments Comment Date Community Score More...
White - Fortified

NV Bodegas Hidalgo Wellington 30 Year Old Palo Cortado VORS

 Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Palomino Fino more
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12/12/2012 - grafstrb wrote: 98 points

-- popped and poured --
-- tasted non-blind over 2 days --

NOSE: very expressive; tawny; salinic; old wood furniture; some oak; hint of dried/candied ginger; could smell this all day long.

BODY: amber-tinged dark tan color; medium bodied; some sediment in the bottle.

TASTE: Wow! Very salinic; powerful presence; LOL!; almond and toasted almond; Bergamot tea; the power really belies its medium weight; hint of toffee on the long finish, which is of medium-strong to strong intensity; acidity is high and almost surprising in its assertiveness; each sip is worth 5 minutes in heaven; intense salinity and acidity; some oak; 19% alc. is not noticeable; LOL-good stuff right here. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!

B: 50, 5, 14, 19, 10 = 98

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    8/22/2020 4:15:00 AM - Glad to hear you're enjoying it as much as I did. It truly is a fantastic experience!
White

2016 Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett

 Mosel Saar Ruwer more
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9/15/2018 - Robert Pavlovich wrote: 97 points

Beautiful, pure, and lifted aromatics with classic Mosel character and intangibles that announce its ultra high quality. Shows fleshy and delicious fruit on entry, green apple and white peach juxtaposed against fairly sharp tartness that plays off the mineral and complementary effects (petrol/sulphur) so well. There's an energy and cut to the wine just as much as there's an elegance and softness, though the elegance wins out on the finish, as it winds down with good length and grace, the flavors resonate lovingly. The clear work of mastery and the dedicated pursuit of perfection.

Followed over a couple hours on night one, then shared at a party the next day. Pretty remarkable how obvious the quality was from newbies to seasoned veterans. Special stuff, and I'd wager it's somewhat undervalued because Kabinett's are not thought to be great wines.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    9/26/2018 8:57:00 PM - Yeah, I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for this bottling from here on out. Definitely worth what you paid for it.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    9/24/2018 1:55:00 PM - Yup. This was pretty fantastic. Thank you for bringing it! Easily the best Kabinett I've had.
Beer

NV De Cam Oude Geuze

 Gooik Malt, Grain more
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4/13/2013 - beerenauslese wrote: 96 points

look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Deep amber gold, clear as a whistle. Poured at cellar temperature into a Lost Abbey tulip, produced a half inch head of foam. Some small curtains of sticky lacing.

Light, airy, well integrated notes of fresh apple and citrus, light funk, old wood, touch of mint.

Lovely taste of green apple and lemon, oak, grassy hops. Good acidity balanced by malt/sugar sweetness. Finishes clean with a light citrus peel/tannic bitterness.

Light body with fizzy carbonation, has a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel.

Overall, a really pleasant Oude Geuze to drink, light and airy, yet subtly complex. The whole beer is so well integrated in taste, body, and carbonation--nothing is out of place and the flavors sit on a mousse of carbonation, another example of a geuze as good as some fine champagne.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/13/2013 9:14:00 AM - Drats! I was holding out hope that you were able to source it in the United States.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/12/2013 10:31:00 AM - Thanks for this note. I have three 750's of this beer tucked away. Where were you able to source this beer? I've only seen it at the brewery in Belgium, and also a bar in Stockholm.
Red

2005 Château Pontet-Canet

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
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5/23/2011 - grafstrb wrote: 96 points

CT Bordeaux Trip 2011 - Day 1 (France, Bordeaux, Pauillac): -- popped and poured --
-- tasted a single pour non-blind over 5 – 10 minutes --
-- 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot --

NOSE: expressive; plum; cinnamon; hint of black raspberry on the finish; a completely beguiling and intoxicating Nose. Stunning.

TASTE: intense palate of purple berries shows incredible balance: nice acidity, ample tannins, and the 13% alc. is not noticeable. Finish was long, but not very intense as this wine is still wound quite tightly. Really a gorgeous wine. This was one of my favorite wines of the entire trip. My score may be a tidge conservative.

B: 50, 5, 14, 18, 9 = 96

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    11/20/2012 7:03:00 PM - Sorry for the absurdly late reply: No, I do not think it's ready to go now.
White

2012 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard

 Santa Cruz Mountains more
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4/11/2021 - grafstrb wrote: 96 points

-- popped and poured --
-- tasted non-blind over 2 to 3 hours --

NOSE: rich and buttery with a background herbal element.

BODY: medium golden yellow color; medium bodied.

TASTE: rich, but not heavy; medium-strong fruit flavor with pleasant supporting saline note; high acidity; popcorn; white grapefruit; rich and salty/umami; 13.1% alc. not noticeable. I grabbed this bottle, in part, because it had a slightly pushed cork. The cork was pretty spongy upon removal. My fears of an advanced wine were quickly dashed: this was utterly stunning, and may be the best Rhys Chardonnay I've had (pretty sure I felt the same way when I opened my first bottle back in 2015). No *need* to drink now, but I highly recommend it, anyways, especially for folks with more than one bottle.

50, 5, 12, 19, 10 = 96

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/18/2021 6:57:00 PM - Thanks for the kind words, Jake. I agree with you --- holding off for a bit on your last bottle isn't a bad idea. I hope it shows well for you whenever you decide to pull that cork! :) - B. Grafs
Red

2006 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Bosconia

 Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more
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10/1/2020 - forceberry wrote: 94 points

A blend of Tempranillo (80%), Garnacha (15%), Mazuelo and Graciano, the grapes sourced from the El Bosque vineyard. Fermented spontaneously in old and very large oak fermenters, aged for 5 years in barrels and then for a further 3 years in bottles before release. 13,5% alcohol. Tasted half-blind.

Quite dark, somewhat translucent and relatively youthful deep ruby red color with a pale garnet rim. Fragrant, sweet-toned and somewhat perfumed nose with aromas of wild strawberries, some raspberries, light wild floral tones, a little bit of exotic spice, sweet developed hints of wizened red fruits and marmalade and a floral touch of violets. The wine is dry, firm and relatively acid-driven on the palate with a medium body and precise, elegant flavors of tart lingonberries and cranberries, some savory old wood spice, a little bit of marmaladey raspberry, light ferrous notes of blood, a hint of ripe black cherry and a touch of farmhouse funk. The wine has a lovely, silky texture yet it sports wonderfully precise structure with its noticeably high acidity and somewhat grippy medium-plus tannins. The finish is firm, moderately grippy and very long with complex, dry flavors of sour cherries, some leathery funk, a little bit of crunchy cranberries, light notes of savory wood spice, a hint of sweet-and-sour lingonberry jam and a touch of earth. The bright acidity makes the wine end on a quite mouthwatering note.

A wine that came across as noticeably different from the other red wines in our Spanish Tempranillo half-blind tasting. If such an analogy makes sense, all the other wines felt more "Cabernet" in style - the classicist coming across as Bordeaux, the modernist more like Napa Cabs - while this wine was the only one that was distinctively "Burgundian" in style - lighter in weight, more delicate in taste, wonderfully perfumed in the nose and sporting beautiful, Pinot Noir-like acidity. Many said this wine was underwhelming and most likely not going to age that well in the cellar, but I guess they were just expecting a more robust style of wine; for me, this was a classic, well-made Bosconia showing outstanding freshness, precision and sense of sophistication. Still a mere baby at the age of 14 years, I expect this wine to age gracefully for another two decades or so. Excellent value at 22,25€.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    10/8/2020 12:55:00 AM - Agree 100%. Thanks for the great note, O.
Red

2006 Denner The Dirt Worshipper

 Central Coast Syrah Blend, Syrah more
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1/29/2013 - WorldTraveler Al Likes this wine: 94 points

This is my number one pick in a private Rhone Ranger blind taste party. I rated this wine a bit higher than 2005 Saxum Broken Stones, 2007 Epoch Veracity, and 2005 L'Aventure Côte A Côte.

It has strong black fruit jam nose. The jammy smell last for more than 15 minutes, then it started to transition into cooking spices with a hint of wet forest floor. The palate confirmed black berries, tar and long finish. Full body, complex, strong tannin.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    1/29/2013 7:35:00 PM - Yep. This is a great wine. In my opinion, this is the best vintage for the Dirt Worshipper bottling. Glad to hear it's still going strong.
White

2011 Denner Theresa

 Paso Robles White Rhone Blend more
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3/9/2013 - mr.spock Likes this wine: 94 points

Truly outstanding! Hint of pineapple, lemongrass, and melon on the nose. Taste: Melon, honeydew, delicate, soft, clean, fresh. Only problem with this bottle is that I only had one. :(

Drank with a roasted cornish hen stuffed with feta, sundried tomatoes, and artichokes and a side of blood orange sauteed spinach.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    4/6/2013 5:55:00 PM - Holy crap does that food sound awesome! (and the wine, too. :) )
Red

2005 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

 more
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3/20/2018 - z_willus_d wrote: 94 points

I've taken care to properly store this bottle for 10 years now. In this case, the effort has paid off. This wine has evolved nicely since the 8 years past I last tasted it. It's in fine balance, and the flavors are a couple dimensions past primary level-1. There's a great deal of length, fullness (without heaviness) and persistence to the wine. I'd say this would go up favorably against a lot of multi-hundred dollar bottles from the region. The cassis, sour-plum, dried meats, and dirt nose is evocative, and it all transfers to a transcendent palate. Loads of minerals and pepper popping in and out too. Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing drinking this alone on a Tuesday night with plans for a turkey sandwich dinner pairing. This deserves company and great fanfare.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    6/19/2018 10:58:00 AM - Do you have a sense of whether this will continue to develop further tertiary aspects in a graceful manner? Or do you think it's best to get into this in the near future?

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    6/17/2018 10:04:00 AM - Thank you for this note! Being as you are one of my "favorite tasters," it is very refreshing/relieving to see a review of this nature coming from a trusted source. :)
Red

2005 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel

 Paso Robles Red Rhone Blend more
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3/17/2013 - tb_baltimore Likes this wine: 94 points

Remains outstanding. It was interesting that after immediately opening, the wine had almost a bubbly character to it. That went away quickly and it was then a bit harsh. This really peaked about 1/2-hour after opening when everything seemed to fall into balance (and that's the 94 score). After a few hours it seemed to get a bit flatter and, while still excellent, was not quite as good as at the peak.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/4/2013 4:41:00 AM - did this bottle taste highly acidic, by chance?
Red

2005 Long Shadows Wineries Merlot Pedestal

 Columbia Valley more
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7/19/2009 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 Likes this wine: 94 points

Dark, dense purple color. Nose of dark berries, fragrant and very seductive earthiness. The palate is rich, albeit considerably lighter and easier to drink compared to the Merlots of Napa at this age. Dark licorice, blackberries, violets, and mocha at the core with hints of earth in a polished and velvety texture that make all the flavors glide with ease. Very elegant, well-balanced, and a tad austere. No bumps. Absolutely delightful, and one of the best Merlots I've tasted in Columbia Valley. Drink now up to 2015.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/4/2013 5:18:00 AM - Very surprised this didn't show as fiercely tannic, as a bottle I had a couple years ago had enough tannin to choke the Pacific Ocean. Thanks for this note.
Red

2012 Rhys Pinot Noir Home Vineyard

 San Mateo County more
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8/22/2017 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 94 points

13% abv. Bright burgundy red, expressive aromas. Raspberry, cinnamon, Asian spice and a saline mineral element. While this comes across as young and pure, it has a layered complexity. Concentrated and lively, this has years of development ahead.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    8/24/2017 1:05:00 PM - Seems like nobody opens their bottles of Home (I'm guilty of this, too). Thanks for this note, Mike.
Red

2005 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel

 Paso Robles Red Rhone Blend more
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3/17/2013 - tb_baltimore Likes this wine: 94 points

Remains outstanding. It was interesting that after immediately opening, the wine had almost a bubbly character to it. That went away quickly and it was then a bit harsh. This really peaked about 1/2-hour after opening when everything seemed to fall into balance (and that's the 94 score). After a few hours it seemed to get a bit flatter and, while still excellent, was not quite as good as at the peak.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/4/2013 9:22:00 AM - Gotcha. Thank you for your reply. :)
Red

1997 Arcadian Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard

 Santa Lucia Highlands more
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2/25/2013 - RLP805 wrote: 93 points

This one is still going strong and is at a perfect place to drink. Well balanced still has a good amount of fruit mainly dark cherry and berry. Some earthiness and leather on the front, nice long finish. Darn good for a 16 year old Cali PN!

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    4/2/2013 8:13:00 AM - Thank you for this note. I recently purchased a bottle, despite wondering if it might be over the hill; very nice to hear that this wine still has plenty of life left in it. :)
Red

2008 Château Pontet-Canet

 Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend more
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5/11/2023 - grafstrb wrote: 93 points

-- decanted approx. 15 min. prior to initial taste --
-- tasted non-blind over 2 hrs. --

NOSE: tight/reserved; red Twizzlers; strong wet stones mineral note; unfurling at the 30 min. mark; nice mineral-fruit balance; faint hint of cumin seed; had moments of awesome, but was mostly very good and a bit reserved.

BODY: garnet color of great depth; medium bodied.

TASTE: medium-fine tannin; flat out of the gates; light vanilla oak; medium+ acidity; suddenly awesome at the 45 min mark (could be that this is when I started pairing it with food (steak and wild rice)); with a little bit of air, this is in a beautiful-but-youthful spot right now; alc. not noticeable; elegant for a Pauillac; Drink or Hold but best to Hold.

50, 5, 13, 17, 8 = 93+

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    6/10/2023 12:16:00 AM - 1 to 3 hrs, for sure. This got opened on a whim when a properly-prepared '98 BAMA was too iffy to enjoy.
Red

2009 Rhys Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard

 San Mateo County more
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1/25/2013 - Krugman wrote: 93 points

The 09 Family Farm is still extremely young, but is already starting to drink very well. To me, Rhys is making some of the most exciting pinot noir in North America. I opened the bottle about 6 hours before consumption (no decanting, just popped the cork), which really helped to open everything up. On the nose this wine gives off scents of molases and ripe berries, while on the palate this showed a medley of spices, tobacco, pine needles, blueberries, ripe raspberries, licorice, black pepper, and a touch of coffee. While the flavors were deep and rich, the wine was never heavy. A very nice effort by Rhys and I am looking forward to where this bottle will go with another 3-5 years of bottle aging.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    2/1/2013 10:05:00 AM - Cool. Thank you for your reply, Krugman. :)

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    1/29/2013 7:39:00 PM - Did you smell and/or taste this wine immediately after you uncorked it? If you did, what was it like?
Red

2004 Château Lascombes

 Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend more
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7/9/2017 - rocknroller wrote: 93 points

Very dark red colof. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 2 hours. This is in a great place right now. Still showing some youthful fruit but integrating nicely. A pretty Margaux nose of violets, creme de csssis, boysenberry, thimbleberry, earth, funk and graphite. The palate is medium plus bodied and well balanced, consistent with nose adding subtle oak notes. Very good. 92+ to 93pts.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    7/15/2017 10:11:00 AM - Any obvious "aged" aromas or flavors yet?

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    7/16/2017 9:18:00 AM - Cool. Thanks, Kevin. I think I'll pull one from offsite soon. We miss seeing the Minny crew, too!
Red

2005 Château Lascombes

 Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend more
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3/13/2013 - Robert Pavlovich wrote: 93 points

Beautiful wine, glad to see some friends with this.

Love the texture and balance on this. It's light on its feet, with all elements working together very well. Crisp acidity, red fruit, soil, and refined tannins. Greater than the sum of its parts. The finish captivates, with very good length and intensity. Recommended.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/4/2013 4:24:00 AM - Nice to read this TN, as I have a few tucked-away. Surprising to read "red fruit" rather than "purple fruit," though. Thanks for this TN, Robert.
Red

2005 Arcadian Syrah Stolpman Vineyard

 Santa Ynez Valley more
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1/19/2013 - BklynNeophyte wrote: 93 points

One of the first red syrahs I've had from California (most are glass-staining purple). This had the color of a California pinot and the flavor of a northern rhone. Great, subtle aroma; a bit citrusy; unusual. Almost like a bit of pinot was thrown into the syrah (I often think the opposite).

Great.

5 on the AF scale.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    1/19/2013 7:17:00 AM - What the heck is the AF scale?
White - Sweet/Dessert

2005 Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon Cuvée Le Paon

 Chenin Blanc more
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3/15/2013 - wineismylife Likes this wine: 93 points

S1 visits Dallas! Opening Cantata. (Urbano Cafe, Dallas, Texas): WIML93

Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Opened and served immediately.

Light yellow color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of honeysuckle, apricot, lychee and guava. Flavors of lychee, honey and lemon pie. Medium acidity, medium to full bodied. Drink or hold.

  • Comment posted by grafstrb:

    5/4/2013 4:34:00 AM - Thanks for this note, Joe. I really enjoy the clear, concise, and complete manner in which you write your TNs.

    I have one bottle of this wine tucked away in the cellar; I reckon I'll leave it there for awhile. It sounds like it's still rather primary, yeah?

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