| Wine Type | Vintage Name Variety Locale | Date Posted Score Helpful Comments More... |
|---|---|---|
| Red |
2001 Tolo Cellars Cabernet SauvignonPaso Robles more |
6/8/2014 - kenhoeve wrote: 96 pointsFollowing a dazzling Tolo Chard, this was another superstar bottle. It has shed all of the forward primary fruit and landed in a place that is lighter and perfumed and demands food to bring out layers with an as yet just strong enough line of acidity and light tannin. Cassis and grilled herbs float lightly with red plums and spice, very bordeaux. Finishes with cedar and subtle black cherry. A beautifully aged cabernet with real elegance. |
| Red |
2006 L'Aventure Estate CuvéePaso Robles Red Blend more |
6/20/2011 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsAudozed for 5 hours after pouring off 2 ounces. What a wine! Outrageously concentrated, but deft and focused. On the palate there is cocoa dusted raspberry and blueberry with a consistent overtone that is stunningly savory and herbaceous, and a faint chalky minerality lurking beneath. Hedonistic, but not heavy or tiring. Remarkable balance at this level of ripeness, 16% and not a glimmer of heat! I keep wanting to compare it to something but this is just its own category all together. If further evolution brings more complexity this could be epic. 95+ |
| Red |
2007 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-PapeRed Rhone Blend more |
10/7/2013 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 95 pointsSeriously, do not drink this. Do not decant it, don't touch it, it is a monster. I've had in the last 2 years the 89, 90, 97, 00, 05, 06, and 10. This 07 is a different beast. The cork smells like the piece of thyme that I remove from a red wine short rib braise after 8 hours. It is so rich and concentrated with kirsch, garrigue, herbs, and fresh berry, that it is like a wall. It is too rich to finesse anything because it needs soooo much time. The only pleasure I had was recognizing the absolute unique essence that only this domaine can provide. It is singular and completely identifiable with it's sauvage character, sniper like focus, and bottomless purity. I gush because I've tasted incredible things from close vintages, and if this goes anywhere close to that it will be something beyond anything I've tasted. 95+. |
| Red |
2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Horseshoe VineyardSanta Cruz Mountains more |
8/2/2015 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 95 pointsPnp, this begs for a decant or slow ox. First thing, smells piney and of forest and beautiful tart fruit. Like cologne. Tastes of tart red fruits, baking spices, and savory funky earth. This starts to open quickly with some time and picks up notes of smoke, game, and perfume. A very complex wine that also happens to typify power without weight, while also being very silky. Outstanding with classic potential. |
| Red |
2005 Arcadian Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow VineyardSanta Lucia Highlands more |
11/3/2015 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 95 pointsYou can't review this in a Cali-centric perspective, you need to have some Burg exposure. The fine points are lost if you cannot see the harmony in the subtlety. And that is what this wine is, harmonious, something I have yet to say of even my most cherished Cali pinots. Light nose of decomposing log and subtle potpourri to back it up. Beautiful palate, red fruited with cherry and apple and moving to darker red, soft earth tones of forest floor, and gentle spice. So buttery smooth, and difficult to describe how it has a sweetness, but it is an inner sweetness that doesn't emanate from forward fruit. Somewhat tart, but tempered by that fruit and earth and softness bringing me back to the initial impression of harmony. So elegant. This bottle is ready to go. I have no idea how Joe does it, but his aged pinots attain a balance typically reserved for bottles marked as grand cru. Just beautiful. |
| Red |
2007 Tablas Creek Esprit de BeaucastelPaso Robles Red Rhone Blend more |
5/31/2011 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsDouble decanted 3 hours, one trip through vinturi, brought to dinner at Brussels Bistro for my birthday. Absurdly good. Better than the last bottle. Nose of cedar that takes off into all kinds of exotic notions with potpourri, leather, the list just goes on but I wasn't into the notes I just wanted to soak in the sensations. At first the massive fruit smacks you but once the minerality kicks in the journey begins. There are earth tones, rocks, herbs,floral tones. Very silky mouthfeel with flavor canvassing the palate. The tannins grip on the finish but they are sweet and chewy, and wow this one is loooong. The flavor stays in front of the tannins with herbs and very late berry. The finish is so long in fact, you don't actually finish, the taste just stays in your mouth. I can't even venture how great this will be some years down the road but it is really approachable now. WOTY so far and bonified face-melter. 95+ |
| Red |
2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta NuovaSangiovese more |
6/18/2013 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsMy rating is based on having the wine with food. The tannins are still powerful and dry, it is not a wine to drink alone. Super concentrated, but without heat, the first couple sips of this pulse on the palate with layers and length, tight. Drank with our first caprese salad of the season from our garden, there could not be a better pairing. The licorice in the wine ties into the basil, the balsamico tames the tannins and provides length, the savory tomato acid brings out the fresh fruit and florals in the wine. As good as this is now, no question it gets better which is hard to imagine. |
| Red |
1999 Tardieu-Laurent HermitageSyrah more |
6/13/2009 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsI would normally assign a 92-94 for this wine, but because the nose is so huge and it has food pairing superpowers, it gets the upgrade. Forget the cellar, get this one out and drink it now. Yes, I read Parker's initial review, trust me, this one is not going to get any better, it is what it is. It will not withstand more than an hour in the glass so just pour swirl and drink away. This is a sensational nose, unanimously breath taking for the whole table. Huge smoke, carmelized bacon, roast game, herbes provence, all with a dark fruit backbone. The acidity here is very medium and pleasing, which is a nice change for hermitage. Paired with duck breast and shinoki mushroom, this was an absolute grand slam one way ticket to flavor country. |
| Red |
2001 Tolo Cellars Cabernet SauvignonPaso Robles more |
12/11/2013 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsPop and pour into decanter. Freaking delicious. No signs of age in color or on the palate, this bottle is immortal. Fresh berries, stem and forest floor, bubblegum, perfume/florals, black currant, cedar, exotic spices. Round and full, with good proportion and excellent line. Medium long finish of perfume, berries, and tannic grip. This will make old bones, the tannins and the acid are still there, and the bottle still is not throwing much if any sediment. Hands down, classic cab for the princely sum of $35. More notes to come... 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1) |
| Red |
2001 Tolo Cellars Cabernet SauvignonPaso Robles more |
11/5/2010 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsConsumed over two days. Opaque at the center, a soft dark crimson on the rim. Day One pnp- A nose of asian spice, oak, and dark berry you could smell from the garage. The cork smelled so strongly of cinnamon, clove, and oak that I could have rubbed it on my neck for a night out. On the palate the flavors repeat the nose along with strong oak treatment, a little sweetness, and still some tannin on the finish. Very good but lacking depth as the oak and sweetness are a touch cloying. Full bodied, full flavored, good balance. First day 91. Wine was sealed, no vac, and stored at room temp. Day two- stunning change. Blaring nose of dried herbs, cedar, leather, milder spice, all covering a cup of cherry balsamic reduction. Again, everything on the nose gets on the palate and it is smooth. In fact, what is so shocking about this wine is that it carries itself in a fairly delicate manner at 15.3%abv(after a day open!). The body remains, the tannins are there but round and resolved, and the balance is perfect. The tannins remain on the finish and slowly build grip for what seems like forever. This is ultra high dollar Oakville Cab from... San Luis Obispo. Like the previous guy, I have never rated a wine this high on CT. But I've had enough cabs to know that this IS classic. And I have three more bottles. Josh my man, send me the next Opus! 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1) |
| White |
2012 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe VineyardSanta Cruz Mountains more |
3/13/2015 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 95 pointsPobega'd this one but I did let it breathe for about 2 hours. Sensational. Florals, lemon and minerals on the nose, beguiling, and wonderfully reserved. The palate is a marvel. Lemon, lemon curd, green apple, with beams of acidity quietly taming everything all over while minerals fill in every gap. The texture and the balance complete this wine, it comes across so softly but with a creaminess and not a sniff of alcohol. Amazing pairing with scallops, basil oil, and lemon zest. Long finish of lingering lemon. Maybe a toss up, but I think this is the best chardonnay I've ever tasted. |
| White - Sweet/Dessert |
2005 Château ClimensBarsac Sémillon more |
5/29/2013 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsInfinite length. Tremendous balance and acuity. Outstanding. |
| Red |
2010 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-PapeRed Rhone Blend more |
10/18/2013 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsThis is a total legend in the making. Such an archetype of Rhone and incredibly well built. If there were a textbook nose for Rhone, here it is in all its glory. All palate elements are in proportion, red fruit, acid, mineral, tannin, very mild barnyard, in a rich presentation that is constantly tempered by a nearly invisible acidity. A big wine, but very much in control. Obviously a bit grippy for the foreseeable future, this absolutely blossomed with food, in particular a plate of lamb and chanterelles which I cannot recommend highly enough. Will buy more, this is right there with the '10 Beaucastel. 95+. |
| Red |
2001 Arcadian Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow VineyardSanta Lucia Highlands more |
3/22/2014 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsHave to note that I won this bottle by defeating Joe Davis in a group challenge of rock, paper, scissors. Lucky, indeed. This was showing far better than even the excellent bottle I had at an Arcadian tasting. Less advanced and showing no ash or sharp notes. This was pure pinot red cherry fruit in a weightless package that picked up earthy notes of wood and funk in an elegant and long finish where the texture became silky and coating. To make it even better it became outstanding with our acidic salad dish, showcasing a beautiful savory note, and stood up to any food thrown at it. One of the greatest pinots I have had the pleasure, a complete triumph. |
| Red |
2010 L'Aventure Estate CuvéePaso Robles Red Blend more |
12/22/2012 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsAgree with Matt, most approachable Cuvee yet and drinking in a primary window right now just needs ~30min of air. Tobacco, spice and dark berry on the nose. Deep palate of bitter chocolate covered plum, savory herb with a dill streak, cassis, chalky/dusty tannin like cocoa powder, little perfume to the red and black spicy fruit, tiny squeeze of soy sauce, faint smoke. Very deftly layered and integrated with a hidden acidity that can stand up to even rich tomato sauce. With a couple hours of air the tannins are getting velvety on the finish that is med+ and fresh if a bit austere right now. Outstanding and easily bordering on classic, a killer composition that is balanced and completely masks the 15.7abv. |
| Red |
2009 Rhys Syrah Horseshoe VineyardSanta Cruz Mountains more |
3/23/2014 - kenhoeve wrote: 95 pointsFinally getting to my first Rhys Syrah. Right from the pop this nose is soaring, so far in fact, it lands in the N. Rhone. Cold peppered bacon, juniper berry, green peppercorn, green olives. Savory? You bet. So much perfume on the palate, and so much tension between the tannin and acid. Nice dark red plums, and I can't taste much else as the tannins are just gripping and overwhelming, but it finishes savory with juniper and olive. This is absolutely tremendous and needs 5+ years. |
| Red |
2006 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine HillsideSanta Cruz Mountains more |
4/6/2014 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 94 pointsGraciously supplied by Andrew. I have a lot of Rhys, but never tasted this. It is a stunner, and in my estimation a youngster that is just starting to show his stuff. The nose on this is man cologne (I would seriously wear it), sage and lavender, tobacco and woody earthy things. The upfront palate still shows some trademark Rhys whole cluster with some earthy stem notes, but it is quickly absorbed by a vibrant and earthy sarsaparilla root, cranberry acidity, perfume, and some fresh and bright lifted cherry and cherry blossom. There is an unmistakable silkiness attained just as it finishes. While certainly on the richer side, med to med full, this has agility, clarity, and delineation. The finishing tannins tell a story of future finesse. |
| Red |
2011 Pierre Gonon St. JosephSyrah more |
5/10/2014 - kenhoeve wrote: 94 pointsJust spectacular, if just starting to close up a little as the gooey fruit is a bit more subdued. But the florals, perfume, savory, and acidity, still make for a very compelling drink. Particularly with provencal lamb. |
| Red |
2011 Pierre Gonon St. JosephSyrah more |
8/6/2013 - kenhoeve wrote: 94 pointsconsistent notes although this bottle needed a day to really show well. much more floral and aromatic on day two. The combination of the savory aromatics and savory palate is really striking. I have no idea what a wine like this does in the future, I just want to be in the audience. |
| Red |
2011 Pierre Gonon St. JosephSyrah more |
6/19/2013 - kenhoeve wrote: 94 pointsStunning juniper berry, olive, and green peppercorn on the slightly floral nose. Lots of olive and peppercorn on the palate, with subtle red fruit, but it is simultaneously savory and floral. Very very fine tannins and a velvety mouthfeel. With pasta sauce it provided a big bacon fat dimension, but not solo. It is hard to describe how good this is, I am floored. What to say beside how do I avoid this precious gem for years to come? |
| Red |
2012 Pierre Gonon St. JosephSyrah more |
4/8/2015 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 94 pointsNo decant and showing very young so I will keep it to the basics. The composition comes across immediately as pure class, remarkably balanced and poised. Stemmy and perfumed nose. Mild green/spicy stems on the palate but with a combination of dark and light very juicy fruits, and more perfume. Hints of savory notes all around and you know they will show with just a bit of time. Chalky tannins but this stays so light and agile on the palate while having deep flavor. Nice little throw of spice and pepper on the finish. There is no question why this is a syrah benchmark, it's right there in the bottle. |
| Red |
2010 Ojai Pinot Noir Bien Nacido VineyardSanta Maria Valley more |
10/13/2013 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 94 pointsI see what AG is getting at with this one. It has a ton of energy but it is all bound up. Red fruited but very twangy in that pinot way along with tart acidity, it practically bounces off the tongue with energy. Needs some time to settle in but it has great depth. Brilliant pinot but for now you have to focus on it. 93++. |
| Red |
2006 Asuncion Ridge Pinot Noir Barrel SelectPaso Robles more |
9/20/2010 - kenhoeve wrote: 94 pointsConsistent notes except to say the oak is now undetectable and the midpalate is layered further with fruit. The balance of earth, fruit and spice on this wine is just perfect and all framed by sweet velvety tannins. This is going to keep getting better. Delicious. 93-94+. |
| Red |
2011 Tablas Creek Esprit de TablasPaso Robles Red Rhone Blend more |
10/15/2015 - kenhoeve Likes this wine: 94 pointsOne bottle to confirm before holding the rest. This is exactly the wine I thought I would get after tasting at the winery. 2011 was a tough year with a late frost and resulted in miniscule yields. When I tasted through the lineup I was floored by the combination of restraint, acidity, and paradoxical concentration. It was a definitive departure from the typically more robust fruit of Paso in its youth, but that suits me just fine (and I do love the '07 EdB). |
| Red |
2005 Pahlmeyer Proprietary RedNapa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend more |
8/21/2010 - kenhoeve wrote: 94 pointsWhoah. Here is a bordeaux blend that straddles a fine line between old world subtlety and the wound up power of Napa. Tasting notes here are good except to say that we did not detect any vegetal hint, it was pure fruit, spice, and earth. Outstanding structure and already the tannins are smooth and silky, but there are constant flutters of flavor telling you that this is still slightly wound up. Technically there is nothing to complain about, balance overall is just perfect. It is layered, multi-dimensional, and delightful with food. The finish is long and the pedigree is obvious with waves of fruit and spice. While still slightly wound up and austere, it is extremely satisfying and still begs for 5-10yrs of bottle age. Impeccable wine. Drank with bacon/onion confit'd scalloped potatoes and coffee/thyme/cumin/curry crusted filet. Insanely good! |
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- Tasting notes: 554 notes on 304 wines
