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Wine Type
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Vintage
Name
Variety
Locale
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Date
Posted
Score
Helpful
Comments
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Red
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2008 Promontory
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon more
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So, we arrived in Napa Friday morning and started at Promontory with a glass of 2006 Dom Perignon as they do not make a white, only one red wine. We also tasted the 2016 out of large Austrian oak vats. That wine shows great promise but won’t be available until 2021.
We then tasted their inaugural 2008 vintage and the 2009. Thirty-six hours later and five other excellent Napa wine producers visits later, I am still thinking about these wines.
This wines were so good, heady and absolutely stunning, it was painful not to spend an hour contemplating each of them. Instead, having to rush off to Vineyard 29 for our next appointment with my tasting glasses half full.
My notes below detailed as they may, will not do these wines justice and still underwhelm the experience. At times, I was at a loss for words to wholly convey the experience. It defied the allotted time and my verbal skills. These wines created an entire body experience. I am still thinking about my tasting experience and will likely still be thinking about it for weeks.
Beautiful dark currants & cassis framed in light oak with amazing florals. There’s a light smokiness, blackberries, dark plum, dark cherries, lots of blue fruits, boysenberries, black raspberries, strawberries, soft wood, beautifully layered light baking spices, very light spice, steeped tea, dark chocolate, mocha, light caramel, cedar, fresh tobacco, Provence herbs, dark floral bouquet, violets, blue flowers and lavender. Absolute stunning nose I didn’t want to stop experiencing the layers, the way it nuances crisscrossed in my head.
The body is light, weightless, yet full. Fine dusty tannins with some stickiness. It glides in layers & waves across the palate. What finely knitted structure, tension, amazing length with incredible balance. Both dark currants & cassis framed lightly in oak with amazing enticing florals. Light smokiness, ripe beautiful; blackberries, dark plum, dark cherries, lots of blue fruits, boysenberries, black raspberries, strawberries. soft saddle-wood to light presence of cedar. Beautifully layered light baking spices, asian spices, steeped tea, dark chocolate, mocha, light caramel, cedar, fresh tobacco, anise, Provence herbs, finely crushed rock dust, dark floral bouquet, violets, blue flowers and lavender. The acidity is brilliant like a gentle rain shower. The incredible finish is everything you look for in a wine and then some.
When I left, I wished I had another undistracted hour or more to enjoy and study each wine further.
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Red
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2015 Sloan
Rutherford
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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This is a 100 point Parker wine. It’s very close now and will get there in time. Wait on this if own. It’s a beautiful wine. Great soft, silky yet has a slight grainy tannin structure. This has all the structure, tension, length and balance for greatness. It melts in your mouth. So smooth, so elegant and flat out delicious. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, plum, candied tarriness, anise, used leather, creamed underbrush and dark florals. The round acidity is perfect. The long amazing, well balanced, polished finish is stupidly gorgeous, sexy, delicious and persists endlessly.
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Red
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2009 Promontory
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon more
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The florals from this Vineyard astound. More cassis than currants then were in the 08. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries notes, olallieberries, slight liqueur, cigar, light dry top soils, saddle-wood, dark rich soils, dark floral, blue flowers, violets and unstated lavender.
The body is amazing but lighter than the 08. The tannins much rounded, softer and velvety. The fruits riper. The 09 is the dictionary definition of elegance. It’s drinking better now than the 08 but, the 08 will outshine the 09. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, blueberries, plum, strawberries, cherries, cranberries notes, olallieberries, mocha, slight liqueur, cigar, light dry top soils, dry crushed rock powder, tobacco, saddle-wood, dark rich soils, forest floor, dark floral, blue flowers, violets and bright, brilliant lavender. The acidity again brilliant. The finish leaves me speechless.
The age their wines in large Austrian oak vessels for 30 plus months. They find it works better with the fruit from their terroir. I couldn’t argue that philosophy based on what I tasted. They also hold their wine another year in bottle before they release.
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Red
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2009 Château Palmer
Margaux
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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Mother Mary of God! Just give me the bottle and a crazy straw. I want all my wine to taste this way.
The nose is; ruby and velvety elegance. Creamy, candied, ripe; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum & poached strawberries. Red licorice, candied, bright, florals for days. Dry crushed rocks, limestone, light, round granite, black licorice, sweet tarriness, expresso roast, dry leather, cedar, dry stems, vanilla, dark chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, light clove & nutmeg, beautiful, soft, herbaceous notes with crazy beautiful fields of; red, purple and blue flowers.
The body is full, round and the definition of elegance. The dark, tarry tannins are well rounded and have baby teeth. The structure, tension, length and balance are perfectly knitted together. Magnificent! Creamy, candied, ripe; dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, black plum & poached strawberries. Red licorice, candied, bright, florals for days. Dry crushed rocks, limestone, light, round granite, black licorice, sweet tarriness, expresso roast, dark, intense, spice with palate heat, dry leather, cedar, dry stems, vanilla, dark chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, light clove & nutmeg, saline, dry tobacco with ash, beautiful, soft, herbaceous notes with crazy fields of; red, purple and blue flowers. The acidity is round-elegant and like a warm shower. The finish is simply a forget about it experience. It is gorgeous & sexy and a wine I will never forget. This is a 100 point wine in short order. Don’t be foolish enough to open a bottle now unless you have at least 3-5 more. You’ll be robbing yourself of heaven.
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Red
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1997 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
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Few wines fit perfectly into my wheelhouse. This is one of a few. I picked this up at Seavey last weekend. 1997 is such a historic Napa vintage and this wine lives up to every inch of it. It’s a wine that you want to slowly sip all night.
On the nose; very, ripe; blackberries, sweet & sour dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, huckleberries with slightly baked strawberries haunt the background. Mixed berry cola, vanilla, cherry liqueur notes, some black licorice, limestone minerals, very light clove, soft subtle dark spices, dry crushed rock powder, sweet tarry notes, saddle-wood, very soft leather, forest floor, blue flowers and dark fresh & withering flowers.
The body is gloriously soft, round and beyond elegant. Still has plenty of soft, round, slightly tarry tannins. The structure, tension, length and balance have hit its sweet spot with another 7-10 years of really good drinking left. It’s harmony on the palate. Ripe; blackberries, sweet & sour dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, huckleberries with slightly baked strawberries haunt the background. Mixed berry cola, vanilla, notes of caramel, cherry liqueur notes, steeped fruit tea, some black licorice, just a hint of herbaceous, limestone minerals, very light clove, soft subtle dark spices, dusty tannins, dry crushed rock powder, gritty volcanic minerals, dry clay, sweet tarry notes, saddle-wood, chewy soft leather, forest floor, blue flowers and dark fresh & withering flowers. The acidity is about as perfect as I’ve had. The finish is nothing short of astounding. It’s long, elegant, ripe, well balanced and doesn’t end. One of the more exceptional wines I’ve had in some time.
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Red
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2016 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
Oakville
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On the nose, ripe, lightly spiced, floral fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plum and cherries. Dark rich soil, crush rocks, leather with dark red & blue flowers and violets.
The body is full, beautiful round, soft & elegant. The fruits are perfectly ripe. Spiced blackberries, dark cherries, strawberries, black plum, plum, bigger minerality, cherries, dark rich soil, graphite, some pepper, chewy leather, crush rocks, leather with dark red & blue flowers and violets. Beautiful acidity, the round, ripe, elegant, well balanced finish is amazing.
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Red
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2009 Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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Pontet Canet tasting and dinner with Alfred Tesseron.
Mind numbingly gorgeous. Believe the hype on the great Bordeaux producer’s 2009 vintage.
It is simply one of the best Bordeaux’s this young I’ve ever had. It’s is silky on the palate. The structure, tension, length and balance are stunning and this vintage is just getting started in its better evolution. The fruits are some of the very best Bordeaux fruits I’ve had. Ripe, ruby, lush; blackberries & dark cherries. Both chocolate, soft, layered baking spice, soft soils, understated; leather, tobacco, graphite, ruby, candied purple, blue/dark fresh and withering florals. The acidity is dead on. The finish is well balanced & glorious. This is an amazing wine that will blow your hair back at 25 years of age.
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Red
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2010 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon
Dry Creek Valley
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The very definition of velvet wrapped in an iron fist. It is singing on my palate.
This Dry Creek is better than the Select Terraces I’ve opened lately. Deep, black, ripe, ruby, currants, blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, boysenberries, blue hues, dark cherries, crazy, deep, Indian spices, dark berry cola, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, vanilla, caramel, malt balls, fresh tobacco, used leather, tree bark w/ sap, steeped fruit tea, limestone, crushed risks, river stone, forest floor with dry leaves, dry herbaceous notes, endless rainbow of florals, beautiful acidity and well balanced, structure and tension that is tightly knit with finish for days.
Crazy, stupid, producer that continues to fly well below the radar. I am thankful it does.
This 2010 has 10 years plus of life left ahead. The best Ca Cabernet I’ve had in many years. Wine affects me differently than most but this wine is like a full body massage. Maybe, that is why I discovered my palate. Wine affects me differently than most but this wine is like a full body massage. Maybe, that is why I discovered my palate.
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White
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2016 Hudson Vineyards Chardonnay Little Bit
Carneros
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The first release of this select barrel Chardonnay.
Coravining a taste to test in preparation to see if it will hold up under the backbone of a brined & rubbed Turkey.
The nose reveals candied & sour apple candy, meyer lemon, lemon heads, apricots, overripe pineapple, guava, mad tropicals, buttered popcorn, honeycomb, bees wax, citrus blossoms, soft spice, butterscotch, lime candy, bread crust-brioche, caramel with fresh & withering yellow lilies.
The body is full, round, gorgeously sexy and like satin. The backbone, length, structure, tension and balance are incredible. candied & sour green apple, golden honey crisp apple, meyer lemon, lemon heads, apricots, overripe pineapple, guava, green melon, mad tropicals, buttered popcorn, honeycomb, bees wax, citrus blossoms, allspice, butterscotch, caramel, lime candy, bread crust-brioche, caramel, limestone, volcanic minerals, dry river stones with fresh & withering yellow lilies and white spring flowers. The acidity is round & near perfect. The long finish is simply heaven over the palate...elegant, round and persistent as hell.
Only a 142 cases made and one of the best CA Chardonnay’s I’ve had in quite sometime. Get it before it’s gone.
This wine will continue to vastly improve with another 5-8 years in bottle. This is a rare comment from me but, this a potential perfect score wine.
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Red
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2013 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
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The nose reveals; dark currants, blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries. Black tea, expresso roast, anise, crushed dry rocks, big vanilla, clove, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, woody notes with dark fresh & withering flower bouquet.
The body is big and lush. The tannins are big, meaty and tarry. Very dark currants. Blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries & strawberries as they open up. Black tea, expresso roast, steeped fruit tea, anise, crushed dry rocks, dry clay, big graphite, big vanilla, dark spice, clove, light dry herbs, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, cedar with violets dark fresh & withering flower bouquet. The acidity is round, fresh and beautiful. The big, long, well balanced finish is excellent and look forward to having this in 15-20 years. This one will be a stunner!
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White - Sparkling
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2002 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare
Champagne Blend more
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I have been holding this bottle for a friends birthday for about 5 years since we had this vintage last. Her favorite Champagne. Worth the wait. So much more complex now.
The fruits are more subtle and the toasted mixed nut buffet has taken hold. Butterscotch hard candy. Round, creamy, subdued lemon & pineapple juice, hints of lime on the long set, Bosc pear, white peach, whipped cream, brioche, some bread dough, some of the most beautiful yeastiness, what amazing, soft chalkiness, sea spray, undertones of white spice, crushed/powdery limestone, fresh, blooming Spring flowers & yellow lilies, excellent, perfect, crisp acidity, layers and layers on the well; knitted, balanced, structured, brilliantly polished, elegant finish that lasts minutes.
I’ve had some nice champagne lately and this beats everything except 02 & 96 Krug.
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Red
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2007 Hope & Grace Malbec
Napa Valley
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I know what a number of people would say, Malbec! Meh! Well this bottling would spin your head around where Malbec is concerned.
Charles Hendricks makes this for Hope & Grace and is still the finest example of Malbec I’ve had. It’s his craft, the vintage & bottle age that does it.
What a nose! The nose reveals; ripe, sweet, dark, tarry currants, robust black cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, purple fruit mix heaven, black pepper, dark spice, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, steeped fruit teas, anise to black licorice, limestone minerals, dark fruit liqueurs, nice herbaceousiness, black olive, wood shavings, fresh tobacco, hints of eucalyptus, vanillin, malt in malt-balls, leather, dry crushed rocks and the most vibrant, beautiful, fresh, slight candied, blue, purple, violets & lavender florals.
The body is; rich, lush, ruby and is absolutely astounding. This wine is peaking. It is velvety, candied with rounded tannin teeth. It does not get much better than this in; structure, tension, length and balance. Sweet, dark, tarry currants, robust black cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, purple fruit mix heaven, black pepper, dark spice, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, steeped fruit teas, anise to black licorice, limestone minerals, dark fruit liqueurs, nice herbaceousiness, black olive, dry brush, moist clay, wood shavings, fresh tobacco, hints of eucalyptus, vanillin, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, malt in malt-balls, leather, dry crushed rocks and the most vibrant, beautiful, fresh, slight candied, crazy, blue, purple (violets & lavender florals. The acidity is cool stream, palate perfect and holds the ABV. The finish is; ruby, lush, elegance defined, well knitted balance & harmony that persists to heaven.
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White - Sparkling
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2002 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut
Champagne Blend more
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From the moment I put my nose to the glass, I got a a sense of warm, inviting delicacy. There is cream, soft ginger, fall green apples, mango, guava, slightly sour lemons, lime zest/candy, perfectly, ripe pineapple, white peach, green melons, lightly bruised pear, marmalade jam, as soft as white spice can be, grey volcanics, good chalkiness, vanillin, sea spray, lovely, melted caramel notes, yeast, bread dough to baguette crust, non funky cheese rind, toast, silvered almonds to nut skin with white & lilies, jasmine and spring flowers.
The palate enters like Tango dancers & cross-fades into ballet. Perfect richness, mousse & micro-oxygenation with gentle, absolute, perfect acidity. The minerality is fine, delicate & straight up in my wheelhouse. Cream, understated, melted butter, ginger, fall, Granny Smith apples, mango, guava, slightly sour lemons, lime zest/ peel/candy, perfectly, ripe pineapple, white peach, peach, tangerine, green melons, lightly bruised pear, some apple cider, marmalade jam, honeysuckle, herbaceousiness, a shade of mint, as soft as white spice can be, delicate, grey volcanics with limestone, good chalkiness, vanillin, sea spray, lovely, melted caramel notes, yeast, bread dough to baguette crust, non funky cheese rind, toast, silvered almonds to nut skin with, orange blossoms, white & lilies, jasmine and spring flowers. The long, amazing, well balanced finish is simply Mozart.
The 02 is a blend of 39% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay & 21% Pinot Meunier. This bottle spent at least 12 years in Krug's cellars, receiving its cork in autumn 2014.
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Red
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2007 James Cole Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
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Mother Mary of God! Near Pomerol like. Charles Hendricks masterpiece. Menthol & a touch of mint.
Stunning vintage & wine.
This 07 is in perfect shape…at its peak. Still has 7 plus years of life.
Black raspberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries, purple fruits, dark chocolate/pudding, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, softened, cinnamon stick, vanilla, dark, rich soils, moist, limestone mush, black tea, black licorice, bay leaf, salted caramel, dryish twig, menthol, mint, volcanic ash, sandalwood, dark withering to candied, red, blue florals, lavender framed in violets with perfect acidity and a amazingly, structured, well knitted/tensioned and elegantly polished finish that lasts minutes falling squarely on earthy minerality.
Second wine with an Allen Brither’s Ribcap recently bought on the secondary market for $55.
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Red
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2009 Château Haut-Bailly
Pessac-Léognan
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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Haut-Bailly Dinner in SF with Veronique Sanders of Haut-Bailly.
The 2009 is such a beautifully elegant, almost creamy vintage that will just keep getting better & better & better. It stuns the moment it hits your palate.
The fruit, silky texture and length are simply stupidly good. The elegance & beauty only happen a few vintages in a lifetime. The fruits are perfectly ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries and hints of blue fruits. Used leather, graphite, fresh tobacco, mocha powder, dark chocolate, stones, fresh, rich earth , medium dark spice, layered baking spices with beautiful, fresh & slightly withering; dark, red, blue and purple flowers framed in soft violets.
100 point Parker wine that will get there with another 8-10 years in bottle.
Served with the Cheese plate; Red Hawk, Hop Along & Roquefort. @Mathilde French Bistro
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Red
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2016 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon La Bam Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard
Napa Valley
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On the nose, bright fruit floral nose. LThe florals were stunning in all the 16’s we tasted. Dark currants & cassis, gummy cola quality. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, bay leaf, dark raspberries, creamy raspberries and poached strawberries. Dark rich soils, melted dark chocolate, stones nice baking spices, dark spice, new leather, crush rocks with beautiful, fresh dark florals.
The body is fuller than the others but, not quite full. It glides smoothly over the palate with thick, round chewy meaty tannins. Bigger structure & tension yet still well balanced. Dark currants & cassis, gummy cola quality. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, bay leaf, dark raspberries, creamy raspberries and poached strawberries. Dark rich soils, melted dark chocolate, stones nice baking spices, dark spice, new leather, crush rocks with beautiful, fresh dark florals. The acidity is fantastic. Long, big structure, well, balanced, elegant, rich, beautiful finish.
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Red
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2016 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
Oakville
more
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The nose is rich, ripe, round with a gummy fruit quality. Dark currants and cassis. Ripe & lush fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, black plum, ollieberries, soft well layered baking spices, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, sweet, dark spice, mixed berry cola, crush dry rock powder, dark rich soils, bay leaf/dry herbs and dark fresh dark floral bouquet.
The body is full but so soft and elegant and glides so beautifully over the palate. Ripe, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, black plum, ollieberries, soft well layered baking spices, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, sweet, dark spice, mixed berry cola, crush dry rock powder, dark rich soils, bay leaf/dry herbs and dark fresh dark floral bouquet. The acidity is excellent. The structure, tension, length are really harmonious so young. The finish is so well balanced, elegant, rich ripe and goes on & on.
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Red
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2016 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Napa Valley
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The nose reveals very dark currants. Dark & milk chocolate. Blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum & plum, mocha powder, core of anise, beautiful dark spice, soft volcanic soils, some dry brush and lavender, violets and fresh dark red florals.
The body is full. The tannins are really meaty but, exceptionally soft, fine and meaty. Lots of dark spice with plenty of heat. The mouthfeel is gorgeously sexy with feminine elegance. Dark & milk chocolate. Blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum & plum, mocha powder, core of anise, beautiful dark spice, big sweet tarry notes, soft volcanic soils, some dry brush, lavender, violets and fresh dark red florals. The acidity is perfect. The finish is well balanced sexy and gorgeous. The structure, tension say this needs to cellar eight to ten years.
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Red
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2015 Realm Cellars Cabernet Franc Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
Oakville
more
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This is drinking beautifully. More stunning than the Moonracer. Poured from magnum.
The is beautifully ripe, ruby and lush. Blackberries all day, black raspberries, plum, some purple fruits. Expresso roast, sweet tarriness, soft leather, dry crushed rocks, caramel, both chocolates, baking spices for days, medium, dark spice, red & dark florals. Amazing acidity, balance and persistent, polished finish.
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White
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2015 Château Boswell Chardonnay True Course
Russian River Valley
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The nose is soft and delicate. Meyer lemon, pineapple, lime, cream, touch of melted butter, melon, soft chalkiness, hint if green apple, honeysuckle, fruit blossoms, light caramel notes, saline and spring flowers.
The body is full round. Texture is amazing. Mouthfeel stunning! Meyer lemon, pineapple, lime, cream, touch of melted butter, melon, soft chalkiness, hint if green apple, honeysuckle, fruit blossoms, light caramel notes, delicate soft white spice, saline, yellow lilies and spring flowers. The acidity is perfect. Their wood use is very subtle as few in Napa do. The finish is perfectly textured, balanced, seamless, elegant, persistent and delicious.
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Red
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2015 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
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On the nose, deep, dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dry cranberries, some blue fruits with baked strawberries on the edges. Black licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, clove, dark spices, smoke, softer leather, dry stems, dry rich soil and fresh & withering flowers.
The body is much fuller than the 14. The fruits are also darker. The tannins are big, firm but nice rounded. dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dry cranberries, creamy raspberries come on as it opens open and coats the palate, some blue fruits with baked strawberries on the palate edges. Black licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, clove, caramel, dark & milk chocolate dark spices, mint, expresso roast, tobacco, cedar, smoke, softer leather, dry stems, dry rich soil, tarry notes, crushed rocks and fresh & withering flowers. The structure, tension are more like 13 vintage. The length & balance is beautiful but, will take time to flush out. The finish is big, rich, elegant, glorious and lasts minutes.
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Red
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2014 Sodhani Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
St. Helena
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On the nose; deep, dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, strawberries and hues of blue fruits, purple, perfumed florals, dark chocolate, caramel, nicely layered baking spices, spice, fresh & dry red florals and violets. The body is full with firm tannins. The fruits are ripe and gorgeous. Dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, strawberries and hues of blue fruits. Cinnamon, clove, dark spices, new leather, cedar, graphite, loamy dry soils, dry crushed rocks and beautiful, fresh & dry red floral with violets. The structure, tension, length are still big & profound. The balanced finish is very nice and will show incredible beauty & elegance with 10 plus years in bottle. This is absolutely not a wine to drink young.
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Red
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2016 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
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The best vintage of the 13, 14, 15, 16 vintages I’ve had.
The fruit is stunning. Ripe, ruby, lush yet restrained. The acidity is perfect. Blackberries, strawberries, black cherries, black raspberries, black plum, melted chocolate, beautiful, baking spices, coffee, sweet, soft tarriness, diamond, fine earth and minerals, bright blue, red & purple florals. Acidy is perfect. The structure, tension, length and balance are stunning this early. The well balanced and polish finish is gorgeous and persists nicely.
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Red
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2016 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard
Napa Valley
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This as dark of fruit as you can experience. Extremely darks currants, dark, dark, expresso, cedar plank, dry tobacco, crushed rocks, leather, graphite, dark rich earth and very dark florals. Hold this 20 years. It’s amazing.
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Red
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2021 Realm Cellars Moonracer
Stags Leap District
Red Bordeaux Blend more
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This is one of my favorite wines from Realm. Very kind of Leslie to open for us. The 2021 was outstanding and have it at 97-98. Showed very well at well pop and pour.
The nose on the 2021 Moonracer was quite feminine which has great appeal to me. Dark perfume florals, ripe, lush currants but more cassis with beautiful, soft baking spices.
The palate was fresh and shows round, ruby, lush fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries. It is feminine & elegant in its style. Powdered, limestone, rocks & sandstone, soft, dark spice with gentle heat as it sets, sweet forest floor, black licorice, mixed berry cola, some soft, fresh tobacco, expensive, plush leather, softly stated baking spices-nutmeg, clove cinnamon & vanillin, melted dark chocolate, a mix of fresh, red, blue florals framed in violets & some lavender, perfect acidity, elegant, round, extremely well balanced, layered, structured long finish that is two-minutes.
One thing of note, there will be no 2022 The Absurd. The Absurd fruit will go into The Bard and a couple of their others wines. Reason, the six days of brutal heat during the potential harvest window.
Tasted at the estate Pritchard Hill.
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