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

2016 Amisfield Pinot Noir

 Central Otago more
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5/27/2022 - PIntag wrote: NR

Another good bottle. Oak influence a little too prominent at this stage for my palate - perhaps more time will integrate it better. Plenty of fruit to help cover it pretty well.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    5/28/2022 8:17:00 AM - Yes, it is screw capped. I tend to agree with you -- hang on to a few of these for a while longer and let them evolve. This wine, in particular, has the fruit and structure to develop for many years.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    5/28/2022 9:35:00 AM - Thanks for your thoughts and sharing your experiences Goldstone. I'm a fan of screwcaps -- I've had quite a few older (2008 - 2004) California Pinots under this closure in recent years and all showed well. I do think development in bottle is slower, though...
Red

2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County

 more
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5/10/2017 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 92 points

Not sure why the low scores, but maybe I enjoy this style more than others. More cola spice driven. Ripe and rich, but not overly so. I found it exposes layers of complexity relatively quickly. Very, very enjoyable. No funk that folks speak of, no bitterness, just the opposite, no Earthiness and definitely not weak. Bottle variance? Drank with a short, less than one hour, decant. Will buy again.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    5/11/2017 12:47:00 PM - I wrote one of the partially-critical notes and I don't know what it was, but when I first tried it, it was bitter, thin, and not enjoyable. As I noted, the next evening it seemed like a completely different wine and was more like you described. I have a feeling that perhaps my palate was out of whack with something I had eaten. This is a well-known phenomena with asian pine nuts, which can apparently screw up your palate for days. I have been buying this bottling for quite a few vintages now and it's generally a favorite of mine. I have a couple more bottles - I'll try another soon and post the note.
Red

2015 Stephane Aviron Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes

 Gamay more
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9/7/2017 - Wine Ratings Likes this wine: 91 points

Serious Gamay in need of serious time! The Cru level quality was evident with this bottle, down to the stout tannic structure that should allow it to live on for many years to come. Let it, I’d say; though suitably tasty now, the return will be much greater down the road (and at $26, could prove to be a QPR steal). Strawberry, red currant, and sour cherry mixed with sage and thyme like wild fruit in a meadow (complete with hints of dried flowers). Black pepper and licorice provided tangy spice, while earth, charcoal, and wood showed the wine’s deeper side. Graphite and smoked peat developed with time, as did subtle oak characteristics; sweet spice and cedar forest combined on the finish. I should qualify that the majority of these notes were apparent only after a decant – one I’d highly recommend for a bottle drinking so young and tight-lipped. Quality Cru Beaujolais can give Pinot offerings from more famous northern neighbours a real run for their money at a fraction of the price. I’m putting a bottle of this to rest for a bit, and I suggest you do the same!

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    1/1/2018 9:07:00 PM - Was the cork on your bottle soaked through more than expected for such a recent vintage? All three of the bottles that I have opened so far were soaked to or near the top of the corks.
Red

2014 Bedrock Wine Co. Lorenzo's Heritage

 Dry Creek Valley Red Blend more
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9/9/2021 - PIntag wrote: 88 points

14.6% abv.
I can see what EBERT's note below is saying, but I enjoyed it with a bratwurst and pasta meal. Acidity stuck out a bit and there was not much depth of flavor, even with the last glass after several hours being open. Flavor profile was interesting, with some earthy notes and a little bitter herbal hint, but was not entirely attractive. Still, this went well with the food and we ended up draining the bottle with dinner and a glass afterward.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    9/11/2021 3:01:00 PM - Yes - I tend to agree with you that this needs more time to really flesh out, though I did not taste this in its youth.
Rosé

2013 Bedrock Wine Co. Ode to Lulu Old Vine Rosé

 California Rosé Blend more
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3/5/2023 - PIntag wrote: NR

Better than the last bottle, so - was drinking pretty darn well! Past prime drinking window for sure, but still enjoyable and interesting. Drinks more like a light red than a typical dry provencal-style rose. If scoring, 88 - 90.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    3/6/2023 6:18:00 PM - 750
Red

1996 Château Bel-Air Lagrave

 Moulis en Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more
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1/27/2018 - PIntag wrote: 87 points

My last of 14 bottles. This bottle is well into its downhill slide. Tasted like very woody, very aged wine. Still some enjoyment, but I was wishing I had opened something more enjoyable while I was drinking this.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    4/7/2018 11:43:00 AM - Well, my note does say "Still some enjoyment...", so it actually was enjoyable.
Red

1996 Château Bel-Air Lagrave

 Moulis en Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend more
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6/19/2016 - PIntag wrote: 91 points

Pop 'n pour and consumed on father's day with appetizers. Cork looked fairly new -- probably recorked at the chateau (Wine Exchange said these were chateau direct). Very pleased with this bottle. Not a big boy for sure, but in its prime drinking window and well-balanced. Showed like a nicely aged, traditional Bordeaux.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    7/13/2016 10:03:00 PM - No kidding. I only picked up 3 bottles but ordered another case on the pre-arrival notice.
Red

2009 Cantina Bianchi Ghemme

 Nebbiolo more
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12/17/2022 - JuliannaDHS wrote: flawed

Massive amounts of funk and a touch of frizzante. I felt sorry for the drain.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    12/17/2022 9:26:00 AM - Looks like we're both bottom-feeding at the Spectrum auctions. I've had 6 bottles from the case and all have been sound - crossing my fingers on the remaining 6...
Red

2008 Blagden Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard

 Sonoma Valley more
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2/19/2022 - PIntag wrote: 92 points

14.2% abv. Recent auction purchase.
Intense and structured mountain Cabernet. Expansive aromatics, almost perfumed, on the nose. Deep, dark, brambly mountain Cab fruit is forward on the palate and continues for a long finish with some tannin and hard-edged tones. This is drinking well now, but this should be a 20-year wine and should develop in a positive way for the next few years at least. Really enjoyed this with, and after, dinner. Bottle didn't last the evening between my wife and I. Fortunately, I have another bottle.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    4/21/2024 7:14:00 PM - Yes, that's a good price. To be clear, this is the 2008 and the K&L has the 2009. I think 2008 is considered a better Napa/Sonoma vintage, but it's probably a good bet, though one of the two CT notes is not very favorable.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    4/19/2024 8:38:00 AM - I don't drink enough Bedrock or SCM Cab to offer a good opinion on that, but I would say the 2008 was made in a generous style, but not anywhere near crossing the line into spoof. Probably more middle-of-the-road in ripeness. I'm more oak-averse than most as well, and found this not to have any overt oakiness.
Red

2010 Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard

 Santa Maria Valley more
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5/30/2020 - PIntag wrote: 93 points

14.0% abv.
This is stellar Bien Nacido Pinot - lots of Santa Maria Valley fruit and flavor, but plenty of acidity (nicely balanced) and light on its feet. Has a structured, unresolved feel to it, ten years in. In a great spot right now for drinking, but this still seems like development will further benefit this. It'll go another 5 years easy and probably 5 more after that. I had a Dolin 2013 BN Pinot recently and, while that had a similar flavor profile, it was heavy and ponderous and just not very enjoyable. This bottle, for me, hangs with the best of California Pinot.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    6/26/2020 1:16:00 PM - Not surprising our tastes align, because there's no doubt that this is great Pinot from a great vineyard! I bought 4 bottles from Wine Exchange (I guess you got your one bottle from there?) and I have one bottle left. Not sure how long I can hold off drinking it...
Red

2017 Booker Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon My Favorite Neighbor

 Paso Robles more
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8/30/2020 - PIntag wrote: 90 points

14.9% abv.
Very good young Cabernet. Definitely fruit forward with obvious high-end oak treatment. Lush, ripe, and polished with little evident structure. A drink now type of Cabernet, but this should integrate better in a year or two and hold for several more at least. Does not have the structure to age too long, though.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    9/3/2020 8:00:00 AM - A friend opened this for me - it was the first Booker wine I've ever tried, so no comment on the Syrah question. Holding this Cabernet for a year before trying sounds like a good plan, though the wine is drinking well now (if you like young Cabernet, that is).
Red

2013 Bougetz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Eminence

 Napa Valley more
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10/11/2018 - td1836 wrote: 92 points

Delicious harmony of dark fruits, spices, restrained oak, and medium plus weight. Tannins are not overpowering, and this was really good right after opening.

However, this was noticeably not as good on day two. More disjointed, with a bitter note on the finish that wasn’t there on the first day. Day 1 this is a 93; on day 2 only 90-91.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    10/13/2018 8:04:00 AM - How was this stored overnight?

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    10/13/2018 11:52:00 AM - Got it. A little disconcerting.
Red

2000 Brander Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Brander Vineyards

 Santa Ynez Valley more
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2/26/2022 - JackCMac Likes this wine: 95 points

Amazing together with a rich vinous nose and fantastic mouth feel. Tannins are all now very mild with a almost sweet after taste that lingers. A tribute to Fred Brander and the Santa Ynez Valley for producing such a long lasting cabernet.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    3/4/2022 3:09:00 PM - Hi Jack - glad your bottle showed so well. Did you notice any brett on your bottle? As you can see from my note, there was way too much brett for me to enjoy my bottle.
    BTW, good to see someone from PVE here - I grew up there and still visit my folks regularly there.
Red

2007 Carlisle Syrah Russian River Valley

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1/3/2015 - PIntag wrote: NR

Really weird experience with this wine. I've not tasted it before, but it seemed pretty different than many notes posted here. This started off with a very prominent aroma of sweet corn and the palate showed very similar. Full mid-palate and long finish with dense fruit throughout.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    1/5/2015 1:55:00 PM - There were several trying the wine and all had a similar impression. Bottle variation, perhaps, or could have been what we were eating that influenced what we tasted.
Red

2011 Carlisle Syrah Steiner Vineyard

 Sonoma Mountain more
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3/14/2015 - PIntag wrote: NR

Tasted over 3 days. My impression: Too light on the fruit, too heavy on the oak. There were some nice subtle flavors, but this lacked depth and the overt oak got in the way. I generally have an old world palate, so I don't need a fruit bomb to please me, but this just lacked charisma. Gained a little weight on the third evening which helped a bit.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    5/14/2015 11:55:00 PM - I'm with you completely on the thought that too many wines are overoaked these days. It appears that we're in the minority, though.
Red

2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard

 Russian River Valley more
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4/4/2014 - jeagle Does not like this wine: NR

Decanted 8 hours prior to tasting. Pleasant zinfandel nose, but the immediate palate impression is assertive acid creating lemon-like red fruits. This follows through to a substantial bite at back palate. At this point, it presents itself as difficult to approach unless one favors high acid reds.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    4/4/2014 12:54:00 PM - I don't know if I'd call 2011 a "problem vintage" based on Carlisle Zins. I tried 7 different ones thus far, and I find them to be great, though I prefer them to lusher and riper vintages. This Carlisle Vineyard is pretty edgy though, I agree, but I think (hoping, anyway) it is going to age very well and be even better down the road.
Red

2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley

 more
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1/10/2019 - Amerique wrote: 92 points

Rich, delicious dark red fruit, thick and chewy texture, earthy flavors, excellent finish, ample finish, very good wine but not Carlisle's best vineyard site, still reminiscent of Lytton Springs Zin

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    1/11/2019 2:35:00 PM - re: "...not Carlisle's best vineyard site..." does not make sense. This bottling is a blend of various DCV sites.
Red

2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard

 Sonoma Valley more
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4/9/2016 - PIntag wrote: 85 points

After seeing all the high scores here, it looks like I'm going to be the odd man out with this wine. Lots of oak char, cocoa, alcohol, and overripe fruit (almost a liqueur feel to it). I found this to be ponderous and difficult to enjoy. The overt oak integrated a bit with extended air, but I found the oak character to be harsh and overbearing. There are some pleasing Zin flavors, but they were overwhelmed by the other aspects of this bottle. Perhaps another 5 years will integrate this better, but for now, not a style for me.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    4/12/2016 12:50:00 PM - Thanks for the comment wilypod. I drank this with some snacks, but I agree that a hearty meal would probably have helped this out.
Red

2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County

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3/28/2015 - PIntag wrote: 87 points

Started out with overwhelming oak and harsh oak tannins and some tart and thin fruit. Lots of aeration did little to help it, so I vacuvin'd it and left overnight. Much better on the second day as the fruit emerged and the oak integrated and the harshness smoothed out a bit. Still, IMHO, there's too much oak and the fruit doesn't stand up to it at this point. I know this is very young, so I would expect that a year or two will allow this to improve. However, my oak tolerance is pretty low so this may never get into my wheelhouse. I enjoyed the 2011 and 2012s much more at this stage.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    3/31/2015 12:04:00 PM - I don't think the bottle was off, but I suppose it could have been. Or perhaps my palate was off because of something I ate. I looked at the winemaker notes and it said "mostly neutral oak", so I suppose there's really not a lot of oak -- it's probably just me and my inconsistent palate.
Red

2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County

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3/20/2014 - PIntag wrote: 91 points

Just had to pop one of these (I bought 10) after delivery. Yet another good vintage of this perennial QPR play. Nose a little tight, but showing some bramble and savory notes. On the palate, nice weight, ripe but not overripe, good depth, no overt oakiness, nice brambly flavors with a primary character to it, good acidity, and generally a vibrant and interesting wine. Love this stuff.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    3/22/2014 11:10:00 AM - Carlisle Zins always seem to be very drinkable on release, but I think they improve as they age (though I don't have much experience beyond 7 or 8 years from vintage). The 2011s are higher in acid and slightly leaner, so I think they'll do much better with age. 2012 was a warmer vintage so they should be very good on release -- I've only tried this one Sonoma County Zin so far of the 12s, and it was great from the get go.
Red

2012 Coho Cabernet Sauvignon Summit Vine Ranch

 Diamond Mountain more
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2/28/2020 - Rick 4 Wine Likes this wine: NR

Big Napa juice bomb with fairly brutish cooperage. Fruit seems extracted but shy of jammy. I don’t get Diamond mountain terroir out of it, but I’m not familiar with the vineyard site. Please don’t take my comments above as effacing; this is a style and for the $$ this is well done. It’s not elegant. It’s a brash in your face Napa cab; but even on that score it’s a bit brutish. I also don’t understand the name. Why “Coho”? I know the coho salmon from Monterrey and the OP, but why Coho in a landlocked mountain fruit winery?

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    3/11/2023 3:35:00 PM - From their website:
    "The choice of Coho as the name of the brand might seem curious as it doesn’t invoke images of vineyards or wine, but to us the salmon embodies an innate wisdom so essential to understanding ourselves and our environment. As stewards of the land winemakers must strive to sustain our habitat and the species that share it. And like the salmon we need the steadfast will to keep going no matter how difficult the journey."
Red

2006 Copain Pinot Noir Monument Tree

 Anderson Valley more
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11/16/2018 - PIntag wrote: NR

13.0% abv. Recent WineBid purchase.
Cork in surprisingly good shape (especially after seeing the previous note describing it as "disintegrated"), as it came out in one easy piece and was barely stained a few millimeters up.
In any case, the nose was pretty reticent but showed some earthy and yes, graphite as noted below. Not particularly attractive, but interesting.
On the palate, this had nice, silky mouthfeel but the fruit was really faded. Acidity was lacking a bit as well which left this seeming a bit flat and over-the-hill. Not bad at all, but not super enjoyable. An interesting look into a well-made domestic Pinot that is not ageworthy. Not sure what factors into this, inferior fruit; young vines; wine-making technique? Some of each?
Edit: Also, virtually no sediment at all. Not really scoring this since it is obviously well past peak, but would be 85-86 if I was.

  • Comment posted by PIntag:

    11/17/2018 5:38:00 PM - I'll be very interested in seeing if your experience lines up with mine.

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